THE NATURAL CAPITAL OF THE CERRADO: ECONOMIC VALUATION AND CARBON CREDITS AS CONSERVATION STRATEGIES IN THE CHAPADA DOS VEADEIROS MICROREGION (GO)

Abstract

This study on the economic valuation of the Cerrado's natural capital analyzes carbon credits as a strategic instrument for the financial viability of environmental conservation in the microregion of Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás. The central problem arises from anthropogenic pressure on the biome, driven by the expansion of the agricultural frontier, notably soybean cultivation, to the detriment of the preservation of ecosystem services. The main objective is to apply the Opportunity Cost Method (OCM) to quantify the trade-off between competing economic activities in soybean production and the potential financial returns of projects for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) and Reforestation, Afforestation and Revegetation (ARR). The methodology adopts a dual approach: a theoretical review of Environmental Economic Valuation (EEV) with an emphasis on Environmental Opportunity Cost (EOC), validated by systematic bibliometric analysis, followed by a comparative analysis of the net profitability of soybeans versus carbon credits. The results demonstrate that carbon financing, when properly structured, has the capacity not only to cover the opportunity cost of conservation, but also to position the Cerrado as a strategic economic asset. It is concluded that public policies are needed that internalize the positive externalities of conservation to promote sustainable regional development.