This paper analyzes the use of forests in Brazil, pointing out the destruction of native forests and its unsustainable uses are due to development policies. The latter is connected with the main economic models that prevailed during each time period. The paper discusses about the importance of forests for a nation and it points out Brazil is world’s number one in losing forests, while other countries are increasing their forests. That deforestation is not necessary in order to keep Brazil’s agriculture growing. The paper makes an analysis of forest policies and their results along Brazil’s history. The paper also analyzed the reforestation in Brazil and shows it is not compensating the deforestation process. At the end, the paper suggests some policies that are able to keep the expansion of agriculture and to conserve native forests in Brazil.
forests; depletion; policies; economic models