Extractive Latifundio and the Low Income of the Extractive Reserve Rio Ouro Preto, Western Amazon

In an attempt to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by large farmers, extractive reserves (RESEXs) were founded with the objectives of conserving biological diversity and meeting traditional communities’ vital needs. This study aimed to evaluate whether the objectives of human needs satisfaction and environmental conservation were achieved based on institutional investments in a RESEX in the Brazilian Amazon. The study was developed through the association method, and we confirmed interference due to the dependence relationship that occurred between the variables of the economic and social groups with the institutional one. Here, we conclude that low investments in social (education and health) and productive policies (roads, transport, and technical assistance) prevent social development and consequently motivate deforestation when families seek to ensure subsistence.

The valuation of environmental services in the price formation of native rubber in Acre

The disarticulation of traditional extractionism in the 1960s led to serious socio-economic and environmental problems in the Amazon. The Extractive Reserves (RESEX) arose as a sustainable development alternative for the region. However, the unique challenges in extractive activities – such as native rubber – continue to result in difficulties with economic viability since the market fails to capture the environmental attributes of the forests. These failures may impact the maintenance of eco-systemic services. The payments for environmental services, such as the environmental certification, arise as a way to compensate those who carry out environmental services. The general aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental valuation in the price formation of the rubber productive chain in the state of Acre. We work with the methodology of price formation through trade margin indicators (Markup) and Effective Appropriation according to the structure of the market circuits of the rubber productive chain in the region. Our results indicate that the extractivists of the Chico Mendes RESEX obtained, in the period of 2018/2019, a level of remuneration for their environmental services which may lead to economic viability in rubber production. However, from the standpoint of maintenance of environmental services – as well as the maintenance of the families of the extractivists – that remuneration is still not enough for an effective environmental valuation.

Sensory characteristics of wood from naturally fallen Amazonian trees for manufacture of products in Extractive Reserves

In view of the national and international demand for wood for industrial use, solutions are being created to combat and reduce deforestation. One such solution is to use wood from naturally fallen trees. However, there has been limited evaluation of the technological potential of this material. This study therefore aimed to assess the general characteristics of wood from naturally fallen tree species in the Auatí-Paraná Extractive Reserve (RESEX), for potential use in product development. The characteristics analyzed were color, texture, grain, heartwood, sapwood and density. The species of naturally fallen trees were assessed using online databases, specialized literature and the xylotheque at the Wood Anatomy and Identification Laboratory of the National Institute of Amazonian Research (LAIM/INPA). This study and its results confirm the great quantity and quality of wood from naturally fallen trees with technological potential for the development of products, based on the classification of the sensory characteristics of the woods.

Socio-environmental success or failure of Extractive Reserves in the Amazon?

Brazilian public institutions have difficulties in building relationships of trust that truly promote sustainability. This study proves that the Extractive Reserves (RESEXs) crisis happens due to the relationship of dependence that the environmental, economic and social groups present with the institutional. Here we conclude that the implementation of public policies on health, education, transportation, communication, technical assistance, energy, as well as the current revenues from the productive activities of extractivism, agriculture and cattle ranching was ineffective, because the State did not cooperate to alleviate the wear and tear between conservation and development.

Social weaknesses versus environmental conservation of Extractive Reserves in the Amazon

Extractive Reserves (RESEXs) in the Amazon were created in order to improve the living conditions of its inhabitants and protect natural resources. Seeking to observe this reality, this study aimed to evaluate social and productive policies from the perspective of socio-environmental sustainability of two RESEXs from the Brazilian Amazon. Data and information were generated through observations, interviews and use of a questionnaire with 150 residents of 29 communities of the RESEXs Alto Juruá (Acre) and Rio Ouro Preto (Rondônia) located in the Brazilian Western Amazon. The results indicate the distance between social, economic and forest protection policies led the RESEXs to decline. The conclusion is that the sustainability of these areas depends on social policies associated with economic, ecological and partnership policies that value environmental resources and ensure the maintenance of the minimum living conditions of the inhabitants.

Community Environmental Monitoring: the management of commons in Cassurubá Extractive Reserve

The aim of the current study is to address the right of Traditional Peoples and Communities (TPC) to participate in the environmental protection of their traditional territories in Extractive Reserves (RESEX), based on the analysis of the concrete Community Environmental Monitoring (CEM) case in Cassurubá RESEX. The conceptual framework of the topic was based on studies and theories focused on approaching the management commons. Next, the legal, positive and conceptual aspects of the national and international legal order, which outlines the scope of social participation in environment-related matters, were analyzed. Finally, the history, main features and institutional context CEM is inserted in were also analyzed. Action-research, participant observation and conversation meetings were the methodological instruments adopted in the current study. Indeed, CEM is a good instrument for the management of commons, mainly because it guarantees the rights of TPCs.

Diversity of Loricariidae (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes) assemblages in two Conservation Areas of the Middle Xingu River, Brazilian Amazon, and their suitability for sustainable ornamental fisheries

The Xingu River has one of the most diverse fish faunas in the Amazon region. Loricariidae stands out as the most diverse family in the basin, comprising more than 60 species distributed over 26 genera. Species of Loricariidae are some of the most economically valued in the ornamental market worldwide. The loss of fishing environments in Altamira region due to dam impacts is driving a shift of ornamental fishing to areas upstream, among which are included the Xingu River and Iriri River Extractive Reserve Areas. Thus, the objective of this work was to inventory fish species with ornamental potential in these extractive reserves to serve as a baseline to help guide the future management of ornamental fishing in those areas. Thirty-two species of Loricariidae were collected in these reserves through either free diving or diving with compressed air. The composition of species varied according to the sampling method and area. The majority of species found in the reserves are also found in the impacted areas of Belo Monte near Altamira. The study areas showed high diversity of fish species in rapids environments, suggesting that this area could serve as an additional source of income for the residents of these reserves.