Conservation Policy in Brazilian Amazonia: Understanding the Dilemmas

Abstract

1 SummaryConservation policy in Brazilian Amazonia is rapidly evolving. The dynamics of different interest groups affects the political economy of land use. Choices include allocation of effort between completely and partially protected areas and between creation of new conservation units versus consolidation of existing units. Tension between different levels of government, different groups of non-governmental organizations, and between the public versus private sectors are evident. While the conflicting interests of such groups present many barriers, they also offer conservation opportunities. Negotiation with indigenous peoples represents one of the most critical areas for the long-term future of natural ecosystems in the region.

The future of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon

“…However, two recent trends suggest that institutional mechanisms are not yet strong enough to counteract the drivers of deforestation. The first is the dramatic jump in deforestation in 2002 and 2003; in both years, the weak Brazilian Real meant that export earnings-and, therefore, disposable income-among soy and cattle farmers were high, and 2002 was also an unusually dry year, facilitating the clearing of land with fire [27,39]. The second is the rush of immigration and deforestation that is already taking place in areas where large projects were planned under Avança Brasil but where they have not yet been initiated (or in some cases even secured funding) [9].…”

“…These areas are currently poorly represented in the national system of protected areas [29,28]. Empirical evidence suggests that classifying areas as reserves discourages deforestation, though not all forms of degradation, even if there is little enforcement of their boundaries [27,29,51]. 3.…”

Using fuzzy cognitive maps to describe current system dynamics and develop land cover scenarios: a case study in the Brazilian Amazon

“…Despite the fact that public policies have strengthened forest conservation in the Brazilian Amazon (Jenkins and Joppa 2009), forest reserves and indigenous lands are still threatened by the lack of appropriate enforcement (Fearnside 2003;Pedlowski et al 2005). In parallel, land speculation, mining and logging markets attract land grabbers to either unclaimed or protected areas that might end up occupied by squatters.…”

Soil Carbon Stocks under Amazonian Forest: Distribution in the Soil Fractions and Vulnerability to Emission

“…This is a key part of Brazil's strategy for REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) (Brazil, CIMC, 2008;Brazil, MMA, 2009). From the standpoint of government policies, managing Amazonian forests for timber is increasingly seen as a means of maintaining the environmental services of the managed forest, including avoiding greenhouse-gas emissions, rather than primarily a means of earning revenue from timber sale (e.g., Fearnside, 1989Fearnside, , 2003. The carbon stocks in question include not only those in forest biomass, but also in the soil.…”