The Biodiversity Conservation Index indicates that biodiversity in the North region is generally better preserved, owing to the larger native vegetation cover and extension of protected areas and indigenous lands, while many states in the South-east and South display lower index values (MMA, 2015). The index, however, does not consider the actual status of ecosystems within protected areas (Chapter 5). Its immense forest resources extend almost 5 million km2 and almost two-thirds of its territory is covered with forest or other wooded land. Nearly all of Brazil’s forests (98.5%) are natural, non-planted forests. While the rate of deforestation has significantly declined, Brazil is the country with the highest average annual reduction in total forest cover (Figure 4.2).