Rhett Ayers Butler's analysis emphasizes the critical need for a redesign in how tropical forests are protected and valued, particularly as deforestation continues to threaten biodiversity and climate stability. He argues that lasting protection requires structural reforms, including securing Indigenous land rights and treating governance as a form of infrastructure that necessitates ongoing investment. The article outlines various strategies, such as enhancing legal recognition for community land ownership, improving financial mechanisms for environmental agencies, and fostering regional cooperation across borders. Butler also advocates for a shift from reactive conservation efforts to a more deliberate and sustained approach, focusing on restoring degraded lands and developing a bioeconomy that supports local livelihoods. By prioritizing these strategies, Butler believes that the world can avert the collapse of tropical forests and ensure their ecological and economic benefits are preserved for future generations.