New research makes non-forest ecosystem conversion more visible
23 February 2026
Experts from the AFi and WRI co-author paper on major fronts of non-forest ecosystem conversion over the last 20 years
A new study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, identifies where grasslands, wetlands, and other non-forest natural ecosystems may have been converted to crops or pasture over the past 20 years. The study offers insights for companies looking to assess the risk of ecosystem conversion associated with agricultural commodity supply chains.
The paper was co-authored by AFi Senior Scientist Sam Levy and AFi Lead Scientist Leah Samberg, as well as researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, OpenGeoHub Foundation, Senckenberg Nature Research, University of Oxford, and World Resources Institute.
Explore the research through data visualisation
In addition, the paper’s findings can be explored through maps and other figures produced by co-authors from the World Resources Institute, a member of the AFi Coalition.
