Identifying conversion hotspots linked to agriculture

Researchers have identified Argentina, Brazil, China, Russia, and the United States as major ‘hotspots’ of land conversion over 2000-2020, in a new study published in the journal Nature Communications.

The study found that, globally, the area of non-forest ecosystems (like grasslands, savannahs, shrublands, and wetlands) converted to agriculture was equal or greater than the area of deforestation during the same period. However, ecosystem conversion is often overlooked in sustainability efforts, which primarily focus on forests.

This study is the first to identify specific countries where the conversion of natural landscapes to agriculture is particularly high. To do this, researchers analysed three high quality geospatial data sets to look at patterns in agricultural expansion. The analysis included the extent of conversion in protected areas and the impact of non-forest conversion on biodiversity. 

The paper’s authors include AFi Lead Scientist Leah Samberg and AFi Science and Policy Specialist Sam Levy, alongside researchers from the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, University College London, Chalmers University of Technology, Fudan University, Land & Carbon Lab (a programme of AFi Coalition member World Resources Institute), and Peking University.

Ecosystem conversion is a business risk

Despite being a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions and nature loss, non-forest ecosystem conversion remains largely absent from many corporate sustainability frameworks and policy discussions. Overlooking these impacts may create financial, operational, and reputational risks for companies in this sector.

“Understanding where high levels of ecosystem conversion are occurring is crucial for companies, no matter where in the supply chain they sit,” said AFi Lead Scientist Leah Samberg. “Information about agricultural expansion in these landscapes allows companies to assess whether additional due diligence is required when making purchasing decisions. More importantly, it supports them to take proactive steps to eliminate conversion of grasslands, savannahs, and other ecosystems from their supply chains going forward."

Protecting non-forest ecosystems with the Accountability Framework

Addressing the conversion of non-forest ecosystems is increasingly necessary for companies looking to achieve responsible commodity supply chains. This means setting clear, ambitious goals, implementing effective systems, managing their suppliers or production processes, and regularly monitoring and reporting on their progress.

“Companies seeking to meet their climate, human rights, and nature goals should focus on all the ecosystems they source from, not just forests,” said AFi Science and Policy Specialist Sam Levy. “Non-forest ecosystems play an important role in storing carbon, supporting biodiversity, and providing ecosystem services. The first step towards protecting non-forest ecosystems is understanding how to identify and map them, which can support policy development and on-the-ground action.” 

The Accountability Framework can support companies to achieve responsible commodity supply chains that protect people and planet. It provides includes definitions of key terms like ‘conversion,’ ‘natural ecosystem,’ and ‘no-conversion,’ as well as practical guidance on setting cutoff dates and applying definitions related to deforestation and conversion. By following the Framework, companies can rapidly accelerate their progress, prepare for evolving regulatory requirements, meet investor expectations, and enhance trust with consumers. 

Want to learn more?

To find out more about the Identifying global hotspots of agricultural expansion into non-forest ecosystems paper, click here.

To see how companies can get started with using the Accountability Framework, go here.

For more information on what the AFi is doing to improve supply chain action in non-forest ecosystems, click here.