The Amazon Rain Forest in the Future of the World

I

THE FUTU E F THE W

tsBN

85-89357-01-5

llilllillilllillililll

lllll

LEI DE INCENTIVO A

cuIrURA

ll

MINISTE,nTo DA CUTIURA

LEI DE

INCENTIVO A CUTTURA

MINISTE,RIO DA (]I.J TURA

Apoio lnstitucional Prefeitura do Municipio de Sio Paulo

PRESENTATION

"In fact, citizenship goes far beyond speeches. Citizenship incl udes a respectful relation with the environment without the false pretexts of preservation that cast aside human beings or prevent their responsible access to the wealth it generates. Men of vision have long perceived this. Antonio Espfrito Santo was one of these vision aries. In this sense,

The Amazon Rain Forest in the Future of the World is emblematic: t he experience of the author, who lived in the region from 1951 to 1960, is openly shared without prejudice. BM&F, SCHAHIN GROUP and COMOLATII GROUP are proud to support this fo urth edition of his work. As put by the author himself, "we are often astonished at the limited knowledge the foreigners have of our country, when we ourselves know so little about it. "

The Amazon Rain Forest in the Future of the World is an excellent gateway to this special knowledge providing great insights into what biodiversity tru ly is, and how one of the most beautiful regions in the world can be explored wi t h resp ect. One can also take great delight in Leonide Principe's superb images. We hope that this posthumous edition serves as a starting point for a great conscientious and democratic, prejudice-free discussion, and that through this book we can practice our citizenship even more.

The Editor

THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST FROM 1956 TO 2002 The author had a happy inspiration : he entered the core of the essential character of Brazil, trying to discover Amazonia for Brazilians. This discovery is a virgin sector. There is a lot yet to be discovered . The author penetrated deep into the Amazon Rain Forest. He didn't go in search of landscapes; he traveled all over this splendorous laboratory of Nature where God seems insatiable of phantasmagoric forms and is still testing the strength of his creative genius. In this way, the author tried to show Amazonia to Brazilians . And he left a legacy to be rescued. The first edition of this book was published in the early 50s . The author moved to Manaus in 1951, when the city lived a life isolated from the world and was immersed in the Amazon Rain Forest. Transportation was by water (Amazonia has the largest hydrographic basin in the world) and the air connections were made by the former Pan Air of Brazil "Catalinas PBY-5 A ", interconnecting the most remote localities in the region (such as these towns in the Amazon Rain Forest: Tefe, Tabatinga, Eirunepe, Moura, Pari-Cachoeira - a religious mission - among others), and by regular air lines flying to other places of the country. Public illumination came from power plants propelled by diesel oil. Manaus was one of the first Brazilian towns to have public illumination, which was an investment carried out by the industrialists of that time, result of good business with industrialization of rubber. When the author went there, the cycle of wealth brought about by rubber was almost over. Amazonia had not awoken yet to its greatness and to the international envy. The careful reading of the fourth edition of this book will take the reader to the past and will bring him back to the present bearing towards the future. He will become aware that almost nothing has changed, except the dispute about Amazonia. We still have to discover the "green paradise", where everything is transformed, where the resources remain natural, where survival is a difficult experience but a very gratifying one, where we are going to find solutions for countless problems that afflict mankind today. Possessing the largest natural heritage, in modern terms called biodiversity, Amazonia has great chances of turning Brazil into a country of first magnitude in worldwide economy. A country able to develop in the next ten years all that was not developed in the last fifty years. Only political intention and the success of modern science will be sufficient for this.

The eyes of the man kin d will turn to Amazonia . The improvement of our industrial park and t he establishment of large industrial complexes in the Amazon Ra in Forest, preserving 98% of the original forest cover in the state of Amazonas and what they represent today, with in a program of support to the inhabitants of the region, in a perfect balance with Nature, inserted in the Amazon context, will show how accurate the author's forecast was. In thi s edition t he reader wi ll f ind some of t he more outstand ing aspect s of t his view emphasized in boldface; this will provide him/her a comparison between the past and th e present. These circumstances recommend reading of this book . In reviving the unfinished work, we added what our eyes see, photographs framed in water colors, opening the windows to a unique world and recording the transformations imposed by Nature on the Amazon Rain Forest. At the threshold of the 21 st century, we find out that there is a lot to be discovered in thi s boundless space still untouched by modern man with all his scientific certitudes, contradicting Nature in search of his imperfect perfection . There is Amazonia, ready to answer how small we are like a grain of sand. We are beginni ng an apprenticeship with Nature itself as teacher. In this fourth edition, reviewed and updated, we present again this large piece of Brazi l, "this unknown country ". It is up to the reader to appraise the worthiness of this wo rk and its usefulness. Start reading and you will make a pleasant journey to the Green World . Elisabeth Espirito Santo

INSPIRATION

Humble as regards to culture, without enunciation of classicists, this book is t he result of resplendent inspirations in the scenery of the Northern Brazil. It portrays t he polychromatic Nature in the everlasting feast of the colorful world, at the emotional touch of human communion, right in the heart of the festive Belem, edifying symbol

0+

Christianity and Manaus, watched over by Negro river. I was thrilled to witness the complete triumph of Attic and philanthropic crowds, t he candor of the smart spirit along with the solidarity in the social communities, vibrating in the resplendent life in the states of Para and Amazonas. The tropical regions sketch pages of elegance and ardor, seething with faith, kindness and fraternity, becom ing commonplace under the brightness of the sky. It is a speck of the globe, perfected and turned into a shape outlined by tenuous thoughts, with the paramount purpose Of captivating Brazil and in particular the Amazonian region. The builders built a world in the Brazilian core, erected by the most eminent artists from the communities of two states separated by the calm waters of the old and legendary Amazon river, which plunges topsy­ turvy into the arms of the turbulent Atlantic, where the shouts of the tidal waves echo r the vastness. If the dazzling landscape of the glimmering Nature could not be reproduced in the unpretentious pages of The Amazon Rain Forest in the Future of the World, with t he peculiarities of its flawless life, the author asks the readers to forgive him. Twinkling in the sky You will find the Southern Cross! With its arms forever open to eternity, embedded in the bright lane of the American skies, standing out to the earth, it reminds all generations of the Tragedy of the Calvary. 1+ is the genuine Sentry of Peace and Harmony, pointing out the path of truth to irreconcilable men, watching over the future of Americas from infinity, writing t he affectionate legend of human solidarity in the silent spaces: "Because I am the path, yet obscure, that mankind will eventually follow in futu re. Empires pass by. Nations grow and collapse. Science changes. Religions see perfection . The law alters. Courts are renewed. But the Cross philosophy will not pass. The edifying teaching of deep humanism, inspired by Calvary, will go through millennia and

\Iv

plunge into posterity, with the doctrinal tenets of the Golgotha, pacifying the restless peoples . Christ, in dramatic episodes, preached charity and good will among men and With a revealing silence, he faced the disgusting cowardice of Pontius Pilatus. For the glory of Brazil, the Southern Cross shines in the South American Sky. From the author, November 1956 Antonio Espirito Santo

PREFACE 1956

EDITION

Brazil's living conscience is the work of Brazilians who carried on the ancestral urge of the eager pathfinders. In chronological order, the discovery belongs to Taunay, Capistrano and Rod olfo Garcia, who clarify the History. In depth, Euclides da Cunha, Alberto Torres, Oliveira Viana , Gilberto Freyre and Cassia no Ricardo are the ones who see through the core of the politica and social development of nationality. On the crust of its useful reality, Tavares Bastos, Maua and Roberto Simonsen are the ones who penetrated the secrets of its economica structure and affirm its possibilities . This sector is the purest one; it is the sector of the future . In it, almost everything remains to be discovered. Man is not to blame . In such a short History and within their possibilities, perhaps no other people have done more than the Brazilians. The growth of the Brazilian population was slow, by juxtaposition, due to a scanty emancipation . The territorial extension enforced a sparse demographic density. All these factors perhaps forced the destiny of a grea country that stood "waiting for the world". This country is Brazil. One of the explorers of Brazil, Antonio Espfrito Santo became absorbed in its mos alluring and mysterious region : The Amazon Rain Forest. The down-to-earth resea rche r yet was not dazed by the telluric drama which leads to unchecked raptures, some adjectives of pleasant acoustics, to the point of being diverted from seeing its useful ro e of leveling the land and robbing its wealth. The writer in search of the landscape did not rummage this Faustian laboratory of Nature, where it seems that God, voracio us o! startling and hideous shapes, still tries the genetic strength of his creative genius. Th 5 Brazilian, integrated in the scientific and technical century, was the one who tried to revea to his countrymen the almost legendary parts of his country. And he did it with bravery, love for his work and a keen sense of our reality. The book, more than timely, was necessary. AntOnio Espfrito Santo did not si mp ly add one more book to the Amazonia bibliography: he rendered a service to Brazil and to the world. The careful gathering of data of all kinds which he patiently amassed to draIA attention to the variegated and fabulous riches of our country, some of it about to unde rgo a rational exploration, and the rest in a potential state, is a generous offer to a destroyed and hungry world, of a formidable labor market, of a prospective cyclopean industrial park. Vast and untouched territorial extensions are there, waiting for the worker's arm, the technician's brain and the entrepreneur's skill in order to offer a plentiful and peacefu l life. Besides, there is an admirable government effort, supporting and encouraging withi n its possibilities, a maximum utilization of the local human resources and of the surround ing landscape . It is this large stretch of Brazil, "the unknown country" that Antonio Espfrito Sa nto presents in this work, worthiness of which can only be appraised by those who discover the full extent of its usefulness. Sao Paulo, November 1956.

Menotti Del Picchia Brazilian Academy of Letters

BRAZI L IITHIS UNKNOWN COUNTRyll Once in a while we laugh at foreigners because of their ignorance of Geography, History and Culture of our Brazil. It is not uncommon for us to become indignant and adopt a Jacobinic attitude when we read somewhere a wrong concept about our country, forgetting that, on the whole, because of its magnitude and its astonishing possibilities, even to Brazilians themselves, Brazil is still" a great unknown country" . We discover Brazil everyday: in statistics, in government accomplishments, in the boldness of private enterprises; in the stories of those who dare to go to a wilderness or forest hitherto so intangible, in broad zones, as the untamed material which attracted and astonished its early explorers, the famous "bandeirantes"; in cultural and social manifestations of its mixed population. Happy Land that still can offer to its people and the world such a large virgin reserve of mystery and an amazing wealth potential revealed by a landscape composed of rivers, other water bodies, waterfalls, good arable with minerals, animals, plants, water power and riches which can be industrialized . All

this spread in the most diverse climatic zones and landscapes, many of them paradisiacal. When this unprotected world became just" one world", thanks to elimination of distance by modern technology, everything seemed hurried, seen and kindled by exploration, but then a magic cosmos bursts forth from the green shadow, stretching itself for millions of square kilometers. The people who live in this geographic vastness, that almost covers a continent, are good and unselfish, constantly undergoing a process of national ethnic formation, developing something that is essentially democratic. Here is what Brazil is: a world waiting for the World.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 - THROUGH CENTURIES . .... . .. ... .. ....... . . .. . . . .. .. .. . 15

How the Exploration of Amazonia Began The First Impression My Experience in Amazonia from 1951 to 1960 Chapter 2 - A GREATNESS THAT SURPRISES THE WORLD .. .. . . . ..... ... .22

Amazonia, a land of surprises The Amazon river glorifies the land of Americas The Amazon Basin Two States : Amazonas and Para Industrialization of the Amazon Rain Forest Chapter 3 - FOREST PRODUCTS LABORATORIES . .... . . . . . . . . . ....... . .32

Amazonian Potentiality The Fossil Fuel - Amazonian Petroleum The Vegetable Fuel - the Gasoline Tree Chapter 4 - AMAZONIA WOULD BELONG TO THE ENGUSH AND THE FRENCH . .. . .44 FROM DREAM TO REALITY - The Praia Grande nut palms

. ..... . .. ... ... .48

PHOTOGRAPHS ... . ......... ... . ... . ... ........ . . . ........ . .... 50 CONTENTS II ... . . ........ . . . ... . ... . ........... ... . ........ . . 114

THROUGH CENTURIES

Aul MarapL

MlNISTERIO DA GUERRA INGPec~Ao DI! FIIOr'l1"f!IIIAS

PLANTA DO

~gO

CUMINA"

FAIXA DE FRONTEIRA C0>4 AGUYANA HOLLANDEZA NAS CABECEIRAS DOS RIDS

PAUU E CUDIPINI l.evanlodB e OasenhtlC!o P~lo Encorn:gddc d'l'S Tr.s~·i)::-:O' T'J;>ographicol 0. Turma de cuy,,,. H e ll,,~a

l!NG.

e!N.JA~~!~ ~1'4:xlH

• •«:ALA 11:'.'M9Slt

14

"

I\t

Through centuries the forest has supplied mankind with lumber for several purposes. Among these purposes, the extraction of lumber for heating and cooking is the oldest and the one that gave man the chance to colonize remote territories. As the crisis of fuel and petroleum product affect different countries, those with tillable land have applied

to make use of the still unexplored forest resources for power generation. A lot of scientists are concerned with the development of techniques aimed at achieving full utilization of trees, including crown, branches and roots, for power generation. Considering the increasrng export of nutrients, several writers question the advisability of using forest residues in very short rotation for the production of biomass, the replacement of which, through fertilization, would mean high costs. ln Amazonia, where power shortage has hindered industrial development, the use of lumber extraction residues to generate power should be given attention by industries which themselves

employ lumber as raw material. Our present level of knowledge of the Brazilian Amazonia soil is a proof that we have not discovered Am azonia yet. lts vegetation, Am azonian aromatic plants, floral

nd med icina I essences, the ra in forest control, seed preservation, native a nd implanted forest for power generation, Amazon Rain Forest species, seasonal cultivation, national program of guaranS research, industrial utilization of coconut fiber and of the palm tree fiber for several purposes, Am azonia landscape ecology, tourism, ecological and agricultural implications of Am azonia exploration, environmental and cultural changes in Amazonia, the use of forest resources, rain forest preservation and current problems of colonizalion and development are items about which we are starting a research program aimed at a

u

ndersta nd ing them.

We also address the following issues. manufacture of forest products, Amazon Rain Forest potential, export of cellulose, vegetable charcoal for iron metallurgy, natural fibers, research and teaching, prospection of oil in the Amazon Rain Forest, the role of the forest economist and of the forest marketing in an orderly exploration of the Amazon Rain Forest. ln short, we will deal with the valorizalion of the Amazonian man in his habitat, with

the valorization of

Am azonia,

with food policy plan in

Am azonia,

with the

rational

exploration and occupation of the Amazon Rain Forest, with demarcation of boundaries, with military vigilance and what it represents for the future of the world.

15

How the Exploration of Am azonia Began Amazonia has been inhabited since immemorial time. lt is estimated that when the European settlers arrived in the sixteenth century, millions of lndians lived in this region. The

modern occupation of Amazonia began around 1540, but until the end of the Second World War the human presence brought little change to the environment and to the natural vegetation. A new period started, mainly in Brazil, with a policy aimed at the agricultural development and the settlement of immigrants coming from regions that were densely populated or were short of resources. Allthese changes in Amazonia may have climatic, ecological and environmental consequences for the region, the continent and the world. Before 1500, rubber was already used by Latin-American lndians who extracted the latex from rubber trees and dried it on fires. Rubber goods found by visitors to the New World show, however, that its use must date from centuries ago. Columbus was the first European to see rubber. He found natives of Haiti playing with balls of a strange stuff and took some samples to Queen lsabella. The rubber existing in Amazonia was mentioned by the Jesuit Samuel Frilz and later on by the Carmelite friar Manuel de Esperanqa, who saw it among the Cambeba or Omagua Indians. 150 to 200 years later, in 1768, the French scientist Frangois Fresnau manufactured a pair of rubber boots for Frederick the Great, but the rubber became sticky in the heat and brittle in the cold. The rubber used by Fresnau was the latex from Hevea guianenss, the first species of the Hevea gender from native rubber trees to be described. ln 1770, the British scientist Joseph Priestley, a renowned English chemist, produced the first rubber for erasing pencil marks rubbing it on the paper (hence the name rubber). ln 1772, rubber cubes were sold in London as "erasers". ln 1823, the first waterproof fabric was produced and patented by the Scot Macintosh, who put a layer of rubber between two layers of cloth. The first factory employing rubber as raw material for manufacturing waterproof fabrics was founded in Glasgow. ln the same year, the Londoner Thomas Hancock, a coach manufacturer, invented the rubber band. Between 1839 and 1842, the American Charles Goodyear and the English Thomas Hancock found out that brimstone and heat could protect rubber against temperature changes (the vulcanization technique), making it tougher and almost unaffected by temperature variations. Another important application, much latel was the use of rubber as electric insulation material. Overnight, the use of rubber became prevalent. ln 1846, solid rubber bands were manufactured by Hancock for Queen Victoria's coach.

ln 1876, rubber trees were taken to the East.

Seeds were stolen by Englishmen in

Amazonia and sent to London on the ship Amazonas, which sailed from the port of Belem

of Para on May 29, 1876. And so, a large rubber tree plantation was established

in

Southeast Asia.

ln England, in

the Scot John Dunlop manufactured the first rubber tire, establishing a new era of tires for bicycles, coaches and motor vehicles. The invention was patented in l BBB and, in 1890, Dunlop and his partner W. H. Du Cros started the 1BBB,

mass prod uction. From 1920

to 1940, we were in the era of the automobiles driven

on tires made from

the Am azonian rubber tree latex. Nowadays, the world walks, crosses, fly,swim, etc with natural rubber. We wish to record for History that the Hevea brasiliensr, the true rubber tree, is native of Amazonia, En exclusive privilege of Nature of Amazonia, producing latex which becomes rubber, existing for thousands of years in the Am azonian region. Before 1913, the yearly production was of about 40,000 tons in Amazonia, and of 60,000 tons in the whole world.

The First lmpression The journey ended

with the landing of the DC-3 of Pan Air of Brazil, with call letters PP-PED, at the Ponta Pelada Airport, after a sixteen hour trip that began in Recife (capital of the state of Pernambuco). During a stop in Santarem (in the state of Pare), on the banks of Tapajos river, along the lower Amazon river, I had already noticed the vastness of the Am azon Rain Forest.

lcould smell the forest, its rainy and very warm weather. The sky was covered by cumulus clouds and the temperature was almost 40"C (104"F). At this airport we could already feel the kindness of the inhabitants. lt was a manifestation of friendliness on the part of the people who live in the Amazonran region, urique and very different from what I have seen in other regions of our Brazil.

The miracle of the Am azon Rain Forest manifested in all its green vastness. ln Manaus, I felt at ease. I had letters of introduction to many local newspapers. When arrived at downtown to take a room in a hotel, at the beginning of Eduardo Ribeiro Avenue, I noticed the imposing Customs House, near the harbor of Manaus, with beautiful architecture, built in the nineteenth century with materials from France, England and Portugal. lalso noticed the port for the first time, with its floating pier for mooring of passenger ships sailing to the interior of Am azonia. The floating pier is a technical necessity, since the yearly flood of the Amazon river, that rises an average of twenty meters, demands this type of anchorage. For the same reason, the caboclo who lives on the bank of this magnificent river builds his house with tall stays to allow the rise of water. ln order to survive, he adapts himself to the forces of Nature. I

17

The beaches on the margins of Negro and Amazon rivers came into sight all of a sudden at the ebb tide. At those times we walked from 100 to 150 meters into the river

that was full of huge sandbanks and islets. During the floods we were not able to see the other margin of the Negro river. The magnificence of the Amazon river and of its continuity together with the Negro is impressive. Nature reveals itself in its magnanimous form. The clash of the waters, near Manaus, proves that the waters don't mix, and they appear to be a picture in two colors very well defined. lt is an indescribable scene.

My Experience in Amazonia (1951-1960) to reveal to the readerthe adventure lived by its author. The story deals with the natural resources, the life and behavior of the inhabitants of Amazonia, presenting some of the hundreds of mineral, plant and animal resources available in the Amazon Rain Forest and arousing the curiosity and interest of the world to this vast and paradisiacal place. Starting in Manaus, my first trip was towards the upper Solim6es. The course is 272 degrees to the west. The first village I got to know, in the middle of the Amazon Rain Forest, was CodajSs, founded in 1875, a hamlet on the banks of Solim6es river, inhabited by two hundred people. The means of transportation used to arrive there is a boat that sails up the river towards the Colombian border, and a hydroplane that comes to the village once a week. They live on fishing and on handcrafts. The second village visited was Coari, founded in 1874, on the banks of Solim6es river. Our hydroplane lands every fortnight in this village. lts inhabitants are descendants of lndians, with little presence of foreigners caming from the capital. They also live on fishing and on wooden and rope handcraft. Founded in 1759, the present town of Tefe is the largest of all places I have visited. It is a center for those living on the river banks. There is a big religious mission in this town. Tefe is supplied with basic products in order to serve the nearby population. Nowadays (1953), communications are through the only rebroadcast radio station in Amazonia and through the mail carried by the hydroplane and ships. lt is almost certain that there will be several parks or stations developed in this area for the growing and preservation of the forest. The landscape of this region is very attractive. To the north, we went to the village of Tabatinga, founded in 1941 .lt borders with Colombia and Peru. lt is scarcely inhabited and there is a Brazilian Army garrison watching the national frontier. Going down the river which establishes the boundaries of these three countries, I visited the village of Benjamin Constant, founded in 1931. Our boundaries are marked by the rivers of the Amazon Rain Forest. lnoticed the migratory and settling movement going westward in Amazonia. This book intends

Editor's note: in 1999

:-:

population was of 16,C'

=

inhabitants.

Editor's note: in 1999 .- : population was of inhabitants.

63,t':

Editor's note: in

1990,

Petrobras began the gas

extraction in this region.

On a second trip, lwent back to the town of Tefe and went towards the Jurud river, as far as the village of Carauari (center of Am azonia). There I found one hundred inhabitants. The more educated ones say that there is petroleum in the region. The inhabitants live on hunting and fishing and the river crossing the village has a lot of fish. Following JuruS river, lentered a magnificent region, which lnoticed to be larger

Editor's note: the

:iJer of the rubber-tapers,

:':- : s:o (Chico) Mendes, was : - -- =-d lived at Xapuri on the Bolivian border.

than the Amazon Valley region itself. lwent to the village of EirunepO, founded in 1894. lsolated from the world, it is immersed in this earthly paradise. There lfound another hundred inhabitants, all of them of Amerindian origin. They live on fishing and hunting. Game and fish are abundant in the rivers that cross the small village. We were near the Peruvian border and the territory of Acre. The last village we visited was Cruzeiro do Sul, in the territory of Acre, situated on the Peruvian border. On the Peruvian side we found the town of Pucalpa.The Nation Road Department engineers are planning to connect Brazil to the Pacific Ocean through this region, building a road from the town of Rio Branco, crossing Cruzeiro do Sul and Pucalpa in Peru and reaching the Pacific Ocean on the Peruvian coast. I went back to Manaus after visiting some villages in the territory of Acre: Tarau ac6, Feijo, Sena Madureira, Xapuri and Brasileia on the Bolivian frontier. By the way, this region was once part of Bolivia, that donated it to the Brazilian Government. lt was, then, incorporated to the territory of Acre. It rs the richest region in extraction of latex (rubber) and it is very active in the cultivation of rubber trees. Here one notices the massive presence of groves of rubber trees, which is the means of subsistence of the Amazonian caboclo. The region has also a great variety of plants and animals, in perfect balance with Nature. The means of subsistence supplied by Nature itself deserves a special chapter in this book. lt might be called a self-supporting movement. Nature gives this privilege to the Amazonian inhabitants, and they live sound, sane and healthy with

their own resources. It took me two whole

to prepare this "expedition", ds lcall it. ltraveled by boat, by canoe, by hydroplane and a little on a jeep. lt is noteworthy that there are few motor vehicles in the region, because gasoline comes by boat or airplane and is too years

expensive.

On a third trip, with the purpose of expanding my research to supplement the second edition of this work, that I intended to publish in 1960, lfollowed the Negro river towards the village of Moura, dnother scarcely populated hamlet on the banks of that river, where its inhabitants live on hunting and fishing. At this small village, lfound another religious mission. At the village of Barcellos, founded in 1931 , there is a Brazrlian Air Force and Army garrison. From this village, as from the village of Moura, the view of the Negro river is

19

beyond words. The great number of islets formed along Negro did catch my attention . One

Editor's note. the archipelago~'

day, the whole world will know this wonder.

Anavilhanas was described b) -~=

Uaupes, founded in 1891 by religious men as a hamlet that became a village in

oceanographer Jacques Cous,=:;;~

_=' -

1935, was the second before the last stop. It is situated on the left bank of the Negro river.

when he sailed on the Negro

It has about two hundred inhabitants in an area of 112,355 square kilometers . Uaupes

the 80s and 90s. He classdlec - 5.--'

borders Colombia at the Cuiari river and Venezuela at the Negro river. The equator crosses

eighth wonder of the

WO(i(j

this municipality. I noticed the change in topography and vegetation: we were near the Venezuelan border. The village is noted for the Indian population that develops one of the most beautiful handicrafts in the region. The region possesses landscape with ripples of relief and depressions and some mountain ranges of granite formation. Its territory offers a great number of attractions with very beautiful waterfalls, hills and mountains. It is 1,061 km far from Manaus. Regional boats are used for the long and dangerous journey by water. It is better to travel by air, and the flight takes about three hours and a half. In the dense tropical rain forest there are very large trees rising out of an arboreal stratum 25 to 35 meters high . In this area, two different features occur: sub-mountain and mountain . In the former, the plant covering has several formations, for instance, palm trees and campinarana (an extensive open space with many shrubs and some trees in a dense formation), known as the" Negro river caatinga". The latter is very uniform in relation to height and diameter of the trees . Nowadays, Uaupes is a strategic point for the country, with the prominent

Editor's note.· Uaupes

IS

presence of the Church and the Brazilian Army in its landscape. A great part of its

now called Sao Gabriel aa

territory should be turned into a preservation area_

Cachoeira.

The last two villages we visited were Tapuruquara and Pari-Cachoeira . In the latter there was another religious mission and two dozen inhabitants, natives of the region. As a gift, I received a yellow and black bird called" Negro river nightingale", very pretty and with a sweet singing. I brought it to Manaus and it lived long by my side, delighting me with its divine songs. I felt very much like writing about Amazonian birds . I returned to Manaus and started writing and researching on the Amazon Rain Forest, cataloguing and looking for sources to be included in my book .

I intended to make two more trips, in order to know Madeira, Mamore and Branco rivers (this last one connects the town of Rio Branco with the villages of Boca- do Acre and Labrea), as well as the Tapaj6s and Xingu rivers, before returning to Rio de Janeiro, in 1960. God willing, I will be writing about this divine beauty, which exists only in our Brazil.

20

r

t.

- Lr, r,oRr

rru

llarios,

r.ul

jour dc

r0gatcs.

\ h,il

tu

7tl.

lllustrations reproduced on Part

lof

betongins

-

[-xn nuu n ilhxros.

this book were taken from F.J. de Santa-Anna Nery, "Le Pays des Amazones - L' ElDorado"

ro

th,.'

,:tF;:i',J'"i', ::;,:;',!:i,?,'2

?'i'."',ffl,,o Espirito santo

21

Am azonia, the land of surprises As a journalist and as a Brazilian I have always been attracted by Amazonia. Starting

with Getulio Vargas Government (1941), a great value was ascribed to nationalism, oil policy, the presence of Brazil in the Second World War and the occupation of Brazil, "this unknown country", agriculture and the settlement and discovery of Amazonia for the Brazilians, whence my curiosity.

They say that even before the formation of the Andes (in the Terti ary Era) the Amazon river had been flowing from east to west; in other words, it began in the Atlantic Ocean and ended in the Pacific. I heard this legend here from many Caboclos. Maybe it explains the "pororoca", the phenomenon that takes place when the Amazon river flows rnto the Atlantic ocean, near Marajo island, next to the Amap5 territory. lncidentally, this

is

a very beautiful sight. We sense the strength of the Amazon river flowing into the Atlantic

ocean and forming huge upstream waves, which are20 m high at certain times of the year.

My knowledge in this field is limited. Settlement in Amazonia started with the Spaniards who came from the Peruvian region at the time of the discovery of Central America and the Caribbean, and entered the west of the Amazon Rain Forest, meeting the lndians who descended from the lncas and Aztecs. Here in Amazonia, there is very little literature about this topic. The Eastern Amazonia was colonized by the Portuguese who were at Belem do Par6, and sailed up the Amazon river. Hence, the noteworthy coincidence of the names of villages and towns situated on the banks of the lower Amazon river, for instance: Monte Alegre,Obidos, Santarem, Alenquer, all of them names of places in Portugal including Belem. This practice is very curious, but at least we cannot deny the presence of the Portug uese in the reg ion. Amazonia was also colonized by missionaries who spread the Catholic faith among the lndians through Catechism. The presence of countless religious missions was noteworthy in all the towns lvisited. To ffie, it appears to have been a policy adopted by the Catholic Church Heads, in order to keep to themselves this "earthly paradise", although doing a pioneering and meritorious job. The name of the town of Tef6 reminds me of the pun ter fe (to have faith). The same happens with other villages, all with names of saints: S5o Gabriel, S5o Paulo de Olivenqa, Santo Ant6nio de lqa, etc). The methodology is very clear. The Salesian missions are present at the borders of Brazil. The boundless space of the Amazonia impresses me deeply. Why is it so grandiose in allsenses2 Why did the Divine Providence award such a prize to this region?

23

Why do we find here what lcall "the granary of the world"? lf well exploited, agriculture in the region of Amazonia can keep the world well fed and the hunger of many peoples satisf ied. Why are the forest resources so enormous? Why are there so many tree and plant varieties? Why rs eve rything so grandiose in Amazonia? Why does the size of Amazonia astonish the world?

why and how were the Portuguese able to get hold of Amazonia, driving away the Spaniards who discovered it entering it by west? I don't know the answers to these questions. I see Brazil as a country of the future, as a giant who has not yet been awakened. We have not yet taken a serious strategic plan for the civil occupation of Amazonia. We have not even made efforts towards a correct demarcation and adequate vigilance of our boundaries. We only have those demarcations made by General Rondon, who makes us proud for his bravery and fearless obstinacy in discovering Brazil. I believe in the future of Brazil and the Am azonian region, and in its privileged valley as a potential for the world at the service of mankind. By way of information, ltell you there are about five thousand species of trees in the Amazon Rain Forest. ln North America there are only 650 spec/es catalogued by the Government departments. ln Amazonia, the different species vary from 40 to 300 per hectare, compared to four to twenty five spec/es in North America. Of the 250,000 spec/es of surface plants existing in the planet, approximately 1 70,000 exist only in the Tropics; out of these 90,000 species are found in South America, of which 75,000 are found only in Amazonia. ln a very near future, the Government will have to develop an agrarian policy for orderly occupation of the Amazon Rain Forest, or else we will create a division between the Northern and Southern regions. Finally,

The Am azon river glorifies the land of Americas The Amazon river, known all around the world due

to its vast surface, depth

and

width, is called Sea-River by the Brazilians and encompasses incalculable and limitless treasures. lt is the largest river in the world in volume. lts formidable basin is 5,594,000 m long, starting from Lauri lake in Peru, and goes to mix with the Atlantic Ocean, where it penetrates intensely, discharging a great volume of water. Just to have an idea of its extension, it can be compared to the distance between New York and Berlin!

24

Experts trained in geological studies

tell us that the Amazon river has its origin at the Lauri lake, in the district of Huandco, in the province of Tarma, at 30 km northnortheast of Lima, the capital of Peru, and subtly winds through the plains towards the Atlantic. The natural origin of the Amazon river is disputed. The truth rs that it glorifies the land of Americas. lt is the tear that comes down from the Andes to bathe and promote life

in the Amazon Rain Forest. The precious life of the Amazon river is the same as that of the age-old Andes. The Amazon river could not exist without the Andes. "Eternal Divine Spring", born of the Divine breath on the snow of the Andine mountains, placed there by Nature in order to change the Am azonian climate. This giant has an amazing greatness. lt is enough to say that in the ravine of 0bidos, a town in Par6, it is 1,900 m wide and B0 m deep. At Tabatinga, in the state of Amazonas, Brazilian border with Colombia and Peru, the river is 20 m deep. The estuary is 335 km wide and 13,000 m deep, at the mouth of the Xingu river. There are places where a plummet cannot reach its bottom. lt is calculated that during the floods, the river discharges 280 million cubic meters of water per minute in the Atlantic ocean. lts strength is imposing and monumental, and its waters reach up to 460 km into the ocean, flowing beyond the Marajo lsland, situated at its mouth. There are more than 6,000 islands among which are Tupinambarana,360 km long and 60 km wide, and the remarkable Marajo lsland, with an area of 47 ,964 square kilometers. The Amazon river was discovered on February 12, 1542 by Francisco Orellana, who followed its waters from the rapids in the Andes till the Atlantic Ocean. The Portuguese colonizer Pedro Teixeira went the opposite way,starting at the Camet6 village near Belem, on October 28, 1637, and arriving at lquitos, in Peru, a year later.

The Jesuit Samuel Fritz and the Catholic bishop Caetano Brandao set the first landmarks of the memorable journey, which was the beginning of the colonization of Amazon Rain Forest. General Rondon was another pathfinder of the Am azonian region; he led several expeditions to the banks of Amazon tributaries. One of his expeditions went up the Trombetas river near Obidos, in the state of Para, towards the Guianas (See the map on page 14). His purpose was to mark the Brazilian presence in the region with his men and fix the boundaries of Brazil. General Rondon acted in this vast region in the early 1930s. He colonized and defined the size of Brazil, exalting the glory of the Brazilian Army.

25

The Am azon Basin The huge Amazon river and its tributaries form the Amazon basin. All of them are navigable throughout the year, connecting all the towns in the state of Amazonas with the capital, Manaus. The extension of its hydrographic basin is 6,217,220 square kilometers, with more than 20,000 km of navigable waters. lts main rivers are: Amazon, Negro, SolimOes, Purus, Madeira, Xingu and Tapajos, this last one being in the state of Par6. It is worth noting that Brazil has the largest reserve of freshwater in the world. The energy potential of this huge basin is incalculable. ln a very near future,

water will be a precious liquid; having it will mean having the power to influence the destiny of mankind. The Strait of Obidos, the mouth of the Tapajos river near Santarem, in Par6, the Negro river banks, its islands and its white sand shores at the low tide, will always attract those who dare to make the dream travel through the Amazon Rain Forest. The Amazon river is the "Green Hell" of national poetry. The state topography is crossed by innumerable navigable rivers which can be compared to the canals in Venice, Italy. ln the state of Para there are many islands, islets and small bayous, offering trade and transportation by water in small boats.

The Am azonian Nature painted this beauty from nothing, providing landscape painters with motifs and inspiring creations in the world of art and poetry revealed in the lapidary works of immortal masters. The Sea-River continually winds under the fiery ground of the tropics and romantic moonlight, flowing through the ancient forests and thrilling sceneries. The spectacle of navigation through Amazonia is very surprising and overpowering. The picturesque sceneries appear in suggestive panels, stimulating contemplations that multiply every moment, turning into frames of incredible landscapes,imprinted on the shores, lakes, rivers and virgin forests of the Amazon Rain Forest. Drrect maritrme connections between the Amazon river harbors were inaugurated in

the beginning of 1945, through the Navigation

Services

of Amazonia and the Port

Administration of Par6.

ln the future, transportation and leisure on the Amazon basin will become a source of funds and work, through travels, international promotion of tourism and fishing in the region, showing the world the wonders of the Amazon Rain Forest, its rivers and its beautiful shores, adding also the huge variety of fish, estimated in 4,500 different species, with the prevalence of pirarucu, which is often two meters long.

26

ln the near future we will see big international transatlantic steamers sailing on the Amazon riveL displaying this unique beauty, revealing to view the natural pictures painted by Mother Nature. Tourism in the Amazon Rain Forest represents a market with great opportunities for the regional economy, so far scarcely explored due to lack of adequate technologies and of infrastructure compatible with the sector and capacity to generate income.

Two States Fascinating land Sedu ctive rivers Source of supply for the European and Eastern populations ln the pacified world... The main entrance to the wonderful valley Sen try of inmeasurable treasures The guardian of the secrefs of the Amazon Valley The states of Amazonas and Par6, covering an area of 3,200,000 square kilometers privileged by Nature itself, were planted in the Amazon Rain Foresf by the wise hands of the Creator. This area, when observed from the sky on long flights, looks like a single panorama

with no prominent boundaries or frontiers, being perceived only the vast green cover of the peaceful woods on both sides containing the two political divisions of the Valley. The sight is rapturous, wonderful and thrilling, with hundreds of rivers islets, basins, islands, lakes and lagoons dotting the rich soil. We see riches never imagined by the mind, arithmetically converted into gold in the financial markets. ln the future of the world, Amazonas and ParA will be two sparkling poles, announcing the prosperity of the nations burned down through wars in Europe and the East, soaked in blood. lt is the starting point, from where the long metallic wings of airplanes or the steel hull of big transoceanic ships will carry comfort, progress and riches, displaying to the world the natural beauty of this land, blessed and privileged by God.

Am azonas It is the habitat of Victoria water lilies, floating in still lakes, and the legendary Amazons... The largest storehouse of uncultivated rubber in the world The old homeland, the venerable and legendary Atlantis....

Manaus, the early poetical Vila de Barra, situated three degrees south to the equator,

town with about 110,000 inhabitants. Most of them live on local commerce and trade with the interior of the state. lt is still due to the wealth generated by the rubber cycle that the city's buildings celebrate and glorify the excellent architecture and painting by artists from past generations. The picturesque exactness is faultless in the subtle vivid coloring of is a

the buildings, in the taste and elegance displayed in the style of the paint brushes which predominate in the Am azonian region. Gardens intermingle with commercial establishments and residential houses. Large lakes and parks with trees alternate between rows of houses. Outdoor life provides new energy to the healthy Brazilian-American mentality that ls going to define the guidelines for the complete modification that is taking place in the Amazon Rain Forest. Eduardo Ribelro, a dark-skinned military man and thinker, born in the state of Maranhao, was the builder of Manaus. He was murdered for political reasons when Manaus needed him most. ln the near future, Manaus will be connected by air to the whole world. I am most certain that our rulers will soon find adequate means and conditions to implant a great industrial park in Amazonia, bringing progress to this region. Surely, there will be people who will risk their lives and savings to bet on the future of Amazonia. The Amazon reserves have a natural stock of everything that mankind needs for survival. Six hours of non-stop flight separate Manaus from Bel6m, the nearest town and capital of the state of Par5. The Amazon climate has all the climatologic alternatives of the Brazilian Northeast. The Amazon Rain Foresf is embedded in the northern extreme and periodic or sudden rain is truly a part of its climate, always perversely slandered by pseudo-historians and specialists. The damp ground of Amazonia results from the natural composition of the soil, rich in humus, the youngest in the planet or, according to the scholars that studied it, the oldest, existing since the remote times of the Atlantls. All seeds planted in it germinate. The allegation that Amazonia is swampy,full of miasms and insects that transmit highly contagious infectious fevers, devastating villages in predetermrned occasions, is a criminal legend and its falsehood has been proven scientifically. lt is a lie spread by the a uthors of chea p literatu re who, without a ny knowledge of the reg ion, pass on untruthful information. The weather is perfect and in harmony with an exuberant, transforming and creative Nature. Considering the wilderness of the Am azon Rain Forest, the geographic isolation and lack of news about the world, its people are friendly, understanding and very helpful. I feel as if I am in another universe.

Par5 Belem, the tawny city Belem is the tawny city of the intellectuals from Par6, almost on the equatorial line,

embedded in the heart of the Guaj ar| bay, field of the piassava palms, with Guaj arA river, a tributary of the Amazon river, in the background. lt receives us with impressive Brazilian tenderness, opens its green claws and welcomes me with kindness and calm, in the twinkling warm afternoon with golden reflexes, on its way to the tropical glimpse. A soft gray color mixed with the vitalizing ruby-red sun, lightly spread in the crimson setting, tinted the infinity, in the last pangs of the day, painting the nightfall, when the Pan Air clipper landed on the airfield at Val-de-Cans. Through the metallic bird door, I stared at

the faraway East, while the distant stars glimmered in the approaching night. Between the afternoon and the twilight, lstepped on the moist, firm, ahd completely strange soil of th e Amazon Rain Forest. longing for space, where my digressions made me feel that lwas flying to a more humane and prosperous world, a soothed country far from the anguished mankind, without wars and without evil. With this Attic thought revealed within, llanded in Belem which penetrated my investigative eyes in the anxiety

of knowing the legendary unknown city.

Behind the equatorial line, the South was lost, glimmering in a happy and endearing

mirage, between the sky and the sea, leaving my past in twilight distances, a little of far away youth. The exalted emotions of that moment do not let me recall the instant of my arrival. Once settled where lwas to stay whatever passed, took its place in the memory and

left longings in my heart. And the historical town glimmered with an evocative past that flaunted the greatness misery of the past three decades, when rubber reached its highest price, rising before my daydreaming newcomer's eyes and satisfying my investigative curiosity. Similarly, during the war, Brazilians and Americans carried out valuable work in the Amazon Rain Forest, comparable to the former Dutch work in sanitation, drainage and reclamation of the swampy soil in the valley. What was a swamp became a solid land. Building the six kilometer long Grand Dyke, and skirting the Guaj arl river at the edge of Bel6m, is one of the works that changed the rustic Nature of primitive Belem, with its aesthetic, rectilinear and subtle elegance. The capital of the state of Par6 is carved in the green and perfumed workshops of the Amazon Rain Forest, flickering for the na'fve baptism of the new creations idealized by the indigenous, Brazilian and American crvilization. And the endless fight to conquer the goals of the ideal reformer goes on, glorified in triumph,on the way to

29

an immediate victory, under the mathematics of authentic gigantic plans. ln the Amazon Rain Forest they are building a new world, designing in a partrcular climax a civilization of everlasting life. We can hear the rhythmic murmur of a brand new world, where an invisible hand paints natural landscapes, under the starry light of the flourishing freedom of hope. The modulated march of the soaring progress has begun, creating in artificial melting pots the quret and wonderful paradise of the Valley. Work and joy,together with life in the restless and charming landscape of the Amazon Rain Forest, are faultless complements of the life in such a coveted region. The state of Pard is extraordinarily vast and lapidated for greatness. lt suffices to mention its area: 1,362,996 square kilometers, which is equivalent to a good number of European countries. According to the 1940 census, its population was of 956,870 inhabitants. This is the new creation projecting itself in the dramatic decline of the archaic hemisphere....

lndustrialization of the Am azon Rain Forest to absorb all the overpopulation of the world inside it. lts economical resources and its land area are more than sufficient for the scientific and mechanized farming. lt can accumulate fabulous quantities for immediate industrialization. The currency of the future will be international, stabilized and free from the fear of exchange fluctuations; this is the United Nations financial program for the future. lt will be possible to invest a big stable capital for exploration of the region, in technical and scientific farming and industrialrzation of abundant raw material. The Valley has the capacity

30

The resources are unknown to the inhabitants of the region. lts sources of wealth provide a vast field with propensity for capital investment in many factories. The privileged soil, adaptable to farming, does not need chemical fertilizers in order to produce food in unforeseen quantities and of high quality. Nature itself fertilizes with humus the seeds planted on time, according to the seasons, and it is possible to have more crops than in normal plantation in other areas. ln the Amazon Rain Forest there are incredible places and the quantity

of humus fertilizing the soil is astonishing. The richness existing in the soil is so intense that it exceeds the limit needed for life of a germinating seed planted in it, making some frail seeds to die suffocated in the darkness of the substratum. The fields to be explored are vast, and there are possibilities of agglomerating all the racial elements with languages from common ethnic origin under a social policy and the ground of a more human and harmonious world. Nature works in its great laboratory, revealing to mankind a portion of Divine generosity and magnificence.

31

FoREsr PRoDUcTS LABoRAToRt

Es

Am azon

ia

n Potentia ity I

We may say that Amazon Rain Forest is an inexhaustible source of medicinal plants to be used as medicine: bitter and purifying tonics, revulsive, emetics, purgatives, astringents, diaphoretics, vermifuges, diuretics and herbs for the chest. We find also. Abacada, Patua, Quinine, Capuassu, Sarsaparilla, Beriba. TucumS palm, Mint, Lemon balm, Ginger, Guinea-hen Weed, Catuaba, Porangaba, Chuanassa, dffiong hundreds of nonclassified plants. The local pharmacies use these herbs to manufacture natural medicines which the population of the region uses liberally. One of the most used is the Amenoflora, very good for the treatment of the menopause related ailments. Another is the Amazonian Guaran6, indicated for the treatment of fatigue and stress, and whose analysis reveals the following elements: caffeine 4.288; fixed oil 2.950, red resin 7.800, red dye principle 1.520, amorphous dye principle 0.050, saponin 0.060, tonic Guarand acid 5.902, proguarana acid 2.7 550, albumrnous substances 2.7 50, starch 9.350, glucose 0.777, malic acid, mucilage, dextrin 7.407, vegetable fiber 49.12, and water 7.650. There you have what the Am azonia laboratory produces with the hands of Nature! The oleaginous plants are: the Castor-oil plant, Babassu, Wild Chestnut tree, Peanut,

Carnauba, Beculba, Dend0 (African oil palm), Tucum, Catuaba, Andiroba, Cumaru, Ucuuba, Sesame, Muru-Muru. Among the multiple varieties of seeds and oleaginous fruits, in the forests of Para there are some of great economic value due to the high quality and percentage of oil or fat they contain. The perspectives offered in 55o Paulo are encouraging for the consumer market of such seeds, vorious vegetable fats, balsam, drugs, leaves, roots and several essences which ParA can produce in indefinite quantities. Many are exclusive only to Par5, without any competition. They deserve special attention due to what they represent to Brazilian economy, once its consumer market is increased in the large industrial centers of the country, to which they will impose themselves for their intrinsic attributes as raw material with varied applications and utilization. The Ucuuba seeds yield from 600/o to 70% of fat stuff and have a high rate of saponification (219-221), what makes it a raw material for many applications in manufacturing of soap. lt produces stearin and for that it is very much looked for. The production of Ucuuba tallow was of 446,281 kg, worth Cr$560,028.15. At the already famous company founded by the Portuguese immigrant brothers AntOnio Lourenqo da Silva, JoSo da Silva Santiago and Antonio Gouveia Santiago,the A.L. Silva & Co., headquartered in Belem do Para, use raw material from the forests in Para in order to manufacture the PHEBO soap Scenf of Rose which, in 1936, replaced the very famous English PEARS' SOAP. In 1941 , the company introduced on the Brazilian market the Eau de Cologne Seiva de Alfazeffid, with a great success to win over the markets in Southern Braztl,

All the products of the A.L. Silva & Co. use the natural resources yielded by the Amazon Rain Forest with a great commercial and industrial future, due to the quality of its original and unique products without competition. Other indispensable essences are: The Rosewood oil, which yields the linalool or sassafras, a very important essence for the regional economy of the Amazon Rain Forest.

Copaiba Eu

that Par6 exports to the rest of Brazil and to several countries

in

Coumarou essence of a strong commercial reputation and of great demand. Andiroba (Brazrlian Mahogany) fruit of the hardwood of the same name. lt

is

balsam

rope.

another great Am azonian resource due to its great output per tree and quantity percentage of oil (75%) fit for soap manufacturing.

Muru-Muru (Astrocaryum palm) - the seed of one of the palm trees of the forests of Para present in all the plains and that yields a tallow or fat of known commercial value.

I a nd pha rmaceutica I

ies will invest la rge amounts of money in the pharmacopoeia industry, setting up big laboratories in the Valley to change the raw material supplied by Nature in Amazonia. Tech n icia

ns,

chem ica

com pa

n

lnvestment Opportunities in Plant Extraction lndustry in the Amazon Rain Forest (Studies Made in 1956) Nowadays Brazil is considered by scientists as the holder of one of the largest Editor's note: the author biological diversity in the world. The diversity includes the ecosystems and the ecological of this book foresaw the processes that distinguish them, as well as all the animal and vegetal species and the future of the riches hetd by

and the Amazon Rain Forest land) in tss6

microorganisms existing in them. The two richest ecosystems in the planet, Amazonia

the Cerrados (woods composed of stunted, twisted trees, growing on cattle-grazing are situated here. The Am azonian natural heritage is equivalent to almost three trillion dollars and it may become the greatest world power in a new economy. Holding 51% of all species of tropical plants, the Brazilian legal Amazonia is about five million square kilometers which are equivalent to 60% of our territory. The Braztlian Amazon Rain Forest embraces about 260/o of the tropical forests remaining in the planet. The humid forests of Amazonia are characterized by a fantastic variety including not only the richness of their ecosystems, but also a great number and differentiation of species. As an example of this richness, it is worth mentioning that 2,500 species of trees have been discovered so far, while in the European temperate forests there are only fifty species. ln just one hectare of Braztlian forest there is an average of sixty to three hundred and fifty different tree species.

34

Editor's note: the book The

The natural productivity of the tropical rain forests is very high but these ecosystems

Amazon Rain Forest in the

of nutrient recycling, the efficiency of which is related to the structural complexity of the forest itself. Therefore, the exploration of its riches shou ld be performed th roug h a d iscern ing process that reconciles the needed socioeconomic development of the region with the environmental preservation. The Am azonian region is a traditional supplier of vegetable products like rubben nuts, oils and essences and now is coming across a unique opportunity of enlarging and developing its extractive industry. The world tendency in search of a better ecological equilibrium gave rise, mainly in the developed countries, to a certain resistance on the part of consumers, to the use of synthetic products associated with environmental pollution, cousing disease to human beings through their consumption or utilization.

Future of the World, by

AntOnio Espirito Santo, published in 1956 and depicting in its pages the Amazonian potential

ity,

reported the riches portrayed here, thus conf irming once more his

foresight about the Amazon

ia

n reg ion

.

are very brittle, depending on flimsy processes

ln view of this new tendency, the inhabitants of developed countries have started a slow

and increasing withdrawal from synthetic products, mainly from the petrochemical industry. As a result of that, there is a return to natural products, the consumption of which always existed, although in small quantitres. Natural and age old handmade products were

always used in the whole world as a symbol of good taste and status. Take the examples of some pioneering entrepreneurs who believe in the never-ending possibility of renewal of our diversity, through investments in research and elaboration of forest products. Consequently,

the food and beverage industry, as well as the cosmetic, the

agrochemical and the medicinal product industries have started a slow but safe return to natural products around the world. Tropical countries, Brazil above all, have a great chance of expanding their export list, sending the natural products abroad and also enjoying their benefits at home. As to the foreign trade, it is interesting to notice that Amazon tropical fruits like Pupunha (the spiny peachpalm) and the Mangosteen are already being consumed in other

countries. In Japan, Mangosteen (f ruit) reaches the price of $ 1 .00 each, according to information from Belem do Para CPATU (Rainy Tropic Agricultural Research Center). According to the CODETEC (Technological Development Organization of the State University of Campinas state of Sao Paulo), one liter of Copaiba oil is sold in Brazil for about $3.00 and abroad it reaches 52,000.00 after a simple refining process. An European company offered to buy 5,000 kg of Andiroba oil, but the sale was not made because local production was insufficient. These a re evidences of the eagerness of developed cou ntries to acq u ire natu ra products, provided they come from Amazonia, reinforced by the green wave. Another real opportunity for the region is the international market of insecticides, estimated as about $l billion a year. The use of natural products instead of synthetic I

insecticides (petrochemical origin) may result in the appropriation of a part of this market

for

Braztl, especially

for the Am azonian region, where lots of plants yielding natural

insecticides a re fou nd.

The international cosmetics market that offers real opportunity for natural products Editor's note: the use of Rosewoodessence in the touches $Zl billion a year in the USA only. The developed countries also show their growing interest in natural products of the main composition of Chanet Amazonian region by financing research. Through the Overseas Development Organization (ODA), England finances a project carried out by Emflio Goeldi Museum (state of Para) to study essential oils. This project has already aroused the interest of English and ltalian companies which will start supporting it financially in near future. Japan has also signed an

agreement

with

C

PATU/EMBRAPA

in order to

study and develop Jaborandi and

lpecacuanha, both used in pharmaceutical industry.

Some Brazilian companies have already started financing research on Brazilian natural products. The domestic market will certainly reflect the worldly trend concerning the employment of the Amazonian products in cosmetic and agrochemical fields. ln case of food and beverage, the organization of production with its consequent expansion as well as advertising of the product, should substantially expand the domestic market. The diversity of tropical flora and the knowledge of popular utilization of vegetable products suggest that there are about two hundred plant species with the possibility of being transformed into cultivated plants with economic expression. ln view of the existing market opportunities, it is believed that, at present, there are eight regional products which can be object for investment projects with a high probability of success.

A. Food A.1 Pupunha

(Bactris Gasipaes) Pupunha is a native palm tree of the American tropics which can be 20 m tall. The fruit has been known for hundreds of years by the Amerindian population and it is very much consumed in the Northern Brazil, especially in Para. The fruit is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins A and C and calcium, having different sizes, weights, colors and flavors. The principal uses of Pupunha are: As food: Pupunha is a well-balanced nourishment and can improve the quality of

the diet of the population of the humid tropics. There is a sweet made from Pupunha highly appreciated in Central America. The heart of this palm tree is considered better than those from the Euterpes (Assa} kind, from which the most of the palm hearts existent in Brazil is produced.

36

5 G perfume made in France) is an exampte

A.2

Bacuri (Platonia lnsignis) Bacuri is a tall tree that can be 25 m tall. The fruit is egg-shaped with a diameter of about 13 cm at its wider part and can weigh up to 1 kg. Bacuri is rich in carbohydrates and vitamin C. lt is an edible fruit and much utilized in its natural forffi, but its principal market is the ma n ufactu re of sweets, f ru it preserves, yog h u rt a nd ice-crea m Bacuri adapts itself very easily to soils worn-out by other cultivation which makes it an important element in the effort of recovering the regional environment. Researches carried out at CPATU show that the timber of Bacuri is of high quality and can also be a product of economic expression. .

A.3

Mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana) The fruit is typically tropical, coming from Southeast Asia and was introduced in the Americas many years ago. lt grows mostly in Par5, in the municipalities of Tome-Aqu, Castanhal, Santa lsabel do Pa16 and Santo AntOnio de Taua. Mangosteen belongs to the same family of Bacuri and Apricot. Mangosteen is denominated by many as a delicacy of Gods due to the excellent taste of its pulp,incomparable to any other fruit. ln addition to its principal utilization as an edible fruit, it also has other uses: its skin contains about 13% of tannin that is used as a dye. The skin is also used in medicine as an astringent against dysentery; the trunk, formed of dark brown wood, is hard, heavy and good for furniture industry; as a tree, it is suitable for plantation in urban areas, because of its ideal ch aracteristics: deep taproot with few lateral offshoots and a pyramidal crown with persistent leaves. A.4 - Acerola a fruit with hiqh vitamin C content.

B. Oleaginous B.

1 - And iroba (Fevillea Trilobata)

Andiroba has been known for hundreds of years by the population of the humid tropics that uses its seed for medicinal purposes, especially against snake bites and scorpion and bee stings. lt is used to heal ancylostomiasis and kidney affections caused by the yellow fever. lt is also an anthelmintic. lt possesses tonic qualities and relieves dyspepsia. lts action in the treatment of jaundice and liver infections has been proven. The oil from the seed is used in the treatment of rheumatism. ln veterinary medicine, Andiroba is used as an emetic for animals and against poisoning by cassava, hemlock and nux vomica.

37

It is effective in the treatment of some cases of cattle pests and also acts as a parasiticide against ticks.

Scientific tests have proven the presence of steroids and flavonoids (medicinal products) in the Andiroba seed oil besides its antimicrobial effect. There is evidence that new pharmaceutical and medicinal products may be developed through an

rch on And iroba oil. And iroba ca n be used in the ma n uf actu re of grease, resins and gum and its lumber is widely used in cabinet making and carpentry. Recently, Andiroba oil has been sought for use in cosmetic industry, but the results are not well known as yet.

exha

ustive

resea

8.2

PatauS (Jessenia Bataua) It is a typical palm tree from Amazon and Orinoco rivers basins, growing primarily in low lands covered by the water. lt is a tree that can grow from 12 to 15 m tall, with a diameter of 20 cm. The fruit is roundish, violet in color, about 2.5 to 3.0 cm long and

weighing around 8 g. From Pataud fruit is extracted an oil with physicochemical characteristics similar to those of Olive oil. The comparison of chemical analysis of Pataua and Olive oil showed strong similarity in their substances, with only a small difference in their refraction values. The smell of Pataua oil is also more active than that of Olive oil and, therefore, it would be necessary to reduce it in order to extend its utilization. Pataua oil can also be used in the canned industry (sardines and other fish). lts use can also be extended to the pharmaceutical industry in the treatment of hepatic crises as well as rn the manufacture of ointments, balsams and unguents. lt can also be used as a thin lubricant and in the rubber and soap industries. The wine obtained from fermentation of its fruit is very much appreciated in the region.

B.3 Copafba (Copaifera Multijuga) A large tree from the Leguminosae family, often found in the Amazon forest with a wide geographical distribution, grow from the middle Tapajos to the Western Amazonia. A resin-oil, obtained from its trunk and seeds, has been long used for cicatrization and throat infections. lt was used by the first settlers to cure bronchitis, dysentery and as an antiseptic for the urinary tract. Copaiba oil is used in the varnish industry and to replace Linseed oil as a sedative. lt is also utilized for domestic illumination. lt was recently found that it can be used as a fuel, mixed with diesel oil, in a proportion of g liters of diesel to of Copafba oil. The interest in Copafba oil for the cosmetics industry is increasing expressively, especially abroad. Today, Copafba oil is also commercialized as a balsam in 1

liquid form

38

A.2

Bacu

ri (Platon ia lnsig n is)

Bacuri is a tall tree that can be 25 m tall. The

fruit is egg-shaped with a diameter of

about 13 cm at its wider part and can weigh up to 1 kg. Bacuri is rich in carbohydrates and vitamin C. lt is an edible fruit and much utilized in its natural form, but its principal market rs the manufacture of sweets, fruit preserves, yoghurt and ice-cream. Bacuri adapts itself very easily to soils worn-out by other cultivation which makes it an important element in the effort of recovering the regional environment. Researches carried out at CPATU show that the timber of Bacuri is of high quality and can also be a product of economic expression.

A.3

Mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana) The fruit is typically tropical, coming from Southeast Asia and was introduced in the Americas many years ago. lt grows mostly in Par6. in the municipalities of Tome-AEu, Castanhal, Santa lsabel do Pa16 and Santo AntOnio de Taua. Mangosteen belongs to the same family of Bacuri and Apricot. Mangosteen is denominated by many as a delicacy of Gods due to the excellent taste of its pulp, incomparable to any other fruit. ln addition to its principal utilization as an edible fruit, it also has other uses: its skin contains about 13% of tannin that is used as a dye. The skin is also used in medicine as an astringent against dysentery; the trunk, formed of dark brown wood, is hard, heavy and good for furniture industry; as a tree, it is suitable for plantation in urban areas, because of its ideal characteristics: deep taproot with few lateral offshoots and a pyramidal crown with persistent leaves. A.4 - Acerola a f ruit with high vitamin C content.

B. Oleaginous Andiroba (Fevillea Trilobata) Andiroba has been known for hundreds of years by the population of the humid B.1 -

tropics that uses its seed for medicinal purposes, especially against snake bites and scorpion

and bee stings. lt is used to heal ancylostomiasis and kidney affections caused by the yellow fever. lt is also an anthelmintic. lt possesses tonic qualities and relieves dyspepsia. lts action in the treatment of jaundice and liver infections has been proven. The oil from the seed is

of rheumatism. ln veterinary medicine, Andiroba is used as an emetic for animals and against

used in the treatment

poisoning by cassava, hemlock and nux vomica.

37

It is effective in the treatment of some cases of cattle pests and also acts as a parasiticide against ticks.

Scientific tests have proven the presence of steroids and flavonoids (medicinal products) in the Andiroba seed oil besides its antimicrobial effect. There is evidence that new pharmaceutical and medicinal products may be developed through an

ustive resea rch on And iroba oil . And iroba ca n be used in the ma n uf actu re of grease, resins and gum and its lumber is widely used in cabinet making and carpentry. Recently, Andiroba oil has been sought for use in cosmetic industry, but the results are not well known as yet.

exha

8.2

Pataud (Jessenia Bataua) It is a typical palm tree from Amazon and Orinoco rivers basins, growing primarily in low lands covered by the water. lt is a tree that can grow from 12 to 15 m tall, with a diameter of 20 cm. The fruit is roundish, violet in color, about 2.5 to 3.0 cm long and weighing around B g. From Pataua fruit is extracted an oil with physicochemical characteristrcs similar to those of Olive oil. The comparison of chemical analysis of Pataua and Olrve oil showed strong similarity in their substances, with only a small difference in their refraction values. The smell of Pataud oil is also more active than that of Olive oil and, therefore, it would be necessary to reduce it in order to extend its utilizalion. Pataua oil can also be used in the canned industry (sardines and other fish). lts use can also be extended to the pharmaceutical industry in the treatment of hepatic crises as well as in the manufacture of ointments, balsams and unguents. lt can also be used as a thin lubricant and in the rubber and soap industries. The wine obtained from fermentation of its fruit is very much a ppreciated in the reg ion .

8.3 - Copaiba (Copaifera Multijuga)

A large tree from the Leguminosae family, often found in the Amazon forest with a wide geographical distributioh, grow from the middle Tapajos to the Western Am azonia. A resin-oil, obtained from its trunk and seeds, has been long used for cicatrization and throat infections. lt was used by the first settlers to cure bronchitrs, dysentery and as an antiseptic for the urinary tract. Copafba oil is used in the varnish industry and to replace Linseed oil as a sedative. lt rs also utilized for domestic illumination. lt was recently found that it can be used as a fuel, mixed with diesel oil, in a proportion of g liters of diesel to of Copafba oil. The interest in Copafba oil for the cosmetics industry is increasing expressively, especially abroad. Today, Copafba oil is also commercialized as a balsam in 1

liquid form.

38

In biological terms, Copafba oil is a product of the excretion or disintoxication of the

vegetable organism which functions in defending the plant against animals, funguses and bacteriae. This characteristic may determine its capacity to act as natural fungicide and rnsecticide, still depending on specific analyses.

C. Medicinal Editor's Alote; ln the 80s its principal alkaloid, emetine, was added in the form

of

hydrochloride to the medicines used against cancer and this considerably

1

lpeca (Cephaelis lpecacua n ha) lpeca or lpecacuanha is a straight shrub about 45 cm tall. lts roots are curled and may eventua lly reach f rom to 20 to 40 cm in length . From its roots a re extracted severa alkaloids like emetine, widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. The medicinal use of lpeca is age old. lt has been used for hundreds of years in the treatment of intestinal infections, whooping cough and bronchitis. C

.

I

increased the interest

C.2 - Jaborandi (Pilocarpus Jaborandi)

in the plant.

A medium

of the Rutacea family, which grows all along the Northern Brazil. lts leaves were already used by the lndians as medicine, but the introduction of Jaborandi in our traditional medicine goes back to 1873, when it was taken to France and sized shrub

tested by scientists of that country. From then on, the Jaborandi leaf infusion has been used in the treatment of a large number of diseases as influenza, bronchitis, fever, laryngitis, pneumonia, swelling, intoxications and crises of the kidney. At that time the plant started being grown in England, Belgium and Germany,but it could not adapt to the climate of those cou ntries.

In 1875 the alkaloid pilocarpine was found in the leaf of Jaborandi. ln the following year, this alkaloid was introduced in ophthalmology as a miotic. Later on, it was discovered that it had the power of diminishing the intraocular pressure and it became a powerful medicine against glaucoma. Several medicinal uses of Jaborandi have been superseded and

it fell out of use due to advances in medicine and use of synthetic chemicals. However, the

of Jaborandi in Ophthalmology continues even today. Nowadays,pilocarpine is considered an important element in experimental pharmacology and in physiology. The above examples are only a small sample of the potential of the vegetation of Amazonian region. They are enough to show the great investment opportunities that are open to Brazilian and foreign entrepreneurs from now oh, with the knowledge that it will take three to five years to complete the research on the production of medicine, at a cost 50% lower than the development and elaboration of the same medicine by conventional methods (synthetic products). use

39

Fossil

Fuel

Am azonian Petroleum

Brazilian and Foreign Technicians Reveal that Petroleum Bearing Area in the Amazon Basin Subsoil is Equivalent

to the European Territory

Editor's note What is really happening... in the

According to Brazilian and foreign technicians, the oil-bearing Amazon territory is as large as Europe. The Brazilian Petroleum Company (Petrobras) works in order to achieve the Brazilian goal: to turn the country into an oil and gasoline producer. Petrobras intends

show in this fourth edition the

to

reach this independence through research in the Amazon basin, in a near future, in the

reality accom pl ished compared

of attracting foreign

to the forecasts made in 1956.

Brazilian coastline. Surely, our Government glimpses the hypothesis

capital to invest in oil research to supply our real needs. The nation will develop quickly when it achieves autonomy in liquid fuel to feed its light and cargo vehicles in order to generate and move the national wealth.

twenty-first century: With further research, we try to

The study

on the Amazon

development poles showed that the author was absolutely right

With a vast territory, an impressive economical potential, immeasurable natural research, B razil is still a developing country with a stagnant progress because of its

in

dependence on the precious liquid. ln a near future, the Amazon petroleum will supply the

is a huge natural laboratory,

Brazilian North and Northeast.

ready to comply with both the

The Northeast will be

pplied by the ene rgy generated by Sao Fra ncisco Hydroelectric, a monumental work of Brazilian engineering, electrifying five northeastern states and twenty-five municipalities in the state of Cear5. Findings in the Amazonia will give the country a noteworthy position in the i

su

nternational scena rio.

We know that there are oil-bearing basins in the Juru5 Valley (in the center of Amazonia), in upper Negro river; on the Marajo island, where Caboclos tell stories about the preservation of certain plants and herbs smelling gasoline. Amazon legends.... lf we don't industrialize the Amazon and obtain Brazilian petroleum very soon, as a basis for the consolidation of Brazilian wealth, we will be appalled to witness the atomic energy,now adopted in some European countries, enter Brazilian industrial park in engines and in generation of electricity for public illumination. Brazilian petroleum will remain in the subsoil and will be known as the legend of the year 1955. Amazonia, where life is almost impossible due to unbearable personal difficulties, is a vast and productive field for a wide range of products. With new work perspectives, our excess population could move to the petroleum research area which, at present, lacks the human element to build a new world. lncidentally, with the acquisition of new drilling rigs, Petrobras tripled the perforations in Nova Olinda and Alter do Ch6o, in Para, in less than four months.

40

his

judgement.

It was confirmed that Amazonia

industrial and innovatory demands.

The Vegetable

Fuel the Gasoline Tree

The reader who is far from the Amazon Rain Forest region, restricting himself to read

this drab attempt to photograph Amazon reality and transfer it to the book, will be astonished with such revelations. The only purpose and intention of the author is to disclose the truth about Brazilian riches. ltell the story and analyze the data on the possibilities of the Valley, in the future of the world. The vegetable fuel is an evident fact, as

it has been attested to by Brazilian military

personnel who have visited the region to guard the frontiers of the country. The history of

the vegetable fuel is simple and real. ln the interior of the Amazon Rain Forest there is a kind of timber that produces the precious white liquid, the legitimate substitute of kerosene that is usually used. The tree is called the inflammable Louro-inhamui. lt produces vegetable fuel. Depending on the thickness of the tree, it produces only one kind of fuel, generally filling two kerosene cans,

that is around 40 liters, with capacity to generate the liquid in greater or lesser quantity. The tree is around 15 meter tall. I will be more specific in describing this plant: ln the middle of the trunk there is a hollow cylinder that goes up from the foot or base of the tree to the top of the trunk, where the largest branches are. This hollow cylinder contains the fuel called "vegetable kerosene", produced by Nature itself, without interference of the human hand. The Louro-inhamui has its habitat in the municipality of Tefe (state of Amazonas). lt is a natural phenomenon and calls for scientific studies by botanists. The liquid should be analyzed in laboratories in order to find its usefulness for human being. We should not leave aside the utilization of various kinds of fruits capable of producing vegetable fuel, replacing petroleum used in our vehicles and fuel oil used for other purposes. Andiroba is one of these fruits that, in the near future, will be certainly able to replace the mineral fuel. The Palm oil (also known as Dende) is also a true alternative source of energy. Each plant has been served man in different ways: from medical use to the latest industrial technology. lt is time to establish the usefulness of the vegetable fuel as a progress factor in the continuous advance of mankind.

41

The gasoline tree belongs to the Louro-inhamui species, Nectranda Elaiphora, genus,

and to the Laurel family. ln Manaus it is called Louro-nhamui and Louro-mamorim. ln the Negro river it is called Gasoline Stick and Sassafra. They are found in the flooded woods of the Negro, Solim6es, Paran6 do Carreiro and Mau6s rivers, the islands of Negro river and upstream from the mouth of Branco river. lndustrially it is a common practice to bore the trunk of some trees and extract a copious liquid, almost colorless, light, smelling like turpentine, which is an almost pure mixture of alpha and beta pinenes. Sometimes, the natives use this volatile oil to replace kerosene. ln the far inland regions the gasoline of this tree is used in lamps. ln popular medicine the oil is used against tetter manifestations and pediculosis.

The initial survey of this tree indicates that the daily supply in the region can be equivalent to as much as 30,000 barrels of petroleum.

42

43

AM AzoNtA woulD

BELoNG

TO THE ENGLISH AND THE FRENCHIIII 60

50

Two areas of colonization developed in Portuguese America: B raztl, which included the Northeast, Southeast, Middle West and South of the present Brazilian territory; and Maranhao and Grao-Para which included the Northern region and a part of the Northeast of the present-day B razil or, in other words, included B razilia n Am azonia.

So the Portuguese had two colonies: B razil itself, well known and placed in H istory, a nd the Am azon ia, with a very d iff erent h istory, wh ich gave a touch of originality to the colonial history of Amazonia, making the region a unique example of colonization, another Portuguese colony in America, different from the one called Brazil

.

Amazonia only entered the History of Portugal in 1616, more than a century after the Portuguese arrived in Brazil . That was due to purposes clearly different from the ones which led to colonization of the Brazilian East coast. To the Portuguese, Amazonia meant only a military problem, since the Amazon river delta was being held by the English and the Dutch, who were establishing trading posts and small forts rn order to guarantee the economical exploration of the region. And the French established in Cayenne reached Maranhao, where they founded Sao Lufs in 1612. Moreover, the region was an ambiguous possession or, as some people say, " of a questionable dominiofr" , since at the time of the Am azonian conquest, Portugal was u nder the patronage of the Ph ilippine C rown (1 580- 1 640). Unlike Brazil, the region was at first occupied for military reasons without any immediate economic purpose. But later an economy based on gathering the so-called "drugs from the backwoods" started being structured. To give dynamism to this productive activity during the whole process of Amazon colonization the basic labor was indigenous, whose recruiting was in one of three ways: the "descending ", " rescues" and "just wars". These modalities of acquiring indigenous labor generated two types of basic social relationships of production: legally free work and slave work. With the advent of Pombal rule in 1750, indigenous slave labor became extinct by law, and "rescues" and " just wa rs " were f orbidden. Am azon ia was a lso the stage f or serious interna I conf licts motivated by the control of indigenous labor that took the Portuguese Crown, as time went by, to produce a real legislative ring dance in order to satisfy either the missionary settlers or the lay settlers who lived in a climate of permanent battle. The clashes were not only between the clerics and the lay people, but they were also vehement among the missionaries themselves (Jesuits, Franciscans, Carmelites and Merced Arians) which took

to the division of the Amazodan territory into lots ascribed to different religious orders.

45

During the period of 1835 to 1840 the Am azonian region, more precisely Para , Editor's note: after 160 years, witnessed the bloodiest uprise of our history, the Cabanagem, during which the Regent that intention is confirmed Feijo (Diogo Antonio Feijo) met the ambassadors from France, Portugal and England, rhe anthropotosist and who had joined the English Admiralty, and offered to exchange the region for additional hrstorian David Cteary found, in the archives of rhe pubtic troops to invade en masse the state of Para, with the intent to suffocate this uprising . Regent Feijo announced that he intended to gather about 3,000 men in ParA before Records office in London, the April 1836 in order to regain control of Belem and its neighborhood, which were in the /efters exchansed (from tB35 rebels' hands. This group of men would be offered by the French and English ro t B3s) between rhe Governments, both headquartered near the French region of Cayenne, in answer to the Embassies, the Foreisn office and the British Admiratty, call of the colonial Government of Brazil. During his research, talking with intellectuals in Pa16, the author heard this historical confirmins this thesis: the account... including from the Pa16 traditional families Vinagre and Angelim, who had definitive handins over of the Amazon territory to rhe British COnfliCting interests at that time . And more. if we analyze all the information about indigenous wars and uprisings and French crowns against the Portuguese during the colonial period in Amazonia, without considering the wars or conflicts between tribes, we can conclude that, at no moment in its history, the region lived in total peace. Thus the history of European colonization of Amazonia becomes a part of the History of wars and their outcomes: indigenous rebellions, escapes and desertions.

Unsuccessful attempt

to hand over Am azonia

lf Regent Diogo AntOnio Feijos proposition had been accepted, English and French Editor's note:iust imasine foreign troops might have killed Brazilians with the knowledge and approval of the the Amazon Rain Forest Government, and part of Amazonia would have been handed over to the British or the bebnsins now, for instance, French crowns in the nineteenth century. All this would have taken place if the foreigners b Enstand or to France, srnce had accepted the offer of the Brazilian lmperial Government, the Regent Feijo. On December 17 , 1835, the English and French ambassadors, Henry Stephen

the portusuese Crown

Fox considered that resion a for a secret and mititary area, not a scientific or

and Pontois, arrived at the Government headquarters in Rio de Janeiro confidential "interview", summoned by the Regent Feijo, who governed in the name of D. Pedro ll, still a minor. This meeting was to decrde definitely the destiny of Amazonia and suffocate the bloodiest revolt which was taking place in Par5, the Cabanagem. The alliance was not concluded at that time because both the ambassadors went back to their countries to discuss with their superiors the approval of the proposition made by the Regency of the Government of Brazil. The proposal was: as if "by chance", English and French troops would land in Belem do Pa16, that would be placed on the alert "to cooperate" with the Brazilian troops. This collaboration and active participation against the rebels would be "in general interest of

commerciat exptoration one!

".

But Regent Feijo made a safeguard. "the fact that these measures had been taken at the request of the Brazilian Government" would have to be

mankind and civilization omitted...

Thanks to the positions of the English and French ambassadors, the proposition presented by the Regent of Brazilian Government was refused. ln a letter dated of May 9, 1836, the English Foreign Minister Lord Palmerston informed the diplomat in charge of the

in Rio de Janeiro, W. G. Ouseley,that the English Government had considered with great attention "the suggestion" made by the Regent Feijo but it didn't feel "at ease" to satisfy those wishes because it would be "in divergence with the general principles" that ruled the conduct of the British Government in relation to foreign countries "to interfere so d irectly in the Brazilia n domestic affa irs " After the refusal from the British Crown and France, a very hard repression was applied by the Portuguese Crown on the revolt that imploded in Belem do Para, resulting in the largest annihilation of rebels ever heard in Brazil. lt is estimated that 30o/o of the 150,000 inhabitants of Amazonia at that time were killed by the imperial troops. But that is another story... Embassy

.

47

FnoM DREAM To

REALITY

tuq

{.'{' .jr,,', retd:?.

n

r "\. 7t9t'ri: rl'

\.,r'.,

Fsr.'

-|}3:t.

Coconut palms of Praia Grande did not mean very much to its inhabitants. When a special program of the University of Para on the Guama river banks was created in 1991 , several experts in some fields of the University got together

to pursue the enrichment of

back yards and human life as a whole. This way they stimulated the partnership among great companies. Mercedes Benz do B razil, today DaimlerChrysler do B razil, put their expectations and believed in those people. lt was a great idea. They promoted what we had always believed: that Amazonia can offer all its biodiversity to the world.

to manufacture head supports for Mercedes Benzvehicles was the way of activating and changing the way of life of Caboclos in Par6, Using the fiber from the coconut husk

these people so privileged by Nature and by God.

A laboratory was created in order to study fibers and resins, and it made investments in several projects in three regions of Parit, one of them in Ponta de Pedras, on Marqo lsland.

The participation of Caboclos from Praia Grande in the technological research with

the coconut was fundamental. They changed a lot of things and modified the machines in order to speed up the production. A gear which turns the coconut fiber into something like a rope is really a car wheel axle. ldea of Caboclos. To work with the coconut husk, two factories were mounted in Ponta de Pedras. One of them produces 5,000 head supports per month. lt has seven permanent employees who earn a salary of $250 Reals (around $100.00, in an average quotation from March 2002). All the profit obtained from the sale of the head supports to Mercedes Benz goes to the community of Praia Grande. lt is as if all of them were partners and entrepreneurs in a perfect business communion. All of them come from the region and gain from their own efforts. They plant, harvest and produce something unique in our universe of industrial technology,presenting a product better than any other. Nature and the wisdom of the forests surpass in many ways the advances in technology. They hope this factory will grow biggel that it would not remain restricted to just one community and that other communities may participate, too. The right thing to do is to fight for the well-being of all who live in the neighborhood (1994). Caboclos from Marajo have their own greatness. They live in the largest river island in the world. They are part of the largest hydrographic basin in the world and of the largest forest in the world, living on a "big shore" .

ln the 1956 edition of The Amazon Rain Forest in the Future of theWorld, the author mentioned the use of the coconut fiber and of the Amazon Palm tree in

industry. Thanks to a great idea that Mercedes Benz do Brasil had in 1992, the dream of a brave Brazilidh, "who became absorbed in its most fascinating and mysterious region: The Amazon Rain Forest" became reality in words of the Academician Menotti Del Picchia in his preface to this book

49

w

-r{ T

th

-tF H

nr'l

tli* ti

P'r x:.r

q

d tq,-.

!!!t-;'::-\l--:

:\e,

{h *, ,.t

_-]-

\'

'-\{ -{=-\ -

.1.

1.3 I

..

_-_!

. l'--a -)S-\ '

l+

*u" i:) n'l q* ,t-fr t'l

,,,.' i'!$h]'

:

.:lti: '

,

I

fl;")t,$$1$#

ttr.le .o\m#,ff:ttlf"t

: i+,1 trhfLb{r[""ttnr:rn {}"x'

;.ii'i iq: [rus{*f.tilc"rr: {

: ,i :

t.i

.vi L$

[*m rm

-rir-:*ff'#niil, r, i.i ii : :,

i:IrI"o;*l"

i.1..,;' \,/rdhn:["t

i:,i

t':]-\J*t"

r'] {'::t*'

[t

*\r*i's;

{},{

wliXil

{-b

i.{

r

h* *

Thm g: ["]t,tti*ls

ft^[i]f'! uviSFneC

iillir: f$g' $tln"ng: ,ffi tT#b$ wiIt hu r#vffinlt:d

..,',:i-\f'l{.*

:.i.i i;hmsm whq'-\ 't*r$n{q ffif' :.,-: i ri

jr;;i

1'1

i6

\,r\dfl

th

$)rsr}l isI

n'rfi

'i :, i]$rd Uf.#ilt r$lscqlveri*s"

j

i"l (":j

i i"'

ij l' il ll il :;

LroNtDE PnlructPE

1---

W

l,*,$

i$*$

,t .i::

*"+ ;

t_{r


:.o

s.

2

v

?.

-:

* q.'

..*^

Ln' 1.

1

4*;

(.'{'

rf

tt'\

;

t- t $$ t. ',,

i:

-/

T-

a

-?' )

T,

a :;/ //

;{

,, r..j'

r:-

tr l-_

i

'',i;J'

- .qi.-'r

F

\d #d

?

-D'

e€:

,.lf J, -ll fir,

7

+

f' g l.

-f,

.i'

s{

i f(

tl

t

.tri

'l

_-,

1

\\,

\--

;

/ \

4ri

,...r,

''\f,t

: \'t:#

!}

fi.

.fl ..ta

a,

y

q'Fir

'a

'r.

$Ir l r{

:,fr

s

:'.1

-4'r."\ #:'{tr

K

EO.

S;s

r\Fil'

4

,9"

.

.

-.:-'r!!Z-!." --

'.'/,:.

?+F

lo*'"r\ rr' ,i

'y-i\.

I

I

i

I

'\

t.

..

)5

\.\>

\'-t a''

I I

tr

-! i,',1 R s11

lL-

IrErrrrrnrllls' i'rLr u..lll ril

I

lJ ttf .IJJ:

...1-,

Lt).-

===i===t

-,-r

E?' it

---E-'.Er-__rI

\ -l I

ET tl tf t$ ItTI ET

F-,

.I

zi*),

I

t

Irt rt E r{r i,r Fl

"ln future, transport and recreation along the rivers of the Amazon basin will trans-

form into

sources

of wealth and labor through journeys and promotion of interna-

tional tourism and fishing in the region, showing to the world the wonders of the Amazon Rain Forest..."

"ln a near future, we willsee large international transatlantic steamers transiting along the Amazon river; showing this unique and rare beauty, displaying to our the natural pictures painted by Mother Nature."

AntOnio Espirito Santo r9o5-r986

eyes

i L

t

t

We are talking about the power a given nation has, regardless of its own will. ln this sense, Brazil is a privileged country because it has all the qualities to exert this power: water, its biodiversity, its forest potential, its multiracial face, the Sun, its diversified lands and sc many other qualities we could enumerate.

The book The Amazon Rain Forest in the Future of the World aims at expanding tha: " magic moment. " lt aims at enlightening the world public opinion that, when referring tc Am azonia, it should focus the third millennium and forgetting the fantasies or frustrations inherited from the past, like those of "Eldorado" or of the "Earthly Paradise"; memories of tl-e failure of the experiences in Fordland and Belterra (projects implanted in the Am azonian regio. in the mid 50s and 60s), the myths of human emptiness, of the "lung of the world", the lack c' institutional ability of state, that civil society is complacent and unproductive and that the area has to remain untouched for "the good of humanity"; duty to rise to decent standards, simila. to those existing in rich areas of the planet, the lives of nearly twenty million people in a strip c' land of extraordin ary human diversity that, in Brazilian Am azonia, extends itself from native tribes to descendants of Portuguese, Spanish, Af rican, Jewish, Brazilian Northeasterners, Syria r-Lebanese, English, French, North-American, Japanese immigrants and, recently, to considerable crowds of Brazilians from the South, who are taking possession of the border and of the Southern hinterland of the Am azon Rain Forest. Birth of conscience that would lead to a genuine development strategy, the outlines o' which already allow us to catch a glimpse of an immense region at the threshold of a solid anc thriving economy, above all with a fair society, in a habitat ecologically correct. The book aims also at disclosing this project to the society living in Am azonia, showing tha: it is remarkably ethical in its essence. We intend to explain that the option adopted by the international media of spreading, not what is being done rightly and properly in the Tropics, bL.: the signs of aggression or unsustainability that still exists, not necessarily, however, in the Braztl aterritory. The sustainability of the region will bring benefits to the rest of the world only when a other countries have eliminated the pollution caused by the greenhouse effect (the globa warming) and other correlative effects. We also reject categorically any suggestion related to maintaining two worlds: one developed according to the traditional economic standards and the other never surpassing it, continuing emergent or less than emergent according to moderrecological canons. Ecology is

a necessary condition for progress but it is not enough, since the economic

sustainability depends also on technology, as well as on an active and, above all, fair foreign trade.

Habitat and inhabitants make up the two sides of the same coin, with which " Pax Am azonica " is being conquered. The valorization of the natural resources of this region necessarily brings about the valorization of its human resources And the Brazilian potential to carry out an effective and public policy has already been demonstrated during the past years. Brazll is developing an accomplished model of clean development, besides elaborating a project of forest saver, free from false ecological ideologies. Am azonia must be preserved for Brazilians and for those who look for the balance of social justice.

,ilLrr,'

|il:4it,rtililrlr

'

Itl'[

i:rriiri

r:'il{

l!'

dllrllr

'i'i

't'ili''"-rrrfl

'ilii'

irrrl'

l:il il

ddul

"':li'

rlilf .

.

-,.. r.,.n.

.,.

.,,r,il,ril,ril,.

',lir,r

.

|

'|riilyi|r'ii

il

irl't,lir rr.r,r:ii'ii

_,r l'lll

"t-rrn

iri

" '

r'.

..'

.

,!l

r'l

lr-'lc

['#fr

-

'-t

i

*

ig

The Am azon Rain Forest The Amazon Rain Forest is the largest forest body in the planet. lt goes beyond politrca borders of countries; it occupies the basins of the Orinoco and of the Amazon rivers itself. W:its tributaries, it goes through and invades the territories of Guiana, Suriname and French Guiana reach

ing the

Atla

ntic;

it

passes by

the Am azon delta a nd covers

pa

rt of the

Northeaste. -

Maranhao state. To the south, it invades the plateau and Cerrado (a woods composed of stuntec

twisted trees) in the form of gallery woods (woods on the waterside). To the west, it stretches as far as the foothills of the Andes, in Bolivian, Peruvian, Ecuadorian and Colombian lands lt is s: vast that it reaches as far as Central America (with different characteristics from the Brazt|a' Amazonia, though) and can be found even in the south of Mexico. The area covered by t'^3 Amazon Rain Forest is of 2,700,000 square miles (more than 6,000,000 square kilometers) The Brazilian portion is calculated in 3,500,000 square kilometers, representing more tha-

half

of the forest and 42 percent of the Brazilian terrrtory.

Amazonia has outstandrr-: characteristics that make such a vastness sustainable. Most remarkable are the extraordina'., continurty of the woods and the magnitude of its rivers. In spite of its vastness, it shows lrtt: diversity in ecosystems, even if we analyze various areas and altitudes. Something that ca s attention is the sameness found in Am azonian lands, always with tall and dense forests, man, rivers and animals.

The geographic position of Amazonia (in the equatorial region) results in a very stror-: deposition of solar energy followed by an almost permanent supply of damp masses of a without cold or dry seasons and without a very large thermal variation. These are tl^e characteristics that make possible the appearance of such an immense green mass. ln ti^ e periphery of the forest, more precisely in the states of Rondonia and Acre, there is :'^= phenomenon of the "cold spell. " This phenomenon consists of the entrance of the tropical air mass from the Atlantic in

:l

Amazonia during the winter in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing about a small decrease '^ temperature. Amazonia receives generally immense precipitation of water, from 1,600 to 3,60C mm a year, except in the fields of Boa Vista, in Roraima. The temperatures oscillate between

2,1

and 27oC.

When you speak of Amazonia, something that calls attention is the contrast of colors, the faund, the flora and the contrast in the color of the rivers. The white rivers are those carryrng a great amount of thin sediment like clay and silt dragging,at the same time, sanc

in their beds.

The black rivers, in their turn, originate and run between firm lands, with many forests reaching their banks. That is why very small quantity of sediment is carried by their waters, where there is only organic matter in decomposition, mostly from the forest burlap (a layer of leaves and animal remains f rom the forest ground). Although transporting little mixed sediment in their waters, they carry a little sand in their beds and that is why sometimes there is formation of sandbanks in their course.

There are also rivers with greenish water like lower Tapajos. These rivers almost always come

from far away, mostly from the areas between the Cerrados and the first evidence of woods. The "white" rivers have a larger quantity of fish and their meadows are richer because they contain a larger quantity of sediment. ln scientific terms, lgarape (igara means a canoe excavated in the trunk of one tree; pe means *uy) means an Am azonian watercourse of first or second order, a prim ary tributary of small, medium and large rivers, with a mouth that performs the role of an entrance to the woods. That is why to this day the lgarape is used as a path by the local inhabitants A typical lgarape is the one that runs smoothly through a tunnel of woods almost lnextricable, with Palm trees aligned on their banks, between small cliffs and the wilderness of the forest. Because they run almost in the interior of the woods, most of them have dark waters, carrying in their waters little rocky sed iments a nd a lmost on ly orga n ic matter in suspension lgapo is a flooded stretch of woods, or a swamp covered by vegetation. lgapos are originated from the river and lgarape overflowing, leaving the water stagnant for a while. This water flows off through holes similar to the outlets of the marshy region. With all these characteristics, Amazonia harbors a large number of species of both animals and plants that have n ot yet bee n stu d ied As can be seen easily, all the life of this ecosystem revolves around water. Few areas are not directly affected by overflowing; these areas are called dry land or terra firma. And it is in these woods that the tallest trees are found, many of them reaching more than 50 meters tall. ln the woods liable to flooding, it is very common to find trees with tabular roots, as they support the plant in the soil more firmly lnteresting things are found in these woods, like seeds that float, carried by the water and germinate in other places, f ar away from the mother plant. The trees of these woods can have a large part of their trunks submerged in water for months. Amazonia is an intricate ecosystem, harboring a wealth of invaluable fauna and flora, and if it is used in the right way, it can bring about unimaginable progress to human berngs. But the vastness hides the fragility of this live mass before a single species. Unfortunately, the Am azon Rain Forest is one more ecosystem that has been suffering at the hands of disrespectful and greedy men. The yearly Amazonia deforestation increased 34 percent from 1992 to 1994', from a little more than 11,000 square kilometers in 1991 , it has already gone beyond 14,800 square kilometers, according to data from the government itself. ln the region, the agncultural activity continues in a non-sustainable and irrational form, and the lumber extraction tends to increase as the Asian supplies run out. A report from the Department of Strategic Affairs attached to the President of Brazil points out that 80 percent of the lumber production in Amazonia are results of illegal exploitation. Dozens of foreign lumber factories operate in the region with little or no inspectron over the productron or over the area explored. These data show the lack of control of the authorities ln the region. The worst of it is that the waste of lumber is around 60 or 70 percent. Another aggravating factor is that the government is developing infrastructure megaprojects for Amazonia that are provoking environmental degradation without bringing any benefits to the local inhabitants Although Braztl has one of the most modern environmental leqislation in the world, it has not been sufficient to prevent the forest devastation. .

.

170

The most serious problems are the insufficiency of personnel devoted to inspection; the obstacles in checking vast areas of difficult access; the poor management of the protected areas; and the lack of involvement of the local population. These problems will be solved only when there is a correct articulation of political, economic, social and environmental factors. More than 12 percent of the original area of the Amazon Rain Forest has already been destroyed due to inadequate government policies; to unsuitable models of occupation of land; to economic pressure which brought disorganized settlement; and to the unsustainable use of natural resources. Many immigrants were encouraged to settle down in the region, and there they applied agricultural methods unsuitable to Am azonia. The intensification of occupation of Am azonian region started in the 40s, when the government started to encourage the implementation of farming and cattle raising projects in

the area, by means of fiscal and tax incentives. Queimadas (clearing of land by burning) and deforestation have become constant. By late 90s more th an 41 5,000 square kilometers had been deforested The burned area was 2.5 times larger. ln some localities, like Porto Velho (state of Rondonia), the airports were sometimes closed because

of the smoke from the burning lands. Flooding for implementation of Hydroelectric stations has been another way of destructron. The Hydroelectric at Balbina, north of Manaus, is an example. Too low ratio between the power installed and the flooded area became an example of economic and ecological impracticability in the whole world. Mining activity has also had serious envtronmental consequences, such as the sorl erosion and mercury contamination of the river, Brazilian and international non-governmental organizalions, such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF), are developing several projects as, for instance, the formulation of models for the sustainable handling of tropical lumber and for the community based ecotourism in the region.

The ecosystem is frail. The forest lives on its own organic material. The environment is damp and rain is abundant. Any recklessness can cause irreversible damages to its delicate balance. More than one third of the species existing in the planet live and breed in Am azonia. The Amazon basin is the largest hydrographic basin in the world, and the Amazon river crosses the region to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean, discharging in the sea about 175 million liters of water per second. This amount corresponds to 20 percent of the discharge of all the rivers on Earth put together! And it is in these waters that we find one of the largest scaled fishes of Braztl: Pirarucu, which can reach up to 2.5 meters. All indicative figures of this biome are huge. The local fauna gives a good idea of the exuberance of the forest. Of the 100,000 species of plants known in the entire Latin America, 30,000 are in Amazonia. The diversity of plant species recurs in the regional fauna. lnsects, for instance, are present in all the forest strata. Reptiles, amphibians and animals able to climb up steep places like squirrels, explore the low and middle levels. The highest places are occupied by humming-birds, macaws, parrots and parakeets in search of fruit, sprouts and nuts. Toucans, that fly short distances, explore the tall trees. The intermediate level is inhabited by guans, hawks, owls and hundreds of small birds. Turtles, agoutis, pacas, tapirs, etc live on terrestrial level. Mammals eat food typical of each season, like fruit fallen from the trees These animals, in turn, are food for large felines and big snakes.

121

One of the measures taken by the government to protect the forest was a2year moratorium,

starting in 1996, for the concession of new grants for the extraction of Mahogany and Virola. Since deforestation of Tropical forests represents a constant threat to the wholeness of hundreds of native

cultures, such measures are very important. In the case of Virola, the projects prio rilizing its adequate maintenance or handling are fundamental. The species that came to hold the second place in commercial value, as Brazilian lumber for export, are virtually not explored anymore, due

to the depletion of the genus in the native forests. Mahogany, however, well-adapted to natural conditions, does not renew when subjected to the practice of selective extraction. lts plantation has become exceedingly difficult due to its vulnerability to natural diseases.

The preservation of Amazonia is very important. But the region is also the land of the lndians, rubber-tappers, riparians and farmers who live on its natural resources and have the right to enjoy them through controlled extraction. Long term development will occur only when there is a careful management of these resources, avoiding excessive exploration. The Vastness of Amazonia will provide us the safety we need so much The vastness of Am azonia reflects the wisdom of Nature. More than half the size of Europe, Amazonia hides in her belly innumerable traps from which only her own alert people manages to escape. They do much more: knowing them well, they make the most of what these traps offer. Our risks are small there, because the region rebuffs those who do not know it. lts people have immense wisdom of life that reflects in daily life. Time has come for us to learn to utilize this, promote its sustainable exploration and discover the course to preserve the plant and animal life. The humanity can no longer continue as a predator of Nature, it is necessary to learn to respect it and live well with it. C ultivate and exploit Nature appropriately is an important factor in the integration of people lt is time to demonstrate that Nature of Amazonia, although very useful for commercial p u rposes, lies a bove it. A culture that promotes an authentic development in Am azonia, unsteady steps of which already allow us to glimpse at this immense region, at the threshold of a harmonious and prosperous economy, in a fair society living in a habitat ecologically correct. ln no other part of the world we find this same set of fortunate conditions. The person who demonstrates the feasibility of a great civilization in Am azonta in an interrelated way, taking into consideratron the social and economic needs as well as the environment and sustained development, will deservedly become a celebrity.

The State of Am azonas in 2002 Situated in the heart of the Amazon Rain Forest, center of the northern Brazilian region, the state of Amazenas has an area of 1,577,820 square kilometers (604,036 square miles) and rs bounded to the north by Venezuela and the Brazilian state of Roraima; to the northwest by Colombia; to the east by the Brazilian state of Para; to southeast by the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso; to the south by the Brazilian state of RondOnia; and to southwest by Peru and the Brazilian state of Acre. Amazonas is the largest state of Brazil, occupying more than 1B percent

of the area of the country and its territory spreads on the Guianas plateau (to the north - Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana) and on the slopes of the Brazilian plateau (to the south). Thinly populated, Amazonas has 2 inhabitants per square kilometer and a population of 2,389,279 inhabitants, 71.4 percent of which live in urban areas and28.6 percent live in the rural zone. Young people up to 14 years old represent 43.8 percent of the total population; people from 15 to 59 years, 52 percent; people more than 60 years old represent 4.2 percent of the population in the state. Women are 49.6 of the population and men, 50.4. The name "Amazonas" comes from the indigenous word amassunu, meaning "noise of waten resounding water." lt was first given to the river that runs along the state by the Spanish captain Francisco Orellana who, during a voyage down the river, met a tribe of bellicose lndian

women with whom he fought. Associating them to the Amazons of Greek mythology, he gave them the same name.

Historical Background The Treaty of Tordesillas, agreement signed between Spain anC Portugal in 1494, established that the Amazonian region belonged to Spain. Since the beginning of the seventeenth century, however, it became the aim of Portuguese explorers. ln 1750, the Treaty of Madrid put an end to the dispute between Spain and Portugal,giving to the latter definitive possession of the region. In 1850, Am azonas was given autonomy by D. Pedro ll, becoming the province of Am azonas. In the beginning of the twentieth century, rubber trade brought prosperity to Amazonian region. The subsequent economic decline, due to intensive cultivation of that product in the English and Dutch colonies in the Orient, mainly in Malaysia, was the reason why the state cf Amazonas went through a period of economic stagnation ln 1950, howevel it started to gradually forge ahead again, thanks to the incentives from the Federal Government, This process culminated in the creation of the duty-free zone in Manaus in 1967, initiating the industrializalion in Am azonian region. The governor of the state of Amazonas is elected for a penod of four years. The state legislative assembly is made up of 24 members and the representation in the National Congress includes three senators and eight members of the Lower Chamber.

Manaus The capital of the state is the city of Manaus, located on the banks of Negro river, with 1,157,357 inhabitants. Today an important industrial park of electrical and electronic material, Manaus had a boom in development starting in 1967, when the Federal Government created the free trade and industry zone in the area. Since then the

capital

of the state of

Am azonas has been undergoing

great changes, which are

reflected in all the aspects of life of the local inhabitants. ln the beginning of the twentieth century, the city of Manaus lived in remarkable opulence, constituting an important cultural center. Planning to build a town in the European-style, the former rubber lords made it known as "Paris of the Tropics." The local architecture expressed the extravagance and pomp its inhabitants boasted. A reflex of that period is found in some architectural monuments in Manaus, like the Amazonas Theater inaugurated in 1896 and declared as a national heritage in 1965. lt was built in eclectic

and neoclassic styles, with material and artists brought from Europe, and its central aisle in the shape of a harp seats 640 people. In the town there are also buildings featuring British engineering like the floating dam at the harbor, the neighboring buildings and the Palace of Justice featuring French architecture Many of the buildings in the town were affected by the art nouveau style, like the municipal market. One of the most visited tourist attractions in Manaus is the shore of Ponta Negra, situated on the banks of Negro river, 13 km (B miles) away from downtown Manaus. At the ebb tide, sands forge ahead on its bed, forming a pretty contrast with the dark water. The city of Manaus displays also the grove that is part of the National lnstitute for Amazonian Research (INPA) where there is a botanical garden, rich in species of flora of the Am azonian region, besides a zodogical garden with several animal species that are in extinction. Museums are also important in Manaus, providing information about the forest inhabitant, his history and lifestyle. Among the principal museums are the lndian Museum, with a great collection of objects from the lndian nations of high Negro river; the Am azonia Natural Sciences Museum, displaying a great variety of insects and embalmed animals; the Northern Man Museum with objects displaying the way of life of the local inhabitant, his habits and culture; and the Harbor Museum, with historical collection of documents, drawings and tools belonging to the English who built the harbor in 1904. All of them are outstanding.

Economy The economy of the state of

Am azonas is, above all, an extractive economy:

rnining, industry and fishing. The major agricultural products cultrvated in the state include cranges, cassava, rice and bananas. Limestohe, gypsum and tin stand out among the existing minerals. lndustrial production received a significant impetus in 1967, when the

free trade and industrial zone of Manaus was created, aiming at promoting development of the region.

Manufacture of electrical and communication equipment, mining and m eta Iu rg ica I ind ustries, ma n ufactu re of watches, food a nd beverage ind ustries sta nd out among the products of the State industrial park. I

Fishing is one of the main economic activities of the Am azonian region and provides their staple food. There are several species of fish in the many regional rivers, among which Tucun are, Annazonian Dourado, Gamitana and Pescada (a common type of fish) stand out. Piranhas, whose

rneat is much appreciated by fisherme n, are present in almost all Am azonta rivers. They are, however, seldom found in large quantity enough to provoke the danger often imputed to them. Pirarucu, one of the largest fresh water fish in the world is abundant in the Am azonian rivers. lt sometimes is 2.50 m long and weighs as much as 150 kg; its scales are used as sand paper and its meat is much appreciated by the local inhabitants. Being too easy to catch, Manatee, one of the most exotic species in Am azonia, is in extinction. This mammal can be as long as three meters and weighs 400 kg.

Geographical aspects The topographic relief of the state of Am azonas shows three levels of altitude - igapos, varzeas (meadows) and low plateaus or terra firma (dry land) - defined

by the volume of water in the rivers, depending on the rain. lgapos are areas permanently flooded, with a vegetation accustomed to have their roots always under water Varzeas or meadows are on higher lands and are inundated only during the annual flood. The Rubber tree is an example of the type of trees that exist in this area. The low plateaus or terra firma are situated on higher lands where high tide of the rivers does not reach. The highest point in Brazrl is located in the Northern region of the state, Neblina Peak, 3,014 meters (9,888 feet) tall, on the lmeri mountain near Ven ezuela. The equatorial line crosses the state. The equatorial climate predomrnates, ch aracte rized by average temperatures between 24" and 26 "C (77 oF) and abundant rain around the year. Flora and Fauna - The typical vegetation of the state is the equatorial forest, divided rnto three types: forests of dry Iand (terra firma), forests of igapos and varzea regrons (meadows) On the woods of dry land, the legitimate Amazonian timber from tall trees is found. ln some places the crowns of the trees are so large that they block the passage of up to 95 percent of sunlight, making the lnterror of the forest dark, badly ventilated and damp. Braztl nuts, rubber trees, Guarana and timbo (a vine that lndians use for poisoning the fish) are amonq the principal species of the regional vegetation. The forests of igapos cover the lowlands, near the rivers, where the ground is flooded throughout the year. During the floods, water inundates the river banks, forges ahead through the forest and almost reach the crowns of the trees, forming the igapos. When these phenomena take place in the small streams and tributaries, they are called igarapes. The trees found in this type of forest can reach 20 meters tall, but is more common to find trees from two to three meters tall, with low and dense ramification which hampers the entry. Their most remarkable species is Victoria Regia, known as "queen of the lakes". The Victoria Regia leaves can measure 1.80 meters in diameter. Their rims are raised and thorny to avoid the destructive action of fish and the roots are fixed at the bottom of the river; forming a bulb with a fibrous string covered with thorns. The flower also blooms protected by thorns and eventually changes color from white to pink Victoria Regia bulb is much apprecrated by the Indians and its seeds are similar to corn. Victoria Regia disappears in the dry season and its seeds germinate again during the annual flood. The varzea regions are between the dry land and the igapos, varying according to the closeness to the river. There, it is possible to find tall trees like Rubber, Palm and Jatobas. The Amazon Rain Forest is composed of a great profusion of medicinal herbs, edible, oleaginous and dye plants, many of which have not yet been investigated in detail. Their properties are being studied in laboratories lt is believed that 25 percent of all the pharmaceutical essences used nowadays in medicine are extracted from Tropical forests Amazonian flora is quite diversified and has as its main habitat the forests of the igapos and dry land. The best known species of medicinal herbs extracted from Amazonia are: GuaranS, that has invigorating, rejuvenating and aphrodisiac properties and acts as a heart tonic, activating the cerebral functions and the peripheral circulation; Copalba, containing an oil that reduces inflammations and accelerates the healing process, used in cases of ulcer and pharyngitis; and Urucum, with seeds that have properties of increasing fat pigmentation turning skin resistant and

12s

wrth a natural reddish color Urucum contains beta-carotene (vitamin A) and can either

be

swallowed in capsules or used in cooking as a natural dye. The Am azonian region fauna is also rich and diverse, including felines, rodents, birds, chelonians and primates Some species are in danger of extinction and are being protected by special governmental agencies in order to guarantee their survival. This is the case of the white

ouakari monkey and of the small marmoset, nowadays found only in the outskirts of Manaus.

Hydrography

The Amazon basin covers 3,889 ,489.6 square kilometers, constituting one frfth of the total flowing fresh water in the planet. lts rivers keep up with the seasonal rainfall and

form virtually the only means of transportation for the local inhabitants. There are more than 20,000 km of navigable waterways connecting remote communrties. Amazon is the second longest river in the planet and the largest one in terms of water discharge (100,000 cubic meters per second). lt originates at La Raya in Peru, where it is called Vilcanota; its name changes to SolimOes when it enters Brazil. At the junction with Negro river, near Manaus, its name changes to Amazon. 3,600 of its 6,868 km are in Braztlian territory and it runs at a speed is 2.5 km/hour, carrying in its bed tons of sediment from the soil on its banks that makes it yellowish. lts width varies from 4 to 5 km and almost reaches 10 km in some places. The average depth of Amazon river is between 40

and 50 meters. Among its more than seven thousand tributaries, some stand out: Madeira (more than 3,200 km long), Xingu and Tapajos on the right bank; Negro, Trombetas and Jari on the left.

Meeting of waters At about 10 km from Manaus, the muddy waters of Solim6es are joined by the dark waters of Negro river, flowing side by side, without blending for almost 6 km and then forming the Amazon river, which empties into the Atlantic. This meeting of waters is a

phenomenon that attracts tourist attention and is due to the differences in density, temperature and speeds of the waters of the two rivers.

Pororoca is a tidal phenomenon that occurs when the currents of the ocean tide meets the current of the river water; characterized by a roaring wave at the mouth of Amazon river, where the tidal waves are high and turbulent.

Anavilhanas Situated on Negro

river, the archipelago

of Anavilhanas is constituted by

400 islands which harbor a complex Amazonian ecosystem. The region is protected by a federal law that created the Ecologlcal Station of Anavilhanas, with an area of 350,000 hectares. During the annual flood of Negro river, half of the islands are underwater and the animals have to take shelter on higher land. When waters start lowering, the islands display the shores and the streams that crisscross the entire region like a net over a stretch of about 90 km. The Anavilhanas region is near the National Park of J au, the largest forest reserve in South America, covering 2.27 million hectares, also on the banks of Negro river. Ecological Parks In the entire state of Amazonas there are several national ecological parks, among which Neblina Peak Park stands out with its mountain range that occupies 2.2

million hectares. The Janauary Ecological Park is near Manaus, on Negro river region, with an area of 9,000 hectares. It is comprised of dry land, igapos and varzea (meadows) woods where tourists can go about in canoes, appreciating the typical vegetation of igarapes. lt has also a lake with a lot of Victorias Regias which can be admired from a rustic footbridge built for that end. The Janauari Park is administered by a tourist consortium formed by private business enterprises authorized by the State government.

Ecological tourism lt is the great attraction in the travel itinerary in Am azonia, providing the tourists with opportunity of knowing and learning about the tropical forest and its inhabitants. lts main purpose is to promote man and Nature interaction and valorizalion of the rich biological diversity of the region. The ecological tourism programs in the state include travels by boat, overnight stays in jungle hotels and trips in the forest. These trips may last hours or days, depending on the visitor's interest and time available. The programs are always carried out in the company of guides trained in survival in the jungle through professional courses administered by the Brazilian Army.

Amazonia Vigilance

Jungle hotels - The state of Amazonas was the pioneer in this type of accommodation. Known also as lodges, the jungle hotels are built on river banks right in the middle of the jungle, floating on the still waters of an Am azonian lake. Here, the visitors can feel as part of the Nature constituting the forest universe. The jungle hotels are classified according to the level of integration with the environment and also according to the comfort they offer to the guests. There are lodges with complete inf rastructure and others more rustic. The Aria u Jungle Tower and the Acajatuba Jungle Lodge, 60 km from Manaus; the Amazen Village and the Amazon Lodge, respectively 70 and B0 km away from Manaus; and the Salvador La ke, 1 B km f rom Ma na us, a re some of the ju ng le hotels pref erred by the tou rists in

System (SIVAM), the

Am azon ia.

Editor's note: The conclusion

of the

implementation of which is scheduled

for the first

semesfer of 2003, will

show the feasibility of Amazonian region as the future of the world. lts permanent vigi lance wi I I allow a better control

of

fhe access to this immense region favored by Nature. Every Brazilian will be

The inhabitant

of the state of

Am azonas

is, no doubt, responsible for

the the jungle,

environmental preservation in the region. He lives in perfect harmony with rationally using Nature for his support. Because of that, the state of Am azonas has, up to now, the lowest rate of human interference with the native forest The vast vegetation covering the state may be appreciated by those who travel by its rivers or fly for hours over the region without noticing any change in the green scenery. The need to promote development wh ile preserving the environ ment made the State Government to encourage actively ecotourism, on important generator of jobs and reven ue as well as a tool to arouse conscience on the need for environmenta p rotect io n I

.

proud of owning this enormous forest, so rtch because

of

its

biodiversity and high

potential that it offers.

The main door for the Amazonian region, a direct access to the world, is the modern lnternational Airport of Manaus (lnternational Airport Brigadier Eduardo Gomes), which is as worthy as any other first class airport. lt is qualified to properly receive the tourists from the most developed countries in the world.

What is biodiversity The use of the term biodiversity dates from 1986. lt is the biological diversity existing

among the living beings animals, plants and microorganisms. The lack of scientific knowledge about the existing species and the risk of extinction in consequence of population groMh, deforestation, forest fires and pollution, among other factors, are a great concern for mankind. The arguments for protection of biodiversity in our planet are of aesthetical, ethical and economic order. Regarding the economic factot it is estimated that services related to the environment are one of the fastest developing sectors in the economic panorama of the world. There is a need to create sustainable alternatives to utilization of Nature and one of them is ecotourism. Everyone can do something to help in the preservation of biodiversity, for example, changing one's consuming habits, not wasting and not acquiring products manufactured in a way that causes environmental degradation. The real potential of the industry of genetic transformation is not known with certainty. lt is only known that this activity already handles billions of dollars and can be of vital significance, so that tropical countries like Brazil and others with a great biological diversity get the needed resources to defeat poverty in which their inhabitants live. This possibility, however, will depend on the potential these countries have in changing the rate of destruction of species and on changing the present international relations. Until now, biodiversity has been freely used by the developed countries, without any significant benefit being offered as a compensation for this free access. It is not only the possibility of collecting elements from Tropical flora and fauna that has been bringing benef it to the North American and European laboratories. The appropriation of the knowledge from the local population about useful products of natural ecosystems is also taking place without any respect for the rights of these people. It is estimated that 75o/o of the drugs originating from plants now being used in the world, creating a market that handles about $+gbillion, were discovered through instructions of traditional population. We have the control of the world production of basic and valuable strategic raw materials. Most of this unmeasurable wealth originates from Brazil, mainly from AMAZONIA. We are not taking into account in this argument the well known fact already exploited by foreigners that: "the end of the hydrocarbon era is near and it will give place to the biomass era, which should be known as the Biotechnology century, with GENES as the main resources. The largest GENETIC BANK lN THE PLANET is situated in Amazonia".

129

s-" F t" lif

i

Extremely Rich Fauna and Flora

of the

Pole of the spices - Like the cycle of drugs in the backwoods during the Portuguese colonra period, the creation of this pole would allowthe production,again, of some of the tropical spices, sucn

publication of the first

as Black Pepper; Clove, Cinnamon, Anil, roots, medicinal herbs, Annatto (Urucum), Vanilla, Nutmeg,

ln 1954, on the occasion

edition of this book, the

Puxuri, Cumin, Sesame, Ginger; Coriandel Saffron and still other native and exotic tropical species

author recorded the

Pole of aromatic essences A flori-xylo-chemical center for the sustained production ci perfumery and cosmetic essential oils, which could be extracted from the different Amazontan vast territory of Brazilian plant species, in order to diversify the production that is presently centralized in the oils o; Amazonia. The present edition (2003) shows Rosewood and Copafba. ln this aspect, the region is extremelywell-endowed and new oils of flora what is really presented as aromatics and wood elements may be explored like: Pepper oil, Puxuri oil, Cinnamon oil, Vetive', "future" and what is really Lemon Grass, Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Peppermint, Patchouly, Eucalyptus, Cabre0va, Aniba, Balsar-r^ present, at the disposal of and other varieties of aromatic roots and resins. Maximum encouragement should be offered tc fhose who wish the conversion and verticalization of forest resources into products of a high aggregated value, suci^ as essential oils (16 tons of unfinished wood produce 180 kilograms of essential oil), to provide a survival of the human larger social and economic sustainability for the population of the interior. race. Here we describe riches contained

in the

the main developing poles, their location, readiness to supply and

change

of

the good

its wealth for

of humanity.

This is the evidence

of our

natural potential and of the biodiversity. Brazil has everything to be changed

into the greatest bioeconomic power

Pole of oil production - Dend€, Cocoinut, Babassu, Andiroba and Pataua are some of the plants of the Palm family intensely cultivated in the Malaysian and lndonesian tropical agricultura model. Malaysia and lndonesia have become the largest Dend! and Coconut oil producers in the

world, with a production of over five million tons/year. The technology and the experience are already there; the problem is to develop clones and varieties productive and resistant to pests, with the predominance of small farms and family production units (FELDA System). Eight millrobarrels/day of Palm oil can be produced in order to substitute fuel oil. Today, the state of Para rs the pioneer in this culture through Agropalma, Er entity which has just set up the first Dende oil refinery in the country.

of

this millennium. This is

our unexplored treasure.

of rubber cultivation - Tried time and time again through the Program ETA-54 anc l, ll and lll, all of which failed due to ulei micro cycle pest and the decay disease, which

Pole Probor

destroyed the Rubber plantations during the 70s, this failure was a tragedy for Amazonia anc brought shame to National science and technology. More than one billion dollars were spent anc it was not possible to create clones resistant to pests and these decimated the investments, causing huge damages and a great disappointment.

It is necessary,however, to mention that Malaysia, lndonesia, Thailand, Chihd, Sri Lanka and Philippines produce today about 5 million tons of Rubber, market value of which, in the international market, surpasses 5 billion US Dollars. Small properties and family production units (FELDA System) predominate. Today Rubber is being grown successfully in the states of Sao Paulo, Mato Grosso and Bahia. lwonder if our present scientific, technological and agronomic competence could retrieve a new successful program and create escape zones and resistant clones while success and future

of biotechnology are being proclaimed.

131

Pole

of lndustrialization of Rubber - While this

does not happen, the fifteen thousand

tons of wild Rubber could be industrially improved and processed in Amazonia, to make bicycle and motorcycle tires in the industrial pole of Manaus, for the production of components and for the manufacture of galoshes, hoses, catheters, surgical gloves, condoms, tissues, tubes, adhesives, sports material, inflatable and chlorinated products by the latex industry.

Biotechnological Pole A center to make pharmacological and medicinal products, taking advantage of the traditional experience and of the potential of many plants and roots like Guinea-Hen Weed , Saracura-mira, Crajiru, Cipo-alho, shaggy Portulaca , Vassourinha, Lemon Grass, lpeca, Carapanauba, Jaborandi and so many other ethno-botanical products. The production of medicrnal herbs will have necessarily to pass through the phase of recognition of the active principles that will demand an extensive biotechnological infrastructure, as well as the need to protect the patent and invention rights, according

to ECO-92 Convention, changing the

present biopiracy into biorights.

Pole of Grain and Soybean Granary - ln some areas of terra firma, Cerrados, fields and degraded lands with level topography like the Pucari fields between Humaita and Labrea, there are great possibilities of cultivating grains such as Rice and Soybean, cultivation of which has already been started by Russian farmers who have settled there.

Many Am azonian states like Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Maranhao and ParA have already started this new agriculture. ln MaranhSo, the area planted with soybean, a highly mechanized cultivation that demands a level topography, has attracted rural enterprises and farmers from Rio Grande do Sul (Gauchos), Parana, Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais, as well as Brazilians of Japanese ancestry (Nisseis and Sanseis). Even Dutch and American farmers from lllinois have already acquired 15 thousand hectares in Serra do Penitente, a 200 thousand hectare plateau in Balsas, the soybean capital in MaranhSo, in order to start the cultivation of this grain. In 1996. 150 thousand hectares of soybean were planted in Maranhao and Tccantins. With the help of the Cerrado Development Program (Prodecer) and of the Japan lnternational Cooperation Agency, about 300 thousand tons were harvested. Also in the south, northeast and southeast of Parl, in the region of Paragominas, Redengao and Santarem, the new soybean cultivation has expanded, the state government having granted total exemption of the ICMS (Merchandise Circulation Tax) in the internal operations of soybean in the grain form. This soybean, delivered through the Carajas Railway, is as competitive as the soybean embarked in Santos (state of Sao Paulo) and Paranagua (state

of

Parana) ports.

The municipality of Santarem is expected to become not only a Soybean producer but also

a harbor to load grain from Mato Grosso through the Tapajos to Teles Pires Waterway and the planned S5o Lu[s Dam, which will allow navigation between the low and the middle Tapajos, at an investment cost of R$ 141 millions. ln western Amazonia, the soybean plantation was intensified ten years ago at the south of Mato Grosso, or the fields of Rondonopolis. During the past years, Soybean has quickly spread to the northwest of the state, to the Parecis plateau, which has become a modern agricultural region with plantation over an area of more than 500 thousand hectares, in the pioneering municipalities and towns of Sapezal, Juina,

132

Campos Novos and Tangar6. ln the state of Amazonas, the experiments on adaptation of Soy began in the region of the Puciari fields, in the municipalities of Humaita and Labrea alreadv served by the primitive Tran Amazonian highway (BR-230) and by the AM-3 19 (Manaus to Porto Velho in the state of Rondonia). These highways are in need of maintenance and asphalt. These fields have about a million hectares of Cerrados, which can be used for cultivation

of

level ground and a high index of agricultural mechanization in order to be feasible. Also in the Eastern part of the state of Roraima there are four million hectares of tilled land just waiting for the arrival of pioneers in Soybean farming. This grain is being shipped through the granary harbor of ltacoatiara, with resources from the state government of Am azonas and Maggi Group of Mato Grosso. Soybean from Mato Grosso is currently being shipped through the Madeira river waterway granary The harbor of ltacoatiara can receive ships with displacement of up to fifty thousand tons at the flood tide, coinciding with the Soybean crop, harvested during the first semester of the year. The use of this waterway and this harbor saves 30o/o in freight compared with the former highway route of 2,500km to get to the crowded harbors of Santos (state of 56o Paulo) and ParanaguS (state of Parana). For Amazonas and Amazonia, Soybean is, then, a new agricultural option for occupation of their Cerrados, tilled lands, fields and degraded lands, without any substantial impact on the forest ecosystem. Rice and Soybean, since they require

a

Pole of Horticulture ln a parallel manner; it is necessary to introduce an agro-industrial project for exotic tropical Amazonian fruits of a great nutrition value and rich taste, such as: Assai, Bacaba (oily and edible fruit from Palm trees) , Cupuassu (plant of the Cacao tree familyl,

Bacuri, Nightshade, Arassa-boi, Piquia, Passion fruit, Banana, Pineapple, Avocado, Papaya, Orange, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Melon, Watermelon, Cherimoya, Biriba (a fruit resembling the Custard Apple), Buriti (Brazilian wine-palm), Tapereba (fruit of a tree of the Cashew familyl, Tamarind, Murici, Uixi, Mari (a leguminous and medicinal plant) , Camu-camu, Acerola, Tucumi, Pupunha and so many other fruits to be commercialized in the form of jelly, compote, juice, preserves and sweets, supplying the worldwide demand for new food products with sophisticated flavor from the big supermarkets. The Amazon Rain Forest will be able to supply the world population for a long period.

Recently, in the state of Par6, Tome-Assu, near Belem and the Bragantina regions, considered by many ecologists a desert region degraded by the colonization at the beginning of the twentieth century, has started the production of a large number of spices, such as Black Pepper through the efforts of the Japanese, in addition to fruits like Passion fruit, Papaya, Cupuassu, Mangosteen, Rambutan, Durian and Acerola (with high vitamin C contents), which became known in France as the Cherry from Pard (despite its

origin in the Antilles). Pole of Floriculture and Ornamental Plants We cannot forget flowers and plants of the Amazon Rain Forest, so praised by the English writer Margaret Mee in her traveler's diary. They show a great potential for commercialization around the whole world, thanks to the biodiversity and exotic Nature of our forest ecosystems. We can mention, just as a reference, the

133

extraordinary beauty

of our Orchids and Bromeliads, today grown at a high cost in

many

countries of the world. As an example, we can cite Thailand, leader in Orchid export amounting to US$400 million

that, in former times, from 1930 to 1950, Manaus had several floriculture enterprises: the Jules Gun burger's with its Orchid-house of more than 3,000 plants at the Epaminondas Avenue; the one belonging to the Borel family, on Compensa Road; the one belonging to the Portuguese Beneficent Society with its headquarters on Joaquim Nabuco Avenue; and the Careiro and Cambixes, whose Roses and garden Angelicas for many years embellished the garlands and bunches of flowers of the Amazonian brides. This tradition is being started again with the pretty Orchid-house belonging to the Park 10 Japanese Colony. a year. We wish

to

say

Pole for Heart of Palm We cannot neglect the potential of Heart of Palm production from Assaf , from Jauari and, above all, from Pupunha. Pupunha has an immense potential for a sustainable production of Heart of Palm of better quality than of those from Assai from ParA or from Jugara from the Atlantic Forest in Sao Paulo, ParanS and Santa Catarina. For this, a program to increase Pupunha plantation density to 5,000 plants an hectare would be necessary. ln order to harvest the Heart of Palm in 1B months, we could save the Assai that feeds the poor people in Par6 from destruction, by means of its intensive plantation. A program for 20 thousand hectares of Pupunha in the periphery of Manaus, equivalent to one hundred million of this Palm could generate revenues of over US$100 million a year, considering that, in 1996, the states of Para and Amapa, using only wild Assai, generated US$22 million from exportation of Heart of Palm. Costa Rica has already become the greatest producer of Pupunha palm, through the efforts and the technology developed by Prof. Jorge Mora Urbi, from the University of Costa Rica. This Palm is spread over many tropical countries of Am azonia, the Caribbean and Central America and is known under several names: Pejibaya,Chontaduro, Piva, Pijuay. lI is also noteworthy as a kind of persuasion that, in 1996. the state of ParA exported 2,61 9 tons of canned Hearts of Palm, at an average price of US$5.44 a kilogram. ln Amazonas, installation of a Heart of Palm pole has already begUr, with the first medium size plantations in Barcelos on mid Negro river and in the surroundings of Manaus, by the Japanese members of Efig0nio Sales Cooperative and by the Caboclos of lranduba, Itacoatiara, Borba and other neighboring localities. When the international culinary art gets to know and accepts the Pupunha palm, there is going to be a true revolution in the national and global markets.

for

Fishing and Pisciculture Another regional pole in which the sustainable development can be promoted rs the pisciculture, by means of breeding different types of fish, crustacean and animals with shell, in brackish water from the estuary and in freshwater of our lakes in the interior or in tanks and breeding cages. Due to the richness of our ichthyodiversity, with more than 2,000 thousand species of fish, we can develop fishery and pisciculture which has great demand as is done today in Japan, China, Hong Kong, lsrael, Canada, United States, Chile and other countries. To this end, the innovative technique that induces reproduction of larvas and alevins in captivity has contributed Pole

134

significantly. This technique is already being employed in Petrolina, on Sao Francisco river, at Pirassununga in Sao Paulo and in most Northeastern dams, and is now starting to gatn momentum in the waters of the weir of the hydroelectric at Balbina (Amazonas), despite the ecological curse planted in the imagination of so many scholars with scenes of death and barrenness in its water.

China maintains a production of our Tambaqui in captivity, for which the first 20,000 alevins were donated by the former President Jose Sarney to the Vice-President of China during his visit to the country, when he asked for this " gtfI" as proof of Sino Braztlian friendship. ln China, pisciculture has already reached the record production of 30 million tons of fish bred ln cages and tanks, with the help of the World Bank. lf stimulated, fishery and pisciculture in Amazonia could generate the production of a million tons, compared to the present production of one hundred thousand tons, and a productive chain with a prospective worth of one billion dollars. Pole for chemical paste, cellulose and paper - Although incomplete, this lrst cannot farl to make special reference to cellulose production in the region. Thanks to Jari Project, idealized by the late Daniel Ludwig, it was proven that it was possible to produce cellulose from native or exotic plants in Amazonia. lt seems that his first choice of gmelina was not successful, but rts replacement by a vanety of Honduran Pine and Eucalyptus Deglupta made the Monte Dourado venture profitable. Today it belongs to ORSA Group. This program for production of cellulose

from Pine and Eucalyptus presents an astonishing result, since the ripening of these species takes place when the trees are B years old while, in the Nordic countries, it takes 40 years. That is why Brazil became the greatest world producer of cellulose and short fiber paper. Thanks to Jari Project of ORSA Group, the state of Para produces an average of 350,000 tons, at an average price of US$485.00 a ton FOB, due to the fall of cellulose price in the international market (compared to the price of $746.00 a ton in 1995). The great demand anC the expectation of increase in the price of chemical paste and cellulose in international markets prove how right Daniel Ludwig was in investing in his ambitious plan of cellulose production Besides these projects, AMCEL Amapa Cellulose from Caemi Group of Azevedo Antunes implemented a project to produce chips of wood from the Pinus Caribea whose price reaches $87.00 a ton. AMCEL exports about 700,000 tons of wood chips, extracted from a planted area of 80,000 hectares, compared to the 170 thousand tons exported in 1995. Lumber and Furniture Pole - In the great forest area of the Hylea, we cannot omit talking about the huge potential for the intelligent exploration of noble hardwood like Mahogany, Cedar, Cherry, Sucupira, Angelim and of softwood like Virola, Kapok, Sand-box tree and others of a great demand in the plywood industry, which grow on the flat land alongside the Amazonian watercourses. Through careful previous planning and management of enrichment and densification of forest would prevent the extinction of species, and the continuity and evolution of those ecosystems would be preserved. The Amazonia timber economy must undergo a reformulation in order to avoid shipplng of logs, in such a manner as to concentrate and raise the production of products with high

aggregate value: laminates, plywood, exotic veneers, agglomerates, furniture, musical instruments, essential oils, artifacts and other specialized products which are sold at a high price per cubic meter abroad and in the domestic market. A whole line of byproducts and waste could be made good use of by local craftsmen and artists, following what the Asians do in relation to teak: dishes, cutlery, cups, ashtrays, ornaments, art and design, creating thousands of new jobs in small and medium size companies. A single teak tree can generate an aggregated value of US$50 thousand when converted into artifacts and handiwork. ParS exports US$400 million in the form of sawed lumber, plywood and laminates, the highest price being for the sheets of Aguano, a type of Mahogany, obtaining an average price of US$2,190.00 a cubic meter. Accordrng to the State Syndicate for lumber and plywood industry, the state of Am azonas exports only US$30 million worth of sawed lumber and plywood, which shows the small participation of the forest economy in the export agenda,. A clever and more elaborate lumber production including furniture, civil and naval carpentry and other segments of the lumber industry could drive forward this production to one billion dollars, in Para, Amazonas and in the Legitimate Amazonia (Rondonia, Acre, Tocantins, Mato Grosso). This group could reach a sustainable value above two billion dollars. For that, it would be necessary to grant special incentives to the sector and to contact the lumber and furniture industry of Santa Catarina, Paran5 and Rio Grande do Sul in order to persuade the entrepreneurs to transfer or implement new industrial establishments in the capitals and in the interior of Amazonia, so that they could benefit from economy of the vicinity of the raw material and the local market which is already significant, especially in furniture and civil construction sectors. And that, without environmental degradation, because this production could come from a forest cultivation model or from the improvement and densification of species of timber of good quality, which would guarantee a continuous and efficient activity. lmplementing verticality to the productive process and increasing the aggregated value of all the productive chains is the best solution to make the forest based economy sustainable. ln this matter of forest management and forest cultivation,0r important step has been taken with the opening of Forest Seed and Scion Laboratory, with capacity to supply fifteen million of scions a year in Benevides, in the periphery of Belem. This initiative, taken together with Parl Lumber lndustries Association (AIMEX) and assisted by EMBRAPA, is far reaching in terms of turning agro-forest cultivation operational, in terms of forest management and forest improvement, making continuous exploration of hardwood species like Mahogany,Cedar, Cherry, Sucupira,Angelim and latuba, as well as of light softwood like Virola, Kapok and Sand-box sustainable. The opening of a genetic bank of seeds and seedlings, diming at reforesting with new technologies, for seed reproductioh, grafting, rooted stakes, tissue culture and cloning, is in a position to perpetuate and sustain the species which are in danger of extinction and to provide opportunities for investment in the newly implemented botanical infrastructure. When most of the public organizations and institutions go on making an environmental discourse, empty and merely rhetoric, or practicing in the countryside preservationist polrtics of police intimidation and restraint, for the first time it is taken in Amazonia a political and practical measure that gets to the bottom of the problem, trying to offer to the rural entrepreneurs a suitable source of seed and seedling to promote the difficult, hard and burdensome forest management with improvement, densification and

136

reforestation. On the occasion of the opening of the above mentioned Laboratory and Center for Technological Dissemination, the former Para Governor, Mr. Almir Gabriel, made an important pronouncement saying: "lt is useless to try to restrain the lumbering activity; what we need is to learn the ways we can follow in order to overcome the difficulties. ln a region with so much timber it is a wrong attitude to watch it to rot, while population is left without making use of it".

We may conclude this observation with Confucius'advice: "lt is better to light a candle than to cu rse the da rkness " .

An Example: Andiroba and its Manyfold Applications Andiroba (Carapa Guianenss, also called Requia and Mahogany of Brazil) is a tall tree, thick-foliaged, pretty, with elongated leaves and teeny white flowers. lt is characteristic on the damp soil throughout the Amazonian region, specially in Amapa, Acre and Pa16. lts trunk can reach a diameter of 1.20m and its wood is one of the best, for a very interesting reason . Andiroba is not attacked by insects. lts seeds have been used for many centuries against poisonous snake and spider bites and scorpion and bee stings. Andiroba seeds contain an oil that drives away mosquitoes and can be used to heal their bites. lt can also be used against worms and protozoas and in treating arthritis, rheumatism, inflammations in general, renal infection, hepatitis, jaundice and other liver infections, dyspepsia, muscular fatigue,pains on the feet, colds, influenza, fever, cough, psoriasis, scabies, mycosis, leprosy, malaria, tetanus, herpes and serious ulcers. lt is an astringent and produces quick healing. lt should be included in any list of first aid items. lts leaves and bark are used to make a powerful diuretic tea and a kidney and bladder cleanser. lt serves to kill ticks and is efficacious tc destroy parasites. lt is being tested as a medicine against cancer. The Munduruku Indians used Andiroba oil to mummify their enemies heads. The Wayapr and Palikur; among others, use the oil to free themselves of ticks and lice. lt also works as a solvent to take off the vegetable dye from their painted bodies. The medicinal use of Andiroba has spread throughout Guatemala, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Trinidad Tobago, Venezuela and Brazil. Today rt is the object of detailed research at foreign institutions interested in its commercial feasibility. Andiroba oil has a fat consistency, and that is why in the Northern region it is called Olive oil. lts name comes from the Tupi-Guarani andi-roba, "bitter taste" and the smell of its oil is also acrid and disturbing. The extraction method is too rudimentary, but it works: the seeds that fall from the trees remain floating on rivers and igarapes', they are gathered, boiled and put aside until the husk rots; they are then squeezed in the tipiti (a cylinder made of Jacitara palm). Each tree yields two hundred kilograms of seeds a year; six kilograms of seeds produce one liter of Andiroba oil. And the bagasse, is it all waste? No: Balls made from the bagasse are burnt in order to ward off insects.

Andiroba candles drive away dengue, malaria and yellow fever mosquitoes The solution for a great part of the Amazonian shortage and problems can be found tn Amazonia itself. That is what the national enterprises and institutions are demonstrating, by dedicating themselves to the many demands of those living in this large Brazilian region.

The most recent instance of success in Amazonia is the commercial byproducts extracted from

the seed of the Andiroba fruit, a very common tree in Acre and in the other states of the region. The main commercial component from this raw material is Andiroba candle, a repellent that is 100% efficient against dengue and yellow fever mosquitoes, and efficient also to drive

away other hematophagous mosquitoes of the region, such as Anopheles, responsible for malaria transmission and one of the most serious problems of public health in the forest states. The Andiroba candle was developed by the Far-Manguinhos lnstitute of Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), out of the seed of the fruit of this tree, with a great medicinal and energetic value. The candle is a product of many years of research. When burning, it emits an active agent which inhibits the hunger of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a transmitter of dengue and also a yellow fever vector, consequently reducing its need to bite people. The tests at Far-Manguinhos lnstitute showed a 100% efficacy in the mosquito repellency, a result never found in any other product existing in the market intended to combat mosquitoes. Moreover, the candle is completely non-toxic, does not produce smoke and does not contain perfume. By licence

of Fiocruz, the Andiroba candle is being manufactured by the

NatuScience

enterprise, a world pioneer in the sustainable use of products from Andiroba. Besides the candle, NatuScience already manufactures

toilet soap, oils for therapeutic use and a solid torch for

lighting and repelling insects for outdoor areas.

An oil which produces electrical energy Besides being used by the traditional Amazonian populations as a medicine for problems in the joints and on the skin affected by snake, spider and other insect bites and scorpion stings, Andiroba oil has been proven to be an excellent fuel for generation of electrical energy. A great part of the two thousand and five hundred inhabitants of the extractive reserve at the mid Juru6, in the state of Amazonas, for example, is already being supplied with electrical energy totally generated from Andiroba oil which is replacing the diesel oil. This new alternative energy, which neither pollutes the environment nor contributes for the greenhouse effect which destroys the ozone layer, is being produced in a generator station in the municipality of Carauari, in the interior of Am azonas. The Carauari project goal is to offer electrical energy for those Amazonian communities, Editor's note: the always concerned about preserving the environment. research that made jobs project generation Another advantage of this is the of and income for the region . the reptacement of Harvesting and pressing more than seventy tons of Andiroba fruit from which the combustible dieset oit at Carauari oil is extracted, today involves about two hundred families in the municipality of Carauari. The etectric ptant possibte Geologist Marcos Freitas of ANEEL, who idealized the project, emphasized that the most was devetoped by rmportant thing rs to make the people who live there to preserve the forest and avoid its ANEEL in association destruction. "People are beginning to see that they can value the living forest. They do with the Federat tJniversity of not need to cut it down to get money", stressed the geologist. At the mid Juru6 reserve, the project generates and supplies electricity to fifty houses, Amazonas besrdes supplying public lighting, generating jobs and valorizing the native biodiversity of the Am azon tropical forest.

138

Another Example: Camu-Camu , a Source of Vitamin

C

Researchers identify a fruit very rich in vitamin C (not Acerola)

lmagine a tiny fruit with the concentration of vitamin C one hundred times of that present in one whole orange and four times of what is present in one Acerola. This fruit is Camu-Camu (Myrciaria Dubia) belonging to the Myrfaceae family and found on the banks of rivers and lakes

of black water in the Amazonian region.

Researchers of the National lnstitute of Amazonia (INPA/MCT) found out that Camu-Camu has the highest concentration of vitamin C Research found in Nature. 6,000milligrams in 100 grams of the fruit.

According to the INPA Research Coordination, a genetic engineering effort would make possible to transfer the genetic complex of Camu-Camu to orange, for instance, providing a rich and accessible source of this vitamin, especially for the most wanting populations. The effect of this research on public health is incalculable, as vitamin C reinvigorates the immunological system and makes the human body more resistant to contamination by viruses and bacteriae. The economic results generated by Camu-Camu can be immense, both through exporting the genetically modified product and through the development of new technologies bringing in new foreign exchange credits. This is just one of the many Amazonian products the research on which can solve a series

of national probleffis, in fields so diverse as health and nutrition, unemployment and trade balance. Camu-camu potential was presented by Wanderlei Pedro Tadei at the meeting of the leaders of Research Units associated with MCT that took place in the House of Representatives

of the Congress in 2001 , during the debate on Amazonian

Science.

Amazonian biodiversity is our green gold. lt is estimated that Braztl owns between 15o/o and 20o/o of the biodiversity in the whole world and the greatest number of endemic species (which only occur in that part of the planet).There are 55 thousand plant species or 22o/o of the total in the planet, 524 mammals (131 of which are endemic), 517 amphibians (294 endemic), 1,622 birds (191 endemic), and 468 reptiles (172 endemic), besides three thousand species of fresh water fish (three times of what is found in any other country), and probably between ten and fifteen million insects. Aboul 260/o of the forests remaining in the planet are in Amazonia. We are in the first place in biodiversity and must also be the first in exploring that biodiversity. Today, knowledge makes the difference. We have to invest, educate and generate qualified local people. This investment will provide ecological, economic and social rewards, essential for the region and the country. The demand for people of great proficiency is a consequence of efforts made in the region during the last decades.Together with other institutions, INPA has mapped the Amazonian biodiversity and concluded that, even if 60oh of the area has not been visited by a researcher, something has been scientifically proven. its huge potential. It is our green treasure.

139

A Third Example:

Jari

na, our Vegetable lvory

Jarina (Phytelephas Macrocarpa/Microcarpa) or vegetable ivory is also known as

Corusco,

Polipunta, CabeEa-de-tVegro, Tagua in Spanish, lvory Plant in English and Brazilianische SteinnUsse in German. lt is a palm tree that when adult, reaches up to 5m in height; it has staminate flowers with a strong perfume; corticopapilionaceous fruit in the form of clusters, with 5 to 10 seeds inside and size of a hen's egg. When still green, the seeds present a transparent and insipid liquid very much appreciated as a drink. With natural ripening process the liquid becomes denser, milky and sweet-tasting. When the seeds dry, the liquid solidifies and turns into a white substance similar to animal ivory, with the advantage of not being brittle. The seeds are known by the name Jarina. The palm belongs to the subfamily Phytelephantoideae, represented in Brazil by a single genus, Phytelephas, native of Amazonia and present mainly in the southeast of Amazonas and in Acre, in the valleys of rivers Purus, Acre, Antimar, laco, Caete, Maracand and Gregorio.

There is no industrial planting or cultivation of Jarina. The vegetable ivory has physical properties similar to the animal ivory, such as: fibrous texture, silky radiance and average hardness of 2.5. lts specific density is from 1.40 to 1.43, less than the animal ivory (1 .79). Chemically, it is almost pure cellulose (CuH1005), a very resistant carbohydrate. The seeds are

semi-rounded, somewhat faceted and are arranged as orange pulpy segments. The seed diameter varies from 2.94 to 3.65cm and the weight varies from 16.9 to 19.9 grams for samples collected on the ground. With time it loses weight, about 8.56% in two years. When scorched, the seed produces 99o/o of PF (Perfect Form). lt is insoluble in several solvents such as acetone, chloroform, ethanol, methyl alcohol and acetic acid. ln the last century,till the 50s, they were produced in thousands of tons in Acre and the southeast of Am azonas for the rnanufacturing of buttons. ln Central America, Colombia and Ecuador, it is widely used in handicraft work in general.

Jarina has been well accepted in the market, and the increasing demand for natural products has aroused interest of many companies to commercialize products with origin in the

"green market". This is a sign of the enormous potential for the vegetable ivory in the manufacture of costume jewelry, jewelry Tropical forests, especially those which could consolidate the

and souvenirs.

reen ma rket " accepts a nother ecolog ica lly correct prod uct . Jarina already present in the manufacture of jewels internationally commercialized. Every day

the

"g

is

Am azonia Can Supply Gas to the Southeast to list among the alternatives and new options for Amazonia and, especially for Amazonas, the huge potential represented by the discoveries of the oil and natural gas fields at JuruS and Urucu rivers (municipalities of Coari and Tefe, in the medium Solim6es river) starting with the pioneer wells found in 1986. With the three existing derricks at Urucu river, more than 200 wells have already been perforated,T5 of which are active. As to natural gas, the conservative estimate points to a reserve It would be unforgivable not

140

Editor's note: (tn 1es6 the author atready tatked about

the use of the ivory patm [jarinal)

of about 90 billion cubic meters associated with a high density

petroleum. Currently, this potential is not being adequately explored, but it is very promising to point out that Urucu ships 60 thousand petroleum barrels of petroleum per day from the terminal harbor on Tefe river, that feeds the Manaus oil refinery with a refining capacity of 15,000 barrels per day, being necessary to send the surplus to Mataripe oil refinery in Salvador (state of Bahia). With high density and viscosity, the entire oil ca n not be processed in Ma na us, where f ractions of heavier oils a re necessary to produce diesel and fuel oils. The liquefied petroleum gas production from the UPGN unit installed in Urucu has already reached 700 tons/day of LPG, thanks to investments in exploration, production, refinement and transportation. The production of petroleum is approximately 65 thousand barrels/day, LPG is around 930 tons/day and natural gas approximately B million m'/day, according to data supplied by Petrobras. Manaus Refinery, now officially called lsaac Benayon Sabba Refinery, rn honor of rts founder who constructed it in 1956, was expanded to refine 60 thousand petroleum barrels/dayx in order to meet also the needs of Eastern Amazonia. To implement this increase it was necessary to expand the present area of REMAN (Manaus Refinery) and expand the area of the new Suframa lndustrial District, in the perimeter of Pared6o and Aleixo by, at least, 500 hectares for future expansion and installation of a petrochemical pole. LNG and petrochemical pole. When the natural gas potential of 98 billion of cubic meters is fully exploited, an alternative will open up for the installation of a large petrochemical pole in mid Solim6es and in Manaus. Much more than that. Urucu could, through an Urucu to Sao Paulo "gas duct", supply natura| gas to the Brazilian energy matrix that is expected to expand from two million cubic meters to 20 million cubic meters per day before 2004. As an alternative, this natural gas could be taken to Manaus and Porto Velho through a "gas duct", which implies a serious ecological danger.Or it could be stored in low temperature tanks and transported in cryogenic rafts to Manaus or Porto Velho where, after vaporized in tanks, be used as fuel in thermal power plants. Urucu field has this immense potential secured in its subsoil Complementing the plan to use the Urucu natural gas (LNG) in Manaus and Porto Velho thermal power plants, according to a project already approved by Petrobras board of directors (it appears to us that, with this, the alternative of Guri hydroelectric power station from the Caroni river in Venezuela, would come to supply energy only up to Boa Vista through a transmission line, by the side of BR-174 highway), it is important to carry out a project for the installation of a petrochemical pole in the municipality of Coari, but on the banks of Solim6es river, in order to produce petroleum derivatives to export or to supply to the Brazilian market, and other petrochemical byproducts of first and subsequent generations, thus creating a new dynamic center in mid and upper Solim6es. This fourth Brazilian petrochemical pole would complement the present poles of Camaqari in Bahia, Paulfnea in S5o Paulo and Triunfo in the Rio Grande do Sul. Perhaps the installation of this petrochemical pole in the area of Coari/Iefe, on the banks of Solim6es river, could allow the loading of cargo ships of up to 50 thousand tons and be the most sustarnable and economic solution for the Urucu natural gas utilizalion, as it would avoid the long distance transport by

"gas duct" and the high cost of the transportation in cryogenic rafts (at temperatures of 160 degrees below zero), increasing considerably the price of natural gas, and also minimizing the ecological impact of the "gas duct". lt would not be too much to predict the installation of a fifth petrochemical pole in Manaus if the gas and petroleum reserves at Urucu/Juru6 demand this. For the time being, in addition to the discussion on transportation of the natural gas by rafts to supply Manaus and Porto Velho, a small "gas duct" is being built in order to take the natural gas from the Juru6 fields to supply the town of Carauari. Am azonia Can Supply Gas to the Southeast - ll

The reserve discovered and explored can illuminate the whole region with surplus for

Editor's note: Twenty

other areas. The natural gas discovered by Petrobras in 1999 in the UatumS river wells can not only illuminate the whole of Amazonia, but can also complement the offer of electrical energy in the southern and Southeastern regions of Bra zil. Both regions are already receiving this less polluting energy source from Santa Cruz de La Sierra (Bolivia), through the

years ago this possibility

Bolivia -Brazil gas duct.

in the jungle in 1953 in

The Uatuma River mine (RUT -1)is situated in the municipality of Silves,200 km east of Manaus. The volume of production is estimated to be 6 billion cubic meters of gas. A recently perforated 1,650 m deep well produces 700,000 cubic meters a day.

order to perforate wells

Reserves Production capacity may be much larger and will be known shortly, when the technicians conclude the seismic and modeling studies. Nowadays some areas are in process of bidding for exploration contracts. The UatumS well area is about twenty square km. lts exploration may definitely change the economic profile of the small town of Silves, which has seven thousand inhabitants. Also in the state of Amazonas is the second largest Brazilian natural gas reserve, situated in the Urucu pole, six hundred km west of the capital. lt is estimated that this pole can offer up to six million cubic meters of ga: per day. Petrobr6s has already invested about R$ 450 million,

in order to increase Urucu production capacity. With the new discovery in Amazonia, in 2010 natural gas will be responsible for 12% of the energy matrix in Brazil. There will be possibilities of complementing the offer of natural gas in the Southern and Southeastern towns of Brazil. Substitution However, before getting to the South and Southeast, the natural gas from Amazonia will replace diesel in Manaus and Porto Velho electric power plants, starting in 2002. The building of two gas ducts can accelerate the achievement of this objective. Energy specialists swear that by 2004 Manaus will demand 3.3 million cubic meters of gas per day to supply its need of electrical energy. This means that the present reserves may guarantee the supply for one hundred years, according to Marcos Freitas of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. ln order to operate diesel electric plants in Manaus, the federal government spends R$ 235 million per year in subsidies. With the gas as energy source, the cost of Megawatt-hour (MWh) of energy in Manaus will fall from US$ 120 to US$ 35. As it occurred in the project of Brazil-Bolivia gas duct, Petrobras wishes to develop a piping project joining Urucu to Manaus with ample participation of the private sector. The gas duct will be five hundred km long, interconnecting the Solimoes

seemed a mere utopia

from engineers, geologists and tech n icians

who arrived

in search of petroleum. The author

of the

1956

edition wrote about this wealth, then recently discovered.

Harbor,, in the municipality of Coari, to the Manaus refinery (REMAN).

The privatization of Manaus Energia, subsidiary of the Eletronorte, will be the first step towards turning the gas project for the region into reality. The company that wlns the bidding

will have the obligatron to replace the diesel fuel by natural gas. EL PASO (American Company) is now present in the Am azonia. The market cha racteristics of natu ra I gas a re as im porta nt as oil It is a treasure found in the Amazonian soil, as precious as minerals. .

Natural Gas - The Ecologically Correct Energy There is a host of economic advantages in the use of natural gas, but its largest contribution

to the improvement of environmental standards. Natural gas is a fossil fuel found in the subsoil, either associated or not with petroleum, basically composed of methane. Thanks to its purity, it produces a clean and uniform burning, without the presence of soot or other substances that can harm the environment. When replacing firewood, for instance, gas reduces deforestation. ln big centers, it considerably diminishes the emission of sulphur and particulate compounds, and does not generate either ashes or polluting detritus arising from the utilization of other fuels, be it in the industrial or in the automotive usage. The NG use assures the improvement in the quality of the air one breathes, lowering the level of pollution and, consequently, of respiratory diseases. In a time when attention is increasrngly directed towards environment, natural gas is the best energetic alternative for today, a versatile, inexpensive and clean fuel which will be made available in a scale compatible with Brazilian demand. is directly linked

Natural Gas: The Best Energy in the Planet Natural gas is being consumed in several countries for more than 50 years and about 95o/o of almost all the canalized gas in the world is natural gas. This type of gas is the cleanest energy source in existence, since it does not produce waste in its combustion and does not pollute the

environment. lt is highly valued in consequence of the progressive world awareness of the relationship between energy and environment. Natural gas is an energy that: - one uses exactly as it is extracted from Nature, arriving at the consumer's house without any transformation; makes it possible to solve the energetic problems, thanks to the large existing reserves that can be developed and expanded in several fields; - possesses a high caloric value, almost two and a half times that of manufactured gas; - is not toxic, because of its own composition; protects the environment, for its combustion does not produce harmful smoke, helping to reduce the pollution in town; is versatile, with many applications as in washing and drying clothes and dishes, in air conditioning, in vehicles, in generation of electrical energy,besides the traditional uses.

143

Natural Gas: The Power of the Future Natural gas is an energy of fossil origin, a mixture of light hydrocarbons among which the methane (CH.) is principal. Methane is situated in the subsoil of Earth and originates from the decomposition of the organic matters dispersed among the rocky strata. Exactly as extracted

Editor's note: The discovery

in the Urucu

basin was like

hitting the

from the mines, natural gas is a colorless and odorless product, not toxic and lighter than air. Moreover, natural gas is a source ene rgy without sulphur and its combustion is complete, discharging carbon dioxide (CO,) and water vapor, both these two components being non toxic. This makes natural gas an ecological and non polluting ene rgy. Once extracted from the subsoil, natural gas must be transported to the consuming zones, which may be near or quite far away. From the wells to these zones, the transportation is made through pipes of a large diameter called gas ducts. When transportation is by sea and it is not possible to build under water gas ducts, gas is carried in special ships. ln such cases, gas is liquefied at 160 degrees Celsius below zero, diminishing its volume by 600 times, so it can be transported. At the receiving harbor, the gas is unloaded to terminals and plants for storage and

pot luck for Petrobras.

regasif ication.

always the same luck. ln

ln such case,gas remains stored in large tanks at atmospheric pressure and is later injected into the gas pipe network in order to be transported to the points of consumption. All these installations are built preserving the environment and are, very often, underground, making it

the years when

possible

to restore the

landscape.

Situated far from ind igenous commu nities,

with a sparse population and a decadent extractive economy, the region could not be more appropriate for the entry

of the sfate company. However it did not have

exha ustive sea rches were

made in Amazonia, the company exerted a non negligible impact. ln

Different Utilizations of Natural

Gas

Javari

rivel

also in

Amazonas, the

of

rgy, natural gas is characterized by its eff iciency, cleanliness and versatility. Natural gas may be used both at homes and in industry. There is no need to be stored previously. lt is also a fuel that does not pollute. Natural gas may be used in homes for cooking, washing and drying, to obtain hot water and for the air-conditioning. Also in the garder, natural gas allows to prepare barbecues and to

movement

heat vera ndas a nd cou rtya rds.

the isolated indigenous

Among the known sources

ene

installation of derricks,

together with the great

of technicians

in the decade of 80, caused such a stress on

groups that they ran

Gas ls the Way

away, setting their huts

on fire.

A government priority, natural gas has become the form of energy that grows most in Brazil. ln the confines of the state of Amazonas, far from urban centers and indigenous villages,

the Petrobras base in Urucu is extracting from the subsoil the new Brazilian energetic panacea: natural gas. ln spite of not being renewable, it is considered as one of the more environmentally via ble f uels, beca use its bu rn ing does not ca use a ny toxic em ission. Today, natu ra I gas is responsible for only 2.5o/o of the Brazilian energetic matrix, but Petrobras intends to increase this participation to 10o/o by 2004. Thanks to Brazil-Bolivia gas duct and to the wells in Santos (state of Sao Paulo) and Campos (state of Rio de Janeiro), that are feeding the southern, southeastern and south-central regions for the next forty years. The distribution is quite efficient, greatly contributing to the improvement of air quality.

A series of small gas ducts is being built between Salvador and Fortaleza, in order to supply the Northeast. Now, Amazonia will be supplied precisely by the natural gas from the similar fields of Urucu and Juru5, the only ones capable of producing in commercial scale. The idea of the government is to replace, as much as possible, the fuel oil and diesel by natural gas. ln some cases, like the chinaware industry in Santa Catarina, it may also replace, with advantage, the cooking gas. The shortage of energy is one of the biggest problems in Amazonra today. The energetic demand grows quickly because of the increase in industrial and commercial activities. Only Belem can boast of being in a comfortable situation, thanks to a big transmission

lrne that brings energy from Tucuruf. For instance, 50% of the energy needed in Manaus is supplied by the Balbina hydroelectric power plant, which cannot increase its production. The

other half comes from diesel and fuel oil fired electrical power plants. ln general, it is not possible to rely on the hydroelectric energy because the rivers in the region have too little declivity.Amazonia has opted for gas exploration as a source of ecologically correct energy.This happened because the political frontiers of Brazil correspond exactly to its geological frontiers, so that our neighbors are soaking in oil, leaving the petroleum extraction for a time when the transportation infrastructure is implanted, starting in 2005. Even so, the region spends 65 thousand barrels of petroleum per day. To illuminate and supply Amazonia, Petrobras is risking everything in the Urucu basin,

of

Manaus. Ten years ago, Petrobras discovered in the region the second largest Brazilian sediment of natural gas, smaller only to the one in Campos (state of Rio de Janeiro). The gas from Urucu has a zero sulphur content, or better, it is of excellent quality. Urucu has also the petroleum reserve in Amazonia, which is equal to 6% of the B razilia n prod uction Now, Petrobras intends to build a 275 km long multi-product duct to the nearest town, Coari, at the confluence of Urucu, Coari and Solim6es rivers, where a natural gas processing unrt will be installed; the gas will be liquefied at -160"C in order to make the transport feasible. The polyduct, which should be ready in 2004, will cost US$ 220 million. Such structure will allow disseminating the use of natural gas in the production of energy for the whole Northern region of Brazil. Nowadays petroleum, as well as propane and butane (LPG), which represent only part of the components of natural gas produced in UrucU, have to be transported by water, in barges. They are subject to the whims of water, which sometimes makes the journey of more than 1,000 km impossible. Last year, a drought more severe than normal kept the barges from sailing for a month. Today, the portion of natural gas which cannot be used for lack of a gas duct is burned or reintroduced in the well. The EIA/R|ma for the polyduct, of only 36 cm in diameter was carried out by the Federal U n iversity of Amazonas a nd is being d iscussed in a series of pu blic hea rings since the beginning of 2002. The new duct should reduce the time of journey of gas and petroleum to Manaus from eight days to just sixteen hours. Besrdes saving time, the project will make it possible to increase the petroleum production per day. lf new discoveries are not made, it is estimated that the Urucu basin will be able to produce petroleum for 20 years and gas for other 30 years.

six hundred km west

.

145

The region has already 75 producing wells, and other 20 shall soon be perforated. With reserves of 98 billion of cubic meters of natural gas, 25o/o of the total reserves of Brazil, Urucu

will supply the power plants in Amazonia, replacing the fuel oil and meeting the demand of the regional market. These numbers do not include the recent findings of natural gas in the region of Sao Mateus, 42 km from the province of Urucu, as these reserves are still being estimated.

Mineral Wealth of Western Am azonia Amazonia is becoming the great mineral province of Brazil. According to preliminary data collected by the National Mineral Production Department (DNPM) and the Natural Resources Research Company (CpnM), the geologists J. Santos and S. Riker estimated the mineral deposits and occurrences in the Amazonian region at about US$ 1.6 trillion, without including the natural gas

findings in Jurua and Urucu. Since the decade of 60 there began a new phase in the process of regional development, because of the discovery of manganese mines in Serra do Navio, in Amap6,

and the consequent building of the Santana railway and harbor, as well as the exploration of calcareous rocks in Capanema, in Braganqa zone. ln the decade of 70, through research intensification and the introduction of new research methods like radamgraphy, remote monitoring and satellite image, there were important findings of minerals in the Eastern Amazonia, which started large investments in the sector: Carajas Project (iron, manganese, coppel nickel and gold); Rio do Norte Mining (bauxite); Albras/Alunorte/Alumar (alumina and metallic aluminum) Projects; Jari Project (kaolin); Alluvial Gold Project (Serra Pelada, Tapajos, Madeira and Serra do Trafra prospects); Mine Gold Project in Serra Leste, Igarap6, Bahia; Corpo AlemSo in Carajas; Pitinga Project of the Taboc a/Paranapanema Mining (tin, niobium, tantalum , zirconium and rare earths; Rondonia Stanniferous Project; calcareous rocks and gypsum Project of Nhamunda and UrucarS; sylvanite Project in Fazendinha on Madeira river; petroleum and gas exploration Project on the Urucu river basin on mid Solim6es river; and so many other programs in the phase of discovery, research and prospection. Amazonia, which for centuries was known as the largest botanical and forest province in the world, has suddenly become also one of the most important reserves and province of ferrous and non ferrous metals and energetic resources. The main characteristic of the mineral sector rests on the fact that they are non renewable (a mine does not produce two harvests), and therefore they must be used in a way that produces the maximum aggregated value in order to bring about regional progress. Another characteristic of the sector is the vocational stiffness of its deposits resulting from the long process of geological formation and therefore, depending on its localization and distance, demand large investments in mechanization, railroad transportation and large harbors for the outflow of the production by the sea and to shelter large ships, in order to lower transportation costs. That is why this is typically a capital intensive activity, as it demands large investments and joint ventures in order to obtain good profits in the market, generally in the hands of cartels or oligopolies.

To give an example, the production and outflow of ore in Eastern Amazonia demanded investments higher than US$ 15 billion,applied in building railways in Serra do Navio, Trombetas and Carajas; building of ltaqui/Alumar harbors in Sao Marcos bay,in the state

of Maranhao; installations

of Vila do Conde in Bacarena - state of ParS; Santana harbor; in Amapa, and Trombetas harbor; near Oriximina. Besides, the building of the Tucurui hydroelectric power plant to supply electrical energy,

^,46

which is one of the main inputs for the production of alumina and metallic aluminum All these investments in the mineral sector are beginning to mature in Eastern Amazonia, with the productior^ and exportation of iron, ffiEnganese, bauxite, metallic aluminum, kaolin, calcareous rocks and gold Today this production contributes in an essential way to the internal production in Para, Amap6 and MaranhSo, which is estimated to be around US$ 3 billion/year. ln Western Amazonia, mining may also greatly contribute with an excellent alternative and option, which should be encouraged through intense research, prospection and feasibility studies for a lot of ores already discovered and others yet to be revealed. This will enlarge the base of the regional production chain, generating a substantial and lasting development process, provided that the aim is to maximize the aggregated value of the primary products whenever possible, through metallurgy, iron alloys and artifacts, able to multiply the value of the ra\\' mineral product. According to DNPM and CPRM surveys, the present situation of the discoveries in Western Amazonia contains the following mineral substances, thus clustered: auriferous and stanniferous province of RondOnia (Santa Bdrbara, Sao Lourenqo, Massangana and, above all, the stanniferous domrnion of Santa Cruz igarape, where the largest tin mine in the world is located: Bom Futuro) and the occurrences of alluvial gold on Madeira river Roraima auriferous, stanniferous and diamantiferous province (Mau, Cotingo, Quino, Tepequ6m, Uraricoera, Surucucu).

Mapuera-Pitinga mineral province, which includes the stanniferous dominion of Pitinga (state of Am azonas), explored by Taboca Mining of the Paranapanema Group (at present, Mamor6 Mining) with a yearly production of about US$ 60 million, and the Serra da Madeira (state of Amazonas) columbite-tantalum-zirconium dominion. ln this aspect, it is important to generate special incentives so that Pitinga Project can promote tin metallurgy, casting the primary cassiterite and producing ingots and byproducts of a greater aggregated value, in Manaus. Manaus/Presidente Figueiredo kaolin province, situated in a 30 km stretch along the BR-174 highway, starting at km 25, for which the Environment lmpact Report (RlMA,) has

been approved, to be explored by an English group which prospected and concluded that the kaolin reserves of that province are huge in extension and of exceptional quality. When they enter in the tillage and production phase, they will generate a yearly exportation above US$ 20 million. Upper Negro river niobium and gold province, comprising the Morro dos Seis Lagos, about three million tons and US$ 1 trillion in value (CPRM estimate); and the auriferous dominions in the mountains Traira, Caparro, Neblina Peak and Uneiuxi Mountain, which have originated so many conflicts with indigenous population and so many frontier skirmishes. - Lower Madeira sylvanite province (Fazendinha and Arari basins), where the largest reserves of potassium sulfate are situated, is capable of starting an agricultural revolution in the poor soils of Amazonia. When this potassium is explored together with phosphate from Maicuru (state of

to Manaus petrochemical complex and the calcareous rocks from Nhamunda, we shall have solved the problem of low productivity of our terra firma soils. Nhamunda and Uru car6 calcareous rocks and gypsum province, responsible for the industry for cement production of Manaus, belonging to Nassau group. Par6), nitrogen from the Urucu

-

Urucu petroliferous and gas bearing province, responsible for regional production and supply.

+ Thus, the Western

(Brazilian) mineral sector is quite vast and offers innumerable opportunities for development and joint ventures to enlarge the alternatives and options, in order to complement the model of the lndustrial District of Manaus duty-free zone. ln this aspect, it is imperative to develop a great awareness, both regionally and nationally, that the vertical mineral

sector ma kes u p one of the best development strateg ies, beca use it mea ns the least environmental damage and allows a considerable enlargement at the levels of production, employment and income generated by state and federal taxes. Therefore, lbelieve it is fair to foresee a large expansion in the mineral sector itself. For operation, transportation and exportation of ores, a large investment is necessary,which would

now be obtained partly abroad, considering that article 176 of the 19BB Constitution has been revoked, setting apart mineral resources, research and tillage exclusively for Brazilians or Brazilian companies with national capital. lt is worth considering, also, that the multinational investment interest has increased due to privatization of Vale do Rio Doce Company. Given the size of these undertakings and considering the scarcity and shortage of resources for investment, we believe that only through the association of federal, state and foreign capitals, in partnership and joint ventures, it will be possible to develop this sector. ln the case of the Western Amazonia, this problem is much more imperative, because the eastern part was benefited by large investments in the decade of 90, and today it is already reaping the fruits of maturation of these investments. ln Western Amazonia we have the exploration and production of Pitinga mines, of Taboca Mining Paranapanema Group and Bom Futuro, in Rondonia; the alluvial gold search on Madeira, Upper Negro and tributaries of Rio Branco rivers; the Nhamunda limestone extraction for Manaus cement industry; we may add the Urucu fields of petroleum and gas exploration. The contribution of this sector is, therefore, minimum and its expansion and leverage is of high priority.

Vegetable Fuel It began with fifty families from the Roque community situated in the IBAMA extractive reserve,

Editor's note:

in mid Jurud river; municipality of Carauari (state of Amazonas). These familres are going to participate

Amazonas

in an experience which was never before tried in the world. lnstead of diesel oil, with which the thermal power plants in the region are fed, the newly started Roque generator center will be operated by vegetable oil extracted from Andiroba, the native species of Amazonia already widely mentioned. The project is fruit of a R$ 450 thousand agreement, signed in November 1999, between the National Agency of Electrical Energy (ANEEL), and the Solim6es River lnstitutional Support Foundation (Unisol), an institution linked to the Federal University of Amazonas. The objective of this project is to take cheap and less polluting electrical energy to communities situated far away. The diesel oil at present used in several thermal power plants in the Northern region is subsidized by the so-called Fuel Consumption Account (CCC), paid by the electric consumers in the whole country and collected by the concessionaires every month. Through resolutions, the replacement of diesel oil by renewable energy sources has been encouraged in the whole region. As previously mentioned, Andiroba is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, and with its residues it is possible to manufacture insect repellent candles and sprays. The reserve in the Jurud valley, in the town of Carauari (state of Am azonas), is 253 thousand hectare in extension and with about two thousand and five hundred inhabitants, having its main economic activity in rubber extraction.

inaugurates the

' .19

only plant operated

by vegetable oil in the world

The Key to Success: Support of Production. "Resurgence

of small pasteurizer mills occurred in the last two years and today

there are 15 in operation. ln 1998, the local production was about eight thousand liters of milk/day and today it surpasses forty thousand liters/day. The price paid to the producer also increased between 15o/o and 20o/o in the period. And, more important, is the guarantee and the regularity of the purchase of the product." Alvaro Moreira Domingues Junior, president

of Aproleite.'

Apparently, the text above is not linked to the Amazonia question. However, if we

pa,v

careful attention, we may discover that the key to the development of any national sector rs based on support to production, milk in this instance. ln the case of Amazonia, il is necessary tc

adopt mechanisms that may guarantee to the producer and local communities a market for the infinity of products in the region to ascertain the economic and social progress, as well as the envi ron menta I preservation.

The processes involved in the massive capital investments perpetuate the situation of negligence towards the local population and the consequence has been the persistent deforestation performed in the region. The international organisms are not interested in the development of this type of alternative. On the contrary, they invest heavily in the creation of systems devoted to incorne concentration. The globalization procedures are linked to large foreign capital investments in Brazil, which leads to the ingress of their detentors in the structures that govern the economic actioh, the social benefits sharing, dnd the question of national resources management. Relying on its activities and processes of national origin for utilization, Brazil must fight to preserve its integrity, notably in the Amazon Rain Forest which has, for a long time, been the apple of the world's eye.

FOOTNOTE:

JORNAL AnnS[LtA, Milk market is competitive, but give force

to the small.

Bottetin Agropecudrio Year 1- no. 202 (Thursday, 7 June 2001)

149

At

Last, the Green Light Ecological reserves in the country are open

Tourism industry beaches. Half

to Nature lovers.

in Brazil has discovered another challenge besides "selling "

crowded

of the 44 Brazilian ecological parks are already being explored by agencies

and

operators supervised by IBAMA. According to some entrepreneurs in the sector, ecotourism is the business of our times. The number of people interested in forests, clear rivers and ecological

lt

is estimated that 7o/o of people who travel all over the world do ecological tourism, a sector that grows 20o/o every year. lt is necessary to create a differential in Brazil, since the Caribbean also has beaches and sun year round. The path is ecology. Ecotourisrn is a relatively new segment. lt was created in the beginning of the decade of B0 and has been reserves increases visibly

established in Brazil a little more than a decade ago.

The tourism incentive under different modalities constitutes, in almost all places in the world, a permanent source of foreign exchange, creation of jobs, income, taxes and, above all, experience and cultural interchange. Tourism, both national and from abroad should, therefore,

be promoted as an alternative which is unpretentious but capable of complementing and encouraging regional economy. For this purpose, it is necessary to create a hotel and lodging infrastructure, from one to five stars, so that a greater number of people,of all social classes, may be attracted to Manaus, as well as to other places in the interior and Western Amazonia.

Promotion of typical events such as hunting and fishing excursions, fluvial tours with gambling and casinos, culinary festlvals, indigenous handicraft exhibitions and also installation of zoological and botanical gardens, aquariums, orchid-houses and other incentives would help to create in Amazonia a new center of attraction for Brazilian and foreign tourists. These options and alternatives of these development pole should and can be worked on lnteriorization and internalization of the benefits of this model must constitute a target to be reached in the first years of this third millennrum. Opening of ecological reserves should improve these numbers still further, if we judge by what happens in other countries. ln the United States, for instance, the 300 national parks receive 270 million people every year and are responsible for reven ues of 1 0 billion dolla rs.

The Luxurious Excursions on the Am azon river Amazon river is receiving visitors which deserve our attentlon: luxury liners like the ones that cruise in the Caribbean. They are the same vessels. An increasing number of shipping companies are including a visit to Amazon Rain Forest in their routes, starting in Caribbean, in the United States or in Europe. Among the numerous examples of important ships which sail on Amazon river,

I

reca

ll here the Royal Princess, a rea I f loating resort, with th ree pools, sport cou rts,

restaurants and sophisticated boutiques

for 1,200 passengers. The Seabourn Pride Star in the

category of small size super luxurious liners. With a capacity for 208 people, it was chosen as the best cruise lrner in the world for three consecutive years by the influential tourism magazine Conde

Nast Traveller. The largest one was the English Arcadia, for 1,470 passengers and245 meters long. Luxury cruises have been occurring in Amazonia for a long time. But until recently it was

only around half a dozen per year. The number of visitors has multiplied. The marn attraction in the Am azonian region abroad has always been the jungle tourism. The program is for adventurers, interested in environment or fishing. The tourist who sails in liners is older, usually

151

above 55 years old and much wealthier, with an income above US$ 60,000 a year. lt is estimated

that each tourist on board of cruises spends US$ 135.00 per day in Amazonia. with the purchase of handcraft and boat trips. The abundant rivers in Amazonia are a find for ships built for sea cruises. The channel between the mouth of Am azon river and Manaus, on Negro river, reaches 50 meters in depth in certain periods of the year, more than enough for boats with large displacement. The larger ones cast anchor at Manaus and embark the passengers in small pleasure boats. The basic route of these boats includes calls at the archipelago of Anavilhanas on Negro river, nine hours from Manaus, and a visit to Parintins to watch the presentations of boi-bumba. Berng more compact, the Seabourn Pride can reach places where the large ships cannot. lt is interesting that, even in the largest hydrographic basin in the world, this luxurious liner does not collect a single drop of water from the rivers even to wash the decks. With desalination equipment on board, it uses only water collected from the sea or from European or American mineral water springs, including for tons of ice consumed daily. During the trip in Brazil, they do not buy even a head of lettuce. The only exception is fish, indispensable to prepare typical regional dishes. Such refinement explains why the cruises are expensive; they cost between US$ 3,000 and US$ 30,000, depending on the linet advantages and, obviously,on the duration of travel. The longest sails from American ports, travels along the Pacific coast, circles South America by the strait of Magalhaes and, while returning to the Northern Hemisphere, they pass through Am azonia. For the time being, these trips are available only for foreigners or Brazilians willing to embark abroad. None of these liners sells tickets in Brazil , as this would include the payment of pierage. There is not a single tourist liner bound for Amazonia sailing from Brazilian harbors. National cruises sail from harbors in the South or Southeast and reach, at most, Salvador or Recife. The arrival of tourist fleet is good news for tourism in Amazonia. Federal and state governments have been to international tourism fairs to show to the foreign cruise companies that the infrastructure in the region is much better than in the past. The local tourism agencies can serve as support for the cruises because they have diversified ecological routes and the services offered. At present, twelve high standard hotels are being built. Since the Caribbean region is saturated, Amazonia is opening another front in the cruise world. There is a lot of money in this business. While Caribbean and Bahamas lslands receive 56% of the sea passengers, Brazil, with its 8,000 km of coast line, receives only 1o/o of the movement. The Am azonian rivers offer an opportunity to turn things around.

Bra ztlian Ecotourism

Potential

The sustainable development, or ecodevelopment, aims at supplying the needs of the present without jeopardizing the capacity of the future generations to supply their own needs. This notion of development harmonizes environmental protection with equality of generations, protects the annuity without jeopardizing the future, integrates people in production and also encourages consumption along generations. As to ecology,this new way of understanding economic life complies with dependence and mutual dependence of ecosystems, thus assuring the possibilities of progress for future generations. The importance of the Preservation Units, that is, of the areas created by the municipal, state and federal agencies aiming at harmonizing and protecting natural resources and improving

152

the quality of life of the population, is not understood at first, for want of knowledge of the potentialities at stake. Even less understood is the need for a survey of such possibilities. Another point which stands out in ecotourism is that, if we critically examine all the studies required for elaboration of a planning strategy, we will have a Management Plan with minute details. lt is a kind of complete regional Environmental lmpact Study/Environmental lmpact Report (EIA/RIMA). lt admits also a full Agenda 21 , that is, a study in accordance with the guidelines elaborated and approved by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development that took place in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The plan covers multiple sectors. lt includes the study of energy, water, agriculture, transportation and communications. Ecotourism promotes preservatron soil and recovery of degraded areas. Moreover, through the rational development of natural, rural and urban areas, rt avoids adverse impacts on Nature This way, we have the breaking up of the old model of economic Arowth; the action is according to the new sustained development. ln short, we will have dissemination of environmental education, a very important factor in the new civilization that is emerging. This factor will, then, influence all the segments of activity, be they social, political or economic. That is why we need to include a Preservation Unit within ecotourism activity, in which all the aspects are essential for the real success of the business. The need of surveys and studies by multidisciplinary teams in ecotourism area may bring new flood of people and ideas to the sector. This can be used with advantage by the local community resulting in an immediate increase in the income of the region studied. Social development, ecotourism activities, organic agriculture activities, the existing commercial

activities, courses promoted by qualified institutions and research centers result in the awareness of

the need for sociopolitical, economic and environmental integration for the development of ecotourism, as a new line of business and socio-cultural development to protect traditional culture.

ln this sense, partnerships with the region which the preservation unit belongs to must be the foundation stone for the development process, activating the chances of the region. These partnerships must involve the companies that are integrated into the communities

mentioned in the region of the Preservation Unit, Non Governmental Organizations (NGO), associations foundations, etc, and municipalities desiring to help the development of this natural potential, in processes that will be pointed out by those involved in survey, analysis and diagnosis of the study area. These partnerships must be bound not only at a national level but, whenever possible, at an international level, with projects presented through the multidisciplinary groups, projects with practical application that provide the region a new market share, based on tourism increment, and also in the possibilities of the business leverage, via partnerships. Sustainable development means to explore the riches existing in the preservation unit and its surroundings. lt expresses the social responsibility of the present generation towards future generations, that will be the beneficiaries of the medium and long terms improvements carried out, that are compatible with the region, dnd arouse interest in the community to remain in the region, ohce they have guaranteed the fulfillment of their present and future needs. ln this sense, training of local labor, education of the population, the improvement of infrastructure and sanitation are among the most essential tasks for sustainable development. ln addition, there is the need for basic courses, secondary and higher education to support the region in eco-development, which means betterment and qualification of the community involved, directly and indirectly.

153

This designation, howevel corresponds only to one type of field. Other types, known as mountain top

fields, are found in transition areas, such as with Araucaria Forest. A field of appearance similar to savanna is also found in other areas. The lands subjected to inundation deserve to be emphasized, for instance the "Taim Banhado [grassy marsh]". These fields are important reserves of natural wild life.

Mangroves Mangrove is a type of coastal vegetation which constitutes one of the most typical tropical ecosystems of a great ecological and geological significance. lts faund, in particular birds and invertebrate animals, inhabit important and diversified ecoloqical niches. Coasta I Zones Brazilian coastal region is 7,367 km long, presenting an immense range of ecosystems: dune fields, islands, reefs, rocky rough coasts, bays, estuaries, marshes, sea cliffs and sandbanks. One of the principal mechanisms for protection of the exceptional Brazilian biological diversity, of endemic species, of geological structures of relevant significance and of the considerably rich landscape of Brazil, is the system of "protected areas". Approximately 3.9% of the national territory is under federal protection in the form of different categories arranged in 35 National Parks, 23 Biological Reserves, 21 Ecological Stations, 16 Environmental Protection Areas (APA) , 9 Extractive Reserves and 39 National Forests. There a re a lso the Private Reserves of Natu ra I Patrimony (RPPN), preservation a reas i n private properties, for which there is a specific federal legislation. The purpose of the law is the development of a private network of preservation u n its where the owner, on h is own, perpetuates a representative part of his estate as a Private Reserve Natural Patrimony. Conceived by IBAMA, this program already registers more than 100 private reserves, quite expressive frorn ecology and landscape viewpoint, and their owners receive incentive in the form of exemption from the Rural Property Tax (lTR). At first sight, it may seem that this universe of preservation units is enough to protect not only a significant part of Brazilian ecosystems, but also to guarantee the perpetuity of their biodiversity. There are, however, areas of huge significance which are not protected, despite having been proposed and indicated for protection. lt is necessary to enlarge this network of preservation units, taking into account their fragility, the degree of threat to destruction and their importance for the preservation of species that are rare or are running the risk of extinction. Besides the insufficiency in the number of protected areas, there are also great problem in implantation of those already existing and legally created. The shortage of personnel with adequate qualification and the lack of regularization of indirect land use regulations, in addition to the still inadequate infrastructure, demand from the government an immediate action to adequately protect these areas and make them to perform their essential ecological and social role. And it is exactly in some of these protected areas, particularly in federal, state and municipal parks, in National Forests and in the Environmental Protection Areas, that ecotourism occurs. They are the first destinations sought by national and international tourists. lt is important to note that, in some of the protected areas like the Biological Reserves and Ecological Stations, ecotourism is not operated due to the fragility of these ecosystems. There, visits do not harmonize with the management objectives approved by these preservation units. The structure of preservation units under federal jurisdiction, with the exception of biological reserves and ecological stations, added to the preserved areas under state and municipal control as well as private estates adapted to tourism purposes, together with the rich cultural diversity, offer exceptional conditions for ecotourism in Brazil. Source: Embratur - Brazilian lnstitute of Tourism

155

Radam yesterday and Sivam today ln the decade of 70, Amazonia was considered the lung of the world and we, Brazilians, were the incendiaries who were destroying the planet's oxygen. The other countries, with their eyes on our riches, said they were worried about the health of the Earth, and wanted to meddle in everything that took place in Am azonia.

At that time, there were in the region drug traffic routes, a disordered occupation and invasion of indigenous areas, smuggling and predatory actions, mainly by illegal timber dealers and miners. There were also occurrences of several other crimes. lndeed, due to the difficulties of communication and control of the region, it was hard for the Brazilian government to know the real situation in Am azonia. The use of radar, for the first time, permitted homogeneous imaging of Amazonia, with pictures of good quality. In this region, cloudiness and intense rain were factors that hindered the use of other sensors as, for example. aerial photos.

551 mosaics, semi-controlled by radar, in a scale of 1'.250,000 were interpreted, resulting in 38 volumes of the LRN Series (four of which have not been published yet), followed by the respective thematic maps in a scale of 1'.1 ,000,000 (soils, geology, vegetation, geomorphology and potential land use). RADAM was extinguished by Decree 91 ,293 of 31/05/1985 and most of its specialized personnel and its technrcal data collection were transferred to and incorporated by IBGE. Without the use of helicopters and boats, a significant part of the sampling points could not be reached. The RADAM/FAB agreement made the effective and rational use of these aircrafts feasible, sensibly reducing the number of accidents and lost flights, in comparison with the earlier period using private helicopters. Unfortunately, until today, for a large area of Amazonia there are only RADAM information Now they are being updated, classified and computerized by the present SIVAM project. Evidence shows that many agricultural and cattle raising projects implemented in Amazonia were simply copied from the maps of RADAM and had their outlines extended, without any recent additional information, in order to avoid the cost of acquisition of more detailed data. Therefore, they could never succeed. SIVAM TODAY

"Within a short time, Amazonia will be known for two phases in its history: before and after SIVAM, because there will be a new order of things." With this phrase, the President of the Coordinating Commission of Amazonia lntegrateC Vigilance System, Brigadier Teomar Fonseca Quirico, closed a lecture at the Rio de laneiro Military Club, in which he announced that the system would be implanted in 2003.

Showing the numbers of this grandiose project of almost US$ 1.4 billion, the Brigadier lamented the "war lost to the medid" , a dispute in the press between French and American firrns

to win the tender, resulting in a delay of almost eight years for its implantation.

15;

The general objectives for the Amazonia lntegrated Vigilance

System SIVAM are much

greater than its military objectives, or the strict vigilance of our territory. The agreements with the lnstitutes for Space Research, Technology and Amazonia Research, Emilio Goeldi Museum in state

of

for the implantation of the system, as well as the benefits for the activities of agencies as IBAMA, FUNAI, environment defense agencies, meteorology and state and municipal governments are among the prominent factors. It is noteworthy that SIVAM fully meets the Permanent National Objectives (ONP): democracy, national integration, integrity of national heritage, social peace,progress and Pa16 and others,

sovereig nty.

Need of control lnternational envy about the region and the world public opinion Let us describe in detail a concrete case which shows the need to implement a security system in the region. The government of Colombia had asked permission to use a Brazilian aerodrome at the frontier, in order to fight the drug traffic. After the authorization was given, the conditions for use of the place were not respected. There were landings and take-offs of planes larger than permitted and other irregularities like damage of runways and installations. There was, ther, a Brazilian operation to solve the problem. lf it were an emergency operation, our control possibilities would be much smaller. Because of the difficulties deriving from the dimensions of this region, travels are extremely difficult: going from Manaus to the western frontier takes 45 days by boat. There is a great need of security systeffis, because the frontiers of Amazonia cover 11 thousand km with seven countries. ln 1998, more than 250 flights of unknown origin were registered in Amazonia, and this number increased in the following years, but it was not publicized, because they are still under investigation. Advantages for Brazil That is a project admittedly strategic for the country and offers the following additional a

dva ntages:

1. The resources

for its complete execution are guaranteed, like a financing contract which

divided the implementation services among Raytheon, dh American company, ATECH, SCHAHIN

and EMBRAER, are genuinely Brazilian. 2. Brazilian government is deeply interested in its implantation, since it represents a very important tool in the solution of the problems of the region.

3. The regional governments are unanimous in recognizing the importance in

the

integration of Am azonia and its sustainable development. 4. The SIVAM operation will be self-supported through collection for the services rendered. 5. There will be an effective control of Amazonia, not only of rts air space, but also of its water resources, its biodiversity, deforestation and forest fires, indigenous settlement and of terrestrial frontiers. There will also be support for repression of smuggling and clandestine m in ing.

6.ln the

'58

near future, participation of other Amazonian countries in SIVAM. On a concrete

basis, acting in support of integration

of Brazil in a cooperative contract for regional development

at an international level is foreseen.

A project of unique dimensions and complexity Carrying out the civil construction and infrastructure work of the SIVAM project demanded

that the company in charge,SCHAHlN GROUP, implement complex logistics to execute dozens of construction projects simultaneously in the Legal Amazon region, comprising more than 5 million square kilometers across nine states. Strict planning for carrying out the projects was a decisive factor in overcoming the natural obstacles, such as the substantial geographic area covered and virtually impenetrable sections of

the Amazon forest, coupled with lack of roads and adverse weather conditions. SCHAHIN developed a project that relied on creative and innovative solutions to move the materrals and equipment, integrating the use of road, river and air transport, according to the characteristics of each place where there was work underway. Over three years, more than eight thousand jobs were generated. SCHAHIN'S work was based on a philosophy of profound respect for conservation of the environment. The company's

operations were equally striking with regards to cooperation with local communities, including

the indigenous population, in keeping with the standards set by FUNAI

- The National

Foundation for lndian Welfare. SCHAHIN in the SIVAM Project

- Over 2,000 hours of flight undertaken by engineers,

for planning and assessment of solutions

in order to perform the work; - Roughly 4,000 hours of flight for transporting equipment;

- Flights employing 6 different types of aircraft leased by EMBRAER; - Approximately 1,000 trips on barges and boats; - Over 4,600 trips by trucks;

- 140,000 square meters of constructed 170 km

of paved

area, spread over a total area

of 1.6 million square meters;

access roads;

- 7 0,000 cubic meters of concrete and 49,000 cubic meters of sand employed; more than 7,000 metric tons of structural steel, some 1,300 metric tons of steel for the metal structure of the radar towers and 3,000 metric tons of structural construction elements for buildings.

159

Globalization is a social process that acts towards a change in the political and economrc structures of societies. The question is the continuation of the internationalization of capital that started with the extension of commercialization of goods and services, passed on to expansion of loan anc financing and then generalized into shifting of industrial capital through development o' multinationals.2 lt is understood by many people in the Third World countries as a kind of politica strategy of some industrial nations in order to exploit the developing countries. With th rs observation, one may say, by the consequences as of today, that the rich are getting richer anc the poor poorer.' Globalization is based on economic liberation: the natrons gradually forsake the ta nr; bans which protect their production from foreign competition and open themselves tc international flow of goods, service and capital.o No matter which the conceptualization procedure is, the tendency of democratizatior^ economic thrust through promotion of the integration at a planetary level, changing society at a 1

global range, is clear. The discussion around the ethics involved in the process has been intense inside the nations

and between them.

The natural capital flow and the scrutiny and restriction of the activities involved in rts utilizalion, primarily in the globalization process, involves an attempt at approaching the capita invested by central countries and the operations realized by this capital. The movement of capital alone, represented by Direct Foreign lnvestment FDI'in the developing countries, jumped from US$ 2.2 billion in 1970 to more than US$ 154 billion in 1997 ' The result has been the integration of markets for this capital flow. At present, about US$ 1 3 trillion crosstheworld markets daily. Lessthan2% of thisvolume is related to commercial operations lnterest in globalization becomes obvious. lt remains to establish the mechanisms tha: this investment intends to implement. What may be noticed is the search for sustarnability as the principal motto defended at international meetings. This concept has relied on criteria involving the need to transform the world production patterns in order to conquer markets. lndeed, the question is one of curtailment of trade tc guarantee these markets to the institutions which manage foreign capital. The international attack consolidation broke the political ethlc chains that ascertained the integrity of the nations. ln the name of the economic occupation of territories, the capita invasion has been supported by all governments, unable to resist the international pressures. As a matter of fact, on a long term basis, the process is irreversible, and it should also generate benefits in an egalitarian society that cannot coexist with oppressive mechanisms. However, the nations of the center have directed their actions in search of guarantee of maintenance of a domination status that characterized the activity of these countries during the I

of mankind. The globalization process has necessarily to go through the equitable distribution of riches and the equilibrium in consumption. For this, the Northern countries must give up conservative strategies for a short term, and adhere to solutions that reduce the differences History

among the societies of the world. To fight for the maintenance of the heritage represented by our forests, an important strategic resource in future environmental and economic disputes, is a policy which Brazil has adopted and which should find an echo in the community.

161

The Am azonian Development At present it is difficult to know the international methodologies of direct involvement in the question of Brazilian Amazon Rain Forest. The traditional totalitarian attitude disguises itself more skillfully through the force of international treaties, difficult to be denounced, demanding rather a better preparation of the ones responsible for their sanction. During many years, the debate about deforestation was performed by the international community and by a group of "stubborn" countries, which withstood the pressures to "save the tropical rain forests." Brazil and Malaysia were notable in this game and were pointed out as adopting a firm position against foreign meddling in matters seen as restriction to their national sove re ig nty.'

As to the so expected "Convention

of Forests", it did not go out of Rio-92. There was an awareness that it was due to the North-South conflict. The proposal for such "Convention" was from the USA at the summit meeting of the G-7 in 1990. For many, it remained an initiative from the North and contained a certain salvationist approach. During Rio-92, the proposal was disqualified by countries from the South, having Malaysia at the head.

Notably Brazil, through its government, has presented restrictions to foreign interference in the question of forest. The same thing, however, does not happen within the society, object of constant manipulation by international agencies. There are reasons to believe in the occurrence of this manipulation by foreign interference.

Among them we may emphasize: - Problems due to timber production costs; - Problems due to weather changes; - A quest to participate in the f uture environmental market; Pressures to continue agricultural production;

- A strategy to repress the power which the country will be, if it becomes a green economy. The initial considerations about the question of tropical timber production costs are not new at international level. The potential market represented by this sector and the fact that this was the first value found during studies, corroborate such suppositions. The fact that two great climatic disasters occurred in Europe is noteworthy. The first, in 1990 resulted in enormous losses for the central countries. Besides the loss of material value of the timber product, these losses meant future problems due to replanting costs, extraction costs,

timber losses and a series of other related economic factors. This first disaster caused the fall at least twice in the yearly average exploration of some countries like Germany.8 lt coincided with the first initiatives officially taken, two years later, by non-governmental organizations to implement environmental management systeffis, primarily devoted to prevent the entrance of material coming from the tropics. The initiative is a clear attempt at guaranteeing markets for the European forests, which suffer because of the production cycles of more than 100 years, payment of heavy social taxes, soils acidified by the constant use and high cost of rural property. These certifying organizations have already been denounced, including by its own members interested in complying with the objectives of corporations in developed countries, in return for operating f unds.

162

The second disaster, in 1999, was even larger than the first onen and caused all the economic consequences already reported in more acute form. The sector faces great challenges in order to survive in the European continent and becomes increasingly less competitive. There are intense international movements aiming at encumbering Tropical timber shipment to Europe. Some non-governmental organizations, chiefly the ones which receive foreign financing, direct their activities to comply with the objectives of this economic sector, counting on nalveness of the Brazilian people. The model has nothing new. lt is the repetition of the paternalistic occupation politics of the central countries in the Third World. lt has been gaining force due to population growth and the need to satisfy the consumerist impulses in the Northern nations, in the detriment of other popu lations.

not exclusively European. Other great timber producers at world level already act in Brazil trying to promote their corporations in international market. They are from countrres that know the path of international commerce. Foreign investors have already declared the acquisition of 1.5 million hectares of forests. They intend to own 7.5 million hectares a few years from now.'o The concession system is the best tool for the government to bar predatory exploratron and assure guarantees of sovereignty to Brazilian population, who are the ultimate proprietors. The apprehension of the large world timber producers is clear and the recent occurrences involving the creation of ALCA" put in evidence the international protectionism The producers do not wish the market opening up for the productive capacity of Brazilian These tricks are

fo

rests.

Countries like USA and Canada invest in a character of emergency in the search of genetic alternatives able to turn their forests competitive. Actually, the use of our genetic heritage is another constant threat from international institutions. ln general, the central countries are not interested in opening the market. They try at all costs to create non-tariff barriers for Brazilian products, based on massive demoralizing propaganda, and inclusively in violation of commercial rules. It is important to point out that, in spite of the movement of multinationals finding almost no resistance in the society of marginalized countries, the tendency that the process brings is evrdent, that is the dissemination of worries about the environment to the whole population of the globe. This opens up a series of opportunities for a territory possessing the natural riches and the natural splendor like Brazil. There is, moreover,a great pressure of internal economic sectors to increase the agricultural area in the country. The zoning proposed by the government is going to prove the feasibility of this operation, which should be of interest to the country, as the production can help in development of the region. The question of climatic changes and its implication for the maintenance of present standards has been a constant in international discussions. European and North American countries are trying to understand the consequences that industrial development may suffer with climatic changes. Once more, environment interests are subordinated to the economic objectives of central countries. The present controversy is directly linked to apprehension of the European countries

with the repeated incidence of environmental catastrophes that, ultimately, result in serious economic damages. To Americans, the question is not so important, in view

of the power of their industrial

production, compared to the European service oriented economy. The lack of scientific support has delayed, dfid should delay even further, the conclusion of

agreements. The European strategy re-establishes

an uncertain environmental situation. lt

transfers funds that would not cause much disturbance to its economy and, in addition, uses the

of the market to the benefit of its population. They do not bother about the damages suffered by the southern countries, with projects oriented towards betterment of technologies, often employed in projects within the corporations themselves that are responsible for the so-called greenhouse effect. Actually, this strategy would support a massive entry of foreign capitals to favor resources

of

income which is, indeed, the factor mainly responsible for environmental degradation in the planet. concentration

In countries of the Northern hemisphere, this strategy could provoke significant reduction

in values involved in forest production, providing also the continuity of the already established industrial machine. The timber from Southern hemisphere would eventually have an insignificant value. There is the intention of carrying out projects dedicated to preservation. The national forest sector has a high competitive potential in international markets. The climatic problems must be solved through a reduction of pollution levels. Conservative attitudes reign in the northern countries, which are not interested in bringing up the consumption level equal to theirs, because this implies in reducing or renouncing their privileges to consume. Seeking participation in the future environmental market is a quite interesting means of transferring capital used by the central countries. They are strategies of utilization of environmental resources and economic potential of the country. The outcome of world conventions devoted to the environmental questions study the so-called GEF," for instance, that represents the international investments directed to questions of using and preserving biodiversity, among others. The fund tries to meet the requirements of biodiversity conventions, interested in preserving the biological diversity heritage characteristics in countries, promoting partnerships with national institutions These partnerships are advancements. They prevent the entry of capital without the respective support from the country in control and on research. The international intervention disguises very well its intentions here. The capital controls every activity related to the resource exploitation, discouraging any national operation. The search for technological alternatives turned to economic improvement of national resources is a weapon for environmental economy disputes in future, and Brazil is an immense test field for these activities. These funds have again been directed towards the large institutions, interested in investing and forming partnerships to develop business related to rational use of resources. They carry out massive capital apportion, which can only find an echo in organizations with equal economic power. Unable or not interested in destroying their international image through direct intervention, or even opposed by governments, the international organizations look for extensive

164

institutional acceptance as alternatives. The capital supplied obviously attracts organizations already prepared to corroborate these intentions. This activity increases the concentration of income. The international strategy is always aimed at this activity. Funds also serve as support to improve the institutional image of operations of North hemisphere, justifying their interventions in the territory. Even so, it is necessary to emphasize that the convention mechanisms represents a victory for the efforts to build an environmental reality which, in future, may prevail in the economic structure, with globalizalion Once again the mechanism entails damages for the most part of the population due to its inability to establish parameters similar to those in the First World for the educational demands of our people,destitute of equality of conditions with the world community, as a result of a history of interventions in the country. The pressures on the country to continue following the agricultural model are even more difficult to deal with. They seem to be the result of widespread economic interests. The agricultural class in the country has been for centuries the beneficiary of privileges of true colonizers, laying hold of the most different strategies in order to make a claim on a supremacy of the agricultural sector, furthering accumulation of wealth and promoting the backwardness of the country as a whole. If, on one hand, forestry represents an interesting frontier for development of agricultural activity,on the othel the valorization of resources seems to outline even greater possibilities of profit. Added to the intentions of large corporations turned towards obstructing the utilization of tropical timber, the increase in the agricultural areas serves to excessively weaken a sector which causes anxiety over the level of global competition. However, the massive investments in the media and non-governmental organizations, in order to propitiate forest preservation, seems to contradict operations turned to felling of trees in favor of agricultural operations. It seems that this incongruity finds justification only in the national territorial extension, which is the scenery of this real war between different economic and sectorial interests. The main advantage for international organizalions is that this contradiction and constant delay in development of policies makes advances possible, in the sense that they can prepare themselves for the future of world economic relations. The ZEE" proposed by the government will be able to put an end to the debates. However, the lack of planning and national integration puts the country at the mercy of strategies that generate more controversies rather than present significant solutions for growth problem of the country. The dispute between the sectors hinders the possibilities of agreement in the country. Large corporations avail themselves freely of methodologies propitiated by international agreements in order to divulge and set up technologies directed towards establishing a firm position in collecting the benefits deriving from environmental economy in the country. It is necessary to limit the presence of this capital in the country to concession system so as to guarantee hegemony over the resources of national property for the present and future generations of Brazi ians. Every action pointed at the question of utilization of natural resources in Brazil, be they positive or negative, are designed to delay the identification country with its natural heritage, I

165

mainly the forest, and to check the progress that the development of environmental economy will offer to the country in the world scenario. The crises faced by the country do not justify the lack of optimism as to our future. The magnitude of our natural resources is a strategic point for our inclusion in the new setting of an economy democratized and without frontiers. It is necessary to take hold of our natural heritage, intensifying popular participation. Both these srtuations, social inclusion and sustainable use of resources, are essential for the future of commerce among nations. All these characteristics presented,regarding the international capital intervention in the national territory, are corroborated by the reality of the situation on the use of our resource. lnvestments are aimed at warding the country off its potentralities. None of these activitres has been intended to revert the penury situation of the great majority of the population. All of them represent the interests of large corporations. For instance, the constant deforestation of native forests is directly linked to the continuation of the poverty levels.

It was of no use the country becoming one of the largest grain producers in the planet, since this did not bring about the distribution of income. It will be of no use to establish the same system of concentration of income for the utilization of natural resources. The population will still be oppressed and wasting resources, seeking

su rviva l.

The mechanisms used disguise reality. One needs to concentrate in the productive capabilities of our forests and on the needs of the population. The conciliation of these two needs must guide the national debates.

Defense of the braztlian territory "The mission to develop and defend Amazonia is a hard one. Howeve7 much harder was the mission of our forefathers to conquer and keep it."

General Rodrigo Otavio - Brazilian Army.

of numerous forts and leftovers of artillery batteries, with its old bronze cannons, are witnesses of more than 350 years of the struggle of our Brazilian forefathers, towards conquering and keeping the sovereignty over Brazilian Am azonia. Through the years, the true development principle in Amazonia has clearly been sustained by pioneer and brave actions of the Brazilian Armed Forces, whose efforts and sacrifices have always been present in the most remote places of the region. Brazilian Army has always exerted a great influence in the formation and consolidation of nationality of our population. The mission of bringing Brazilian culture to the heart and mind of every citizen in those The trails and ruins

166

distant regions, more than maintaining the safety of thousands of kilometers, has been fulfilled with sacrifices by the soldiers in Am azonia. But defense of Brazilian essential interests in that area is not a work restricted to soldiers; it

a responsibility of all Brazilians, military and civilian, including those living in other areas of the country. lf an external menace materializes, then all Brazilians are needed to defend Amazonia.'= A landmark in the search for integration of national values, S|VAM Amazonia Vigilance System, is designed to survey, handle and integrate information acqurred by each government agency working in Amazonia. lt will be a great database and all agencies are going to share this knowledge.'u The project was born out of the necessity for national management in the light of constant international attacks, trying to demoralize and to attempt against the sovereignty of the Brazilian people over its forest. SIPAM Amazonia Protection System, SIVAM and the Ministry of Justice are integrated in the mission of creating a system that propitiates environment protection, rationalization and exploration of natural resources, as well as the promotion of sustained development of Amazonia. The conclusion of the program will establish effectively the control over the region, which will allow a better management of resources and pursuit of policies aimed at regional integration with neighboring countries. Thus, international organizalions f ind the doors closed to interference, because of the attitudes taken by the government and by the military, repelling any attempt to destroy our hegemony and guaranteeing the security of the national territory. Foreign institutions have taken hold of a series of mechanisms, in order to enter into Amazonia territory through civil society. lt is every citizen's duty to oppose this onward march over our heritage. The paternalistic attitudes of international capital, trying to corrupt the society in exchange of benefits that attempt against the great majority of the population must stop finding echo in all sectors of the nation. The safe alternative to guarantee our journey towards a future of greatness, proportional to the magnitude of our resources, passes through the emancipation from the international capital chains that have maintained our population enslaved to its economic objectrves. It is the d uty of the society, as a whole, to idea lize a nd ma inta in prog ra ms is

designed to support the objectives of the government and the army. This way we will shape a united nation prepared for the challenges of the future, master of an immense heritage, able to supply the subsidies necessary for the full development and satisfaction of the needs of its entire popu lation.

167

Conclusion The globalization process applies methodologies of domination. However; through world-

wide demographic arowth itself, it becomes one more irreversible question in the long run. The entrance of the peripheral countries in this process has been restricted because of economic and political difficulties, as well as other difficulties related to environment. Foreign capital incursions in Brazil and in the whole of Latin America have increased in recent years. Together with these capital investments, institutions which own the investments are coming to claim their role as "bosses" of the enterprises. ln spite of globalization movements, no country in the world gives up its wealth in favor of another nation. On the contrary, theses resources are its weapons to fight for the improvement of the quality of life of its population. Notably Brazil does not lack virtues in favor of preservation of this heritage. However, sectors of society without any historical conscience tend to adopt the objectives of the wellprepared international institutions. Clearly, the preservation of the future of national integrity passes through the solution of poverty problem which, in its turn, has its roots in concentration of income. The utilization of Amazonian resources with social concern is, no doubt, the solution for these problems. The world is going through a moment of adjustment. Brazil and Bra zilians cannot evade the combats being fought in the name of the sovereignty of nations. The natural wealth has to contribute to the development of the country

168

1 cLogaLzATloN AND NEW WORLD ORDER (A GLOBnUZAqAO E A NOVA ORDEM MUNDTAL), Works. http://globalizz.cjb.neV

2 COnRENTE, J.C., Gtobatizafion (GlobalizaE5o). http://wunru.terravista.pUenseadal654}l 3

tRfZ,

Ihe

R.,

Concept

of Gtobalization (O Conceito de globalizaeao). http://www. geocities.com/athenVdelphi/9810

4 VAURINTO, Gtobatizafion (GlobalizaEao). Maurinto's Page. http://w.rrnru. maurinto.pro.brlglobalizacao.htm 5 Foreign Direct lnvestment. 6 W|U-|RMSON, )., Globalization:The Concept Causes and Consequences. lnstitute for lnternational Economics. http :/Anrww. i

i

e. co m/pa pe

rVwi

IIi

a m so n 1

298-2. ht m

7 NIlUR, Gyide for tJtitization of Forest Resources (Diretrizes para UtilizaEso de Recursos Florestais). 1 - POLhCA DE RECURSOS FLORESTAIS. Version

for Coordination of SECDUMMA Meeting.2. A NOVA POLmCA BRASILEIRA DE RECURSOS

NATURAIS.

8 Storr Damage Assessment Using Satellite Data: Document produced after the 1990 disaster. 9 UrufeD NATIONS ECONOMIC COM FOR EUROPE, Storms of December 1999 fell 165 million m3 of Timber. Equivalent to 6 months Harvest in Three Days. Press Release ECE/ilMrc012. Geneva, 18 January 2000. 10 TRUZ, C.S.F., MULTINATIONAL MONITOR. 1

Ihe Asian lnvasion: Asian multinationals CometotheAmazon Vol. 18, No.9, Sep 99.

1 Free Commerce Area of Americas.

12 clobal Environment Facility. 13 Ecological Economic Zoning. 14

o

GLOBO newspaper. 1 ol23/2ooo.

15 Pinheiro, A.S., (COL). Brazilian Army. Guerrilla

in

the Brazilian

Amazon http://call.army.mil

16 SVRM, What is STVAM (O que 6 SIVAM). http://www.sivam.gov.brlPROJETOfintrol.htm 17 SIVRM, the Starting Kick (O Pontap6 lnicial). http:/Annnnru.sivam.gov.br/ PROJETO/hist2.htm

169

,,H['Elll;llil!tur .-s$]!l{W

,.

.r,irr,ftiFtr,,1{{Sil"

i'

,r,111i'

ildrlit '';,

*tllftflffiMj

,!tg '

eil,

:t'1r ,,

,itl$

r!!,.!!,.

,triii

itt!

ii$1

{:*::t,.:t:i!rr-.

l,{i!!t!{!!l!riitr!;l.i:hr

r,X,,, ir$il11 fi,'i

,*+*l,1n*fl fi.Wn****mo* ,'r1fli; :,:I ,',.. t'.1+; .;,f,:,;;,,.ri;,.;, :: *{[l,,,

,ffih

ffiH

-'#l

]iilil

ffi ,1i:

rlilr.rs:rsrljli -

lS"

ii.!HliJg!,i$,!.

...--. -. . .- r:r ""'ii ji;

..:'i ;l*!r,il i:l'-?,i

.:'i.ti"E.1* .

l::i'il

llii

: .:1.

,lil+eii::',.r,, tl

:!l'1i;s4,1;:'

*.,,r,,gjt' li*,

ii

S

l;:i*

fj.

uji

4:i r*

::i

,1..!g

"

;.'iii1;;$;$.1,

Forest Market With the increase in the interest on forest preservation in the world and the desire for regulation on use of forest products in a sustainable manner, market aspects have acquired an increasingly relevant importance, what makes possible the needed reimbursement of demanded investments.'

The reflexes of a new extractive policy, including on fishery and forest products, should make themselves felt not only in the sustainable production style, but also in the betterment of life conditions of the populations engaged in these activities.o The future of the operations involvrng the forest sector demands a better utilization of marketing mechanisms, which should include, besides or mainly in view of the client approach, mechanisms which identify the forest product origin (plantations, Troprcal forests, Temperate forests, etc) and the structure involved in production (large, small or medium industry, communities, etc).

Stat ist ics Amazon Rain Forest contains one third of tropical forests in the world, able to take part in a market with an annual turnover of US$ 400 billion, and looks for alternatives in products which can ally sustainability to production, key word to access the rnternational markets in the future.

The forest products in international market represent an amount of about US$ 140 billion a year, data from 1997 and 1998.' The exportations of Brazilian forest products have reached US$ 2,38 1,839,000.u Sawed and planned timber, pnncipal use of our native forests, added up to US$ 79,632,244 in 1997 and other US$ 85,940,128 in 1998; the totals for the segment of solid timber were US$ 251 ,342,028 and US$ 182,855,650, respectively.' Undoubtedly, almost all the values presented for the totals are represented by reforestation, mainly of Pinus spp and Eucalyptus spp, which covered, also in 1998, a total area of 4,793,030 hectares.' Thirty one species add to production in Brazilian forestry in a commercial scale. There are some other species not very representativen which are not included in statistical studies. Other products extracted from our forests represent still another forest production segment at internal level. There are alimentary, aromatic, medrcinal, toxic and dyeing groups,rubbers, waxes, fibers, inelastic gums, charcoal, oleaginous products, pine knots and tanbarks.'o However, this gamut of products as well as the numbers of timber production, are not enough to justify the numbers found when we studied the evolution of the use of our forests. Between 1980 and 1995, about 200,000,000 hectares of forests were removed from the developing countries. Between 1 990 and 1995 only, 65,1 00,000 hectares of areas were suppressed.,' ln the past 30 years 600,000 square kilometers'' were suppressed only in Brazil. ln compensation, in industrialized countries, the forest areas which rest have received considerable increment: 20,000,000 ha between 1980 and 1995, and 8,800,000 ha between 1 990 and 1995.'' Of course, one should consider that Amazon Rain Forest by itself has an area of nearly 5,100,000 square kilometers, half of Europe,'o which, in compensation, features 30% of its territory covered by forests, or 3,200,000 square kilometers.'' It has not been a responsibility of the forest sector, but before the building of infrastructure and the agricultural frontiers development, the world has been defeated in establishing economic, social and ecological standards able to revert these numbers.

171

activity which demands an accurate scientific knowledge and that, if harmoniously conducted, generates dividends required to perform the necessary research. The sportive fishing, a quite

healthy activity looked at with great interest in the communities, capable of operating in interconnected markets, supporting the participation of the other sectors in economy. Besides mining, an ancient way of exploring the resources, prospections and studies undertaken mainly by PETROBRAS, opens up the possibilities of examining the uses in agro-forestry and other areas.

ldentifying Markets The forest certification has been object of studies at world level, and each country tries to

develop methodologies that enable both access and continuity of their operations in global markets. Started in 1977,lhrough the Blue Angel Program, it aims at reducing consumer's concerns about the environmental impact of products, promoting the certification by an agency alien to the process that environmental regulations were followed in manufacturing the product. Timber certification is one of the recent initiatives, providing marketing incentives to encourage the development of sustained handling of forests within social, economic and environmental demands. The struggle for certification in Brazil reaches huge proportions, in face of constant demand

of new

areas for the development

of agricultural

projects, engaging in an unfair and irrational

battle, caused by the lack of knowledge on the potential of the forest. Deforesting culture, rooted in agricultural and pastoral technologies of our entrepreneurs, causes wounds that offend the eyes of the world community, with forest fires provoked by farmers

that lead the process that caused devastation of an area equivalent to France'2 in thirty years. Amazonia has immense forest resources. The region produces 75o/o of the timber logs in Brazil, with moderate exports that should increase with the exhaustion of Asian forests. lt is foreseen that in 2010 it will the be principal region producing tropical timber in the globe." With relatively cheap practices but demanding specialized training, it is possible to gain safe economic advantages for forest investments, which use alternatives capable of preserving and improving the quality of wood. Some of these practices were presented by the "Handbook for the Production of Timber in Amazonia", which clearly explains a series of operations for exploration, with sustainability in view. All these processes get an important ally in the certification mechanisms, internationally acknowledged as responsible for the appraisal and ratification of quality procedures. Notably, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) has been the model which most grows in the world, reaching 20,000,000 hectares and, with more than 10,000 licensed products, under the auspices of the WWF (World Wildlife Foundation), it intends to reach the mark of 200,000,000 hectares certified by 2005.'o Besides the marketing benefits that the certification process brings to the companies in general, its role in demanding a better planning at national level besides assigning a multidisciplin ary factol is to be noted. ln spite of the positive development concerning forest handling incorporated by the present certifying mechanisms, there is still much to be done in order to try to socialize environmental labeling, providing subsidies to the participation of the communities that subsist on the forests in the international market. This way,the groups marginalized in the forestry planning procedures gain more importance and may see their aspirations fulfilled with the elaboration of programs to use

types of gases: Nitrous oxide, with 4o/o, Methane,

with 19% and Carbon Dioxide, object of 77o/o

of the projects.

Within the protocol, forestry projects are compatible with the utilizatlon expected in the entirety of sustainable handling techniques of the countries, and it may serve also as a support for their development.36 As to CDM, it will allow the developing countries to obtain certificates with projects for the reduction in emission of polluting gases. Afterwards, these certificates might be sold to developed countries, which can use them to fulfill the gas emission reductlon goals." Official estimations show that the climate change economic impact in Brazilian economy may surpass US$ 10 billion a year, a little more or a little less, depending on the actions adopted by the

country in relatron to the problem."

In spite of the reluctance of the American government,

it

is difficult

to

replace the

mechanisms created, making us believe that, in the near future, the agreement, or something very

similar shall be ratified by the nations, considering the unsustainable situation at present, in the world conjuncture concerning this problem. The biodiversity market, more specifically biotechnology,and its extraordinary potential to revolutionize health treatment, has justified the enthusiasm of investors in the sector.'n Proprietor of about 20% of the planet's biological diversity, the country had no idea of the valorization of its natural resources. But a group of technicians from the Brazilian Environmental lnstitute (IBAMA) and Renewable Natural Resources estimated, at first, that our biodiversity is worth today about US$ 4 trillion, five times the Gross National Product. The science of forest genetics tries to reach a balance between preservation and the use of genetic resources, through the program for developing strategies for manipulation of genetic resources in the new millennium.oo The arguments are already enough to reveal the possibilities existing in the use of biodiversity, and there is also the cultivation of genetically modified plants for production of food. As to the forests, the Global Biodiversity Forum (GBF) tries to integrate the communities through local, national and regional considerations, permitting sustainable use, preservation and division of benefits generated by biodiversity.o' There is also a consensus around the question of the need for countries to involve themselves

more with the use of their biodiversity, in order to avoid the greater exploration by third parties never seen in history before.o' To mention the example of the importance of the development of the sector at national level,

suffices to observe what happens to the agricultural question. Of the 7000 enterprises that existed

in 1979, ten companies control more than 30% of the world market of seeds.o' Braztl possesses a biodiversity heritage still subject to scientific controversies. However, be it 12,000 or 60,000 the number of different species of plants, the interest aroused by the 600 ornamental plants,700 with timber potential and more than 500 with medicinal qualities, is immense.ot The Swiss company Novartis Pharma AG, in a recent agreement with the authorities of the

Sustainable Use of Amazonia Biodiversity (Bio-Amazonia), has accomplished a contract that is dangerous for the national society. This agreement assumes sending abroad living genetic material (germ plasma) in large Brazilian Association

for the

scale. Let us not forget that in the region there are between 5,000,000 and 30,000,000 different plants, out of which 30,000 have been identified, and that this is equivalent to 10%

175

and promote settlement of population in the middle of the forest that needs efficient marketing strateg ies.

Forest policies should be focused in creating economic opportunities for groups in disadvantage and poor rural populations that depend on the forest to survive, and at the same time using processes of long duration and preservation of natural resources.s6 The Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP), or secondary products which are not timber; involve several sectors in their commercialization: proprietors, collectors, local populatiofl, urban commerce, manufacturers, exporters and government agencies. They need to establish a common work field. There are two basic aspects involved in the creation of this common work field. ln the first place, the fact that the present policies are badly oriented, in the sense of exploring NTFP in a sustainable form. Secondly, incentives in the sector should be directed so that proprietors can perform the exploration of these resources in such a way as to promote the sustainability and encouragement of its preservation. The market for these products has advanced and represents an excellent opportunity for our forests, due to the vastness of the territory and the huge diversity in species. One example is the plant built by Daimler Chrysler/Mercedes Benz in lcoaraci, in Par6, developed by UFPA as POEMA project. The principal raw material of the industrial unit is Coconut fiber to manufacture head support

for automobiles, among other

uses. The project, which was estimated

in US$ 7 million, will

consume at first 40 tons of Coconut fiber bought from B small agro-industrial enterprises in Par5.'-

Four hundred families settled through Uatum6 project display products obtained with Cupuassu in form of pulp,cookies (with and without nuts), jam, liqueul candies, salami, biscults, cream and also decoration pieces elaborated from the bark and wood of Cupuassu.u' ln MaranhSo, ASSEMA defends the utilization of Babassu Cocon ul (Orbignya speciosa) as a means of generating income for the associated families, producing flour, oils, toilet soaps and charcoal.tn

Economies based on NTFP in Africa, Nepal, Russia, Costa Rica and many other regions in the

globe, besides the increasing interest in sustainable uses, justify the growing utilization of these resources, as a path to reduce the environmental impact caused by large scale operations over the forest heritage. Generally, large operations demand heavy investments,

with large utilization of

machinery

and proportionately large interventions in the forests. The use of multiple NTFP resources may, howevel be a tool for the preservation and better income distribution, besides providing the rural settlement for the population. Advancing a little more in the question of multiple uses of NTFP resources, the sportive hunting market, completely neglected today, represents one more economic alternative, besides contributing towards management of wild animal population. Brazilian wild fauna traffic represents about US$ 2 billion a yearuo, being an illegal commerce due to a lack of investment and management of this economic sector. lnvestments in the sector benefit other types of industry and service business, besides demanding a constant observation of the behavior of wild animals, contributing to their study and preservation.

It is necess ary to understand that, today,

hunting plays a crucial role in the modern

management of wild animal population, and may play a still more important role in the success of

programs in the future.

ln the USA, the lnterior Department conducted a research on associations between fishing, hunting and recreation activities, with very significant results to justify the presence of these activities. ln 1991 , year of the research, hunting represented, in licensing stamps, permits, hunting licenses and daily expenses, US$ 530 million

with an average of US$ 38.00 per person.

ln weapons used for the sport, numbers reach US$ 1.55 billion per year and US$ 3.27 billion

for the whole equipment used in the practice of hunting.u' ln the Amazonian region, there are 324 of the 483 species of mammals existing in Brazil,u'. They may be studied and the mechanisms for their utilization may be implanted. The sportive fishing market is directly related to tourism and their close relationship favors the establishment of mechanisms able to help the management of the resources which both can use and offer to the public. ln the USA, the turnover in this sector is around US$24 billion/year, with 60,000,000 sportive frshermen. ln Brazil, the number is 6,000,000 and increases 30% every year.u' And there is still the fact that the number of available species in the endless rivers in the region surpasses the American rivers. The number of existing fish is between 2,500 and 3,000.u0 Water protection is another important point. Amazonian forest contains two thirds of allfresh water in the planet, a wealth that increasingly arouses the world interest. Several meetings to deal with the subject have already taken place. ln Germany we have a case which portrays well the values to be integrated in the protection of reserves of this precious liquid. The companies pay for the water used in their processes, as well as for the rejects that remains at the end of the productive chain. The more harmful substances are present at the end of the production chain, the higher is the amount charged. This way,the companies try to invest in alternatives like, for instance, filtration, in order to establish standards closer to the original quality. One more alternative that can be used in handling Brazilian forests is to impose taxes on the river pollution. The more we study the possibilities of utilization of our resources, more alternatives appear. There are the energetic exploration, subsoil potential, agro-forestry, forest cultural value, landscape preservation and so many others that it is impossible to list. ln every analysis, we find a new alternative of use. There are resources arisrng from the rational exploration of iron,copper, gold, cassiterite, niobium, petroleum and gas, among others. Within the continent that is Am azonia, the accomplishments are small. The unique characteristics of this heritage must be preserved, and marketinq is essential to accomplish the utilization of the potentialities superficially indicated.

with the purpose of evaluating the magnitude of what can be made in terms of forests. There are studies being made, like the one from the Ministry of Farming, Cattle Raising and Forestry of Nicaragua. By means of international literature review, the ministry showed that with only the utilization of timber products and NTFB ecological and recreational benefrts, carbon fixation, ecological diversity and cultural values, the forest realizes a total of US$ 210.00 per hectare each year, and that half this value surpasses the returns from farming and cattle raising. Another aspect to be pointed out is the generation of jobs in the sector. ln timber industry only, the capacity to create jobs exceeds ten times that in farming and cattle raising.u' Several attempts have been made

,'5

Aspects of the Sustainability

of Markets

The challenge of the developing countries is found in three main points. strengthen their

participation

in international trade, improve environmental quality and achieve

insignificant

reduction in degree of poverty of the population.66

ln compensatior, it is a common view in all nations that equity between the developed blocks and the developing blocks must be sought,as a safe way to warrant the preservation of quality of life of the global community. The differences rn the consumption levels, between the industrialized countries and the ones which are at the margin of the process, are responsible for the pressure generated on natural resources.

it is necessary to have in view a change in the forms of access to the markets,quality and partnerships between countries and between the various sectors To reach sustainability,

with in the cou ntries. Globalization represents a change in standards which are not an exclusive responsibility of the countries with more purchasing power, but also of the more holistic conscience of the factors.u' These factors represent all those involved in the pressure over natural resources, in the creation

of a gap between countries of the first and of other worlds, besides dissemination of poverty. The implications are obvious. There are no products to share with the rest of the globe. There is, then, the burden of being marginalized when accessing the markets, first by the lack of purchasing power and then by the lack of resources itself The company that opts to have its image at a high plateau and indicates clearly its concerns with conservation of environment and the search for solutions in the sense of satisfying the yearnings of its market has a significant advantage over the others. When markets grow, the concerns with the maintenance of the quality of life grow too The opening of markets is a very large opportunity to increase the number of clients for the companies that are ready for it. The obvious implications for the global market are, besides the loss of credibility of the material which eventually does not have a certification, the future and probable trade barriers foreseen in trade agreements.6s .

The Marketing of

It is possible to perceive a variety of uses for the forests. There is exploration of timber and the various secondary products. Forests are important for the complying with world

to reduce gas emissions. In the process of incorporation of the multiple uses of forests in Brazilian economy, activities that can enable different sectors of society to participate in order to help building a new agreements

reality must be foreseen. ln order to establish new parameters in the utilization of natural resources, policies should demand a great rnvolvement of the various groups of interest in forests. lntegrated systems must be established for fomenting production, centralization and adequate distribution of products and services to the various points. Forest marketing is an indispensable tool for accomplishing the task of bringing the consumer near the forest producer, justifying economically, socially and environmentally the full use

of natu ra I resou rces. The adequate commercialization involves mechanisms to promote and further activities, and

is

179

and criteria of different institutions. A quick reflection on these factors determines the urgency to look for tools capable of influencing the process of development and capacitation in commercialization of the various forest products and services. The unique characteristics found in Tropical forests, especially in Brazilian Amazonia, the immense potential represented and the need to generate income for a population increasingly poorer, are factors urging these attitudes. lnvesting in forest operations handled in a sustainable way,with a larger framework of activities involved changes, through work, a panorama of a confused and dangerous occupation, into an endless producer of natural resources of quality for a society in transformation.

The marketing for Brazilian forest products generates the bases needed for the full development of their real socioeconomic potentialities. The potential and the market for green products from Brazilian Amazonia has grown in the whole world. Opinion polls taken by the Hartman Group, indicate that 52% of the Americans are interested in purchasing green products and 760/o of the consumers would changes their brands for others with products related to a good environmental cause.'u

Forest Certification The industrialized countries consume 70% of all timber used in processing, while the developing countries consume 90% of the timber used as energy.Europe is one of the largest global markets for forest products, answering for 27o/o of the world consumption, what places it in the position of second biggest receiver of the world production." Studies on the forest sector, both in Europe and in the USA, are at present centralized on the question of future for certified products, justifying the sustainability in production and environmental concerns of consumers. ln order to have access to global markets, the union between economic production, improvement in social conditions and guarantee of quality of life must be foreseen in production in any scale. The tool which has presented itself more often with capacity of global recognition of the quality in the processes is, without doubt, the forest certification, going through a pronounced increase in its acceptance and covering forest areas increasingly larger, mainly of planted forests, to start with.

Cha racteristics Certification is an internationally recognized tool, able to open new markets and bring down barriers, fruit of the world need to use natural resources in a form that guarantees its sustainability.

lnternational debates about the forest stamp have been based on the global timber market, in which one looks mainly for the recognition of the concern with environmental preservation and the sustainability of the material produced. Certification involves access to forest handling according to international standards accepted by all nations in the Globe, besrdes monitoring and placing forest products in the world market. lt is a market incentive that encourages companies improve their forest practices, acknowledged in globalized market.'8

To be able

to

correspond

to the aspirations of the world community, to

generate

1

8'1

sustainability in the utilization of resources and mitigate, perhaps even solve, the huge social problem, the national production stamps in the integration to the international trade have to focus, in the first place, on the question of poverty of the population.

, Braztl brand incorporates characteristics which are an international demand and decisively helps to generate sustainability, due to the need to improve income distribution, as a way to diminish pressures on natural resources. The unbalance found in the consumption levels, first between First and Third World and then within developing countries, is what has generated conflicts and led to the impoverishment of the natural heritage in the planet. Certifying that the product has the needed environmental concern and generates social justice, besides adequate economic benefit, is a weapon at the disposal of the marketing professionals to attack the well-structured positions of the large corporations in international trade. So described

Barriers The study of the relation between environmental protection and free circulation of goods

in MERCOSUL'n is fundamental, since there is a precise relation between distribution of goods and environmental safety under which they are produced. The uniformity of environmental laws is a process permanently suggested in MERCOSUL sphere, manifesting a need to build a community law able to regulate development in a sustainable form and propitiate an adequate protection to the environment.8o Also, according to PEARSON, there are three fundamental reasons for the link between international trade and environment: increasing integration of national economies; increasing attention to frontier and global environmental threats; and the new umbrella of "sustainable development", looking for the preservation of natural resources.'' The World Trade Organization (WTO) has tried to establish rules capable of guaranteeing free trade among countnes, in an attempt to grant more predictability and stability to internationa l trade." There is the possibility of regulating international trade through institutional capacitation, through utilization of the WTO rules, through control of imports, through non-tariff barriers, prevention of dumping and use of precautions." This thesis is reinforced in the French legislation, where it says that there is a certain balance between the activities carried out in the member nations, as to chances and other risks run by the activity* since free circulation of economic activities may cause alterations or distortions in competition."

The Asuncion Treaty foresees that in economic integration the environmental protectlon will be also contemplated. ln modern times, development without defense of environment would not be admitted.

Conclusion World forest market represents an important opportunity for national development because of the productive capacity of the country, as well as because of the decreasing availability

of resources in other countries. However, forests like the Amazon Rain Forest represent much more than values for timber

exploration. They possess a multiplicity of values and uses not well defined and little known by world community. These multiple uses have the capacity to generate enough economic resources justifying its

182

preservation with time. lt is necessary

to invest in mechanisms furthering the identity of the country

with its natural heritage, particularly in Brazil, internationally known for the bad use of resources. World demands for globalization, and democratization in the access to resources must find echo in interna I activities related to the use of resou rces. To insist on income concentrating

strategies may be dangerous for the future of national institutions. B razil can use natural resources to create a more balanced economic life of the population that sometimes produces, with the excesses of a minority of wealthy people,disastrous effects that eventually can destroy the national organisffi, weakening our capacity to compete in international markets. The forest theme must receive more special attention and care in the marketing area, thus being able to improve forest productive capacity and to polish our image at the international level in order to guarantee a sustained growth/development with sufficient social inclusion. Acting this way, Brazil Brand has immense possibilities in the new society that emerges, overcoming eventual problems related to economic unbalance among its various sectors and firmly on its path in this new century that promises to be much greener. FOOTNOTES

2. The New Oxford Annotated Bible, Edited by Bruce M. Metzger & Roland E. Murphy (New York, Oxford University Press, 1994).

3. BECKER, M. et al., Potential Markets for Certified Forest Products in Europe. Discussion Papers. EU Forest lnstitute. lntrod. (Joensuu: Finland, 2000) 5.

4. Ministry of Environment, Hydric and Amazon Resources - MMA, Guide for Utilization of Forest Resources (MtrutSfEnto DO MEIO AMBIENTE, DOS RECURSOS HiOntCOS E DA AMAzOrutn LEGAL Version

for SECE)UMMA Coordination Meeting. Published by

- MMA, Diretrizes para a Utilizaqao dos Recursos

IPEF-ONLINE 05/05 /2001

Florestais).

.

5. FAO, Forestry FAOSTAL 2000. 6. FAO, Forestry FAOSTAT, 2000. 7. Brazilian Society of Silviculture, Solid Wood Segment (SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE SILVICULTURA, Segmento de Maderra Solida) http://www. ipef brlsbs /estatisticas/ (2000). .

8. Brazilian Society of Silviculture, Total Reforested Area in Brazil (SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE SILVICULTURA, Area Total Ref lo resta

da no

B

rasi

I

), http .//www. pef i

.

b

r/sbs/estatisti cas/.

(2

000).

9. IBGE, Species of Silviculture (Especies da Silvicultura). http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.brlcAi-bin/prtabl.

(2000).

10. IBGE, Quantity produced in vegetable extraction in Brazil http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.brlcgi-bin/prtabl.2000. 11. FAO, State of World Forests 1999. http://www.fao.orglforestry/Fo/SoFo/SoFo99/sofo99-e.stm

2000

12. Special on Amazonia (Especial da AmazOnica). VEJA magazine no. 1527 (SEto Paulo: Editora Abril, December 1997). 13. FAO, State of World Forests 1999. http://www.fao.orglforestry/FO/SOFO/SOFO99/sofo99-e.stm 2000 14. Special on Amazonia (Especial da Amaz0nica), VEJA magazine no. 1527 (56o Paulo: Editora Abril, December 1997). 15.

EFI

-

EUROPEAN FOREST INSTITUTE, Research Strategy (Joensuu: Finland, September 1998).

16. ROBINS, N., Making Sustainable Bite: Transforming Global Consumption Patterns. SCATI. Understanding Global Linkages. htpp://www.iied.orglscati/pub/chatham.htm.

p. 03 (2000).

17. ROBINS, N., Corporate Globalization, Livelihoods and Sustainable Development. htpp://www.iied.orglpdf/giving-ed.pdf 18. MDIC - Ministry of lndustry Development and lnternational Commerce, Programs and Actions - Micro and Small Companies. h

tp

p

://www.

d

ese n vo lv i m e n to . g ov. b r/p ro g a coes/M

P

M e/D a d os . h t m

19. FAO, State of World Forests 1999 ldentifying lnternational Forest lssues. 94. 20. TERRAVISTA, Amazon Forest (Floresta Amazonica). htpp://www.terravista.pVenseada/1 093/

21. Special on Amazonia (Especial da Amazonica). VEJA magazine no. 1527 (56o Paulo: Editora Abril, December 1997) 96 22. CAVALCANTI, K. & MANSUR, A., Butcher of the Forest (Carrascos da Mata). VEJA magazine no. 1592. The Massacre of Boardsaw (O Massacre da Moto-Serra) (S5o Paulo: Editora Abril,

23. AMARAL,

P.

AprilT, 1999) 108.

et al., Forests for Ever. A Manual for Wood Production in Amazonia (Florestas Para Sempre. Um Manual Para

a

ProduCio de Madeira na Amazonia). lntroduction (lmazon. Belem, Par6, 1998).07.

183

185

ilMm ,&fi-d&ffiffiru$Aru 'H dil" ' s**'h fl: W g_ilJffifu$ mhfi ffipTlON m'!n

dr

fr

by Josd

5a

rney Filho

Amazon Rain Forest destiny is still being decided by Congress. ln a conjoint public hearing Editor's note: treproduce of the Amazonia and Agriculture Committees, the project for the conversion of the Provisional an articte bytheformer Measure which changes the Forest Code. Members

of the rural bloc repeated, in a somewhat

rude tone, the mistaken idea that the present Forest Code "plasters" Amazonia development. Which "development" is this? Which is the role of Amazonia in the future of this country? What do public opinion and civil society have to say about a decision of such significance? Either

ministerJose sarney Fitho, pubtished

in

2001, which

containsvery ctarifyins appreciations and data

will decrde the destiny of the largest Tropical aboutthe Brazitian Amazonia situation forest in the planet based only on the immediate interest of some landowners. Congress opens and qualifies this debate or we

These last ten years were marked by a revolution in Brazilian agriculture productivity. Since

the grain production has increased 58o/o, while the planted area was unchanged. The new agricultural model, besides avoiding the conversion of new native vegetation areas, is virtuous because it increases the product quality and aggregated value along the productive chain, becoming able to enter more dynamic and valued market niches. But productive modernization has occurred in an unequal way in space: agriculture productivity gap in the North region in relation to national average, increased from 24.2% in 1985 to 34.5 in 1997. And which is the relative importance of agricultural production in Amazonia? ln 1997, the North regron was responsible for 3.60/o of the planted area and for only 2.4 of grain production. Although the relative participation of North region in the nation livestock is greater, 11.6% in 1996, the number of animals per pasture hectare is 19o/o inferior to national average, which was of only 0.86 animal/ha in 1996. The mere leveling of the present density to the Brazilian average would save 5.6 million forest hectares of being converted in new 199011991 harvest,

pastu res.

Amazonia deforestatiofi,

on the wrong side of productive revolution, besides

being

for national productior, induces to the amplified reproduction of an extensive model of very low economic efficiency, which needs to be reverted. The changed and relinquished lands in the region are already 165 thousand square kilometers (equal to the states of Espfrito Santo and Santa Catarina together). lf these lands were again incorporated to production, pasture area in Amazonia could increase in 68% or agricultural area increase more than B times, without irrelevant

cutting down a single tree. Limitless expansion of the agricultural frontier is the direct cause of the regional low productivity and underdevelopment. The new open lands, with very high environmental costs, erode the possibilities of productive intensification. This is a backfired scheffie, because when we delay the agriculture technological evolution, we relegate regional production to little demanding and stagnant markets. As a result, the region specializes in what is easy and cheap, in what does not contarn technology nor involves creativity, in what does not pay good wages,in what does not generate a significant fiscal income.

186

The present model of Amazonia occupation reduces the forest economic potential to a single and sinister path. After the most valuable timber species are "prospected", the forest is turned into ashes and changed in low productivity and quick exhaustion pastures. This happens because there is not yet a market which signalizes the present value of the forest usufruct, or of the irreplaceable environmental services it already renders us, which are fundamental for the contrnuity of economic production, development and life quality of the populatrons. lts vegetatlon continental mass, por example, acts as a water recycling pump which cools and humidlfies the climate and keeps in balance the flow hydrographic rate of 1/5 of fresh water in the planet. Each piece of deforested area means less rain in the forest and even on Brazilran South and Southeast. The valorization of forest resources, however, needs to be turned into the promotion of economic alternatives environmentally sustainable and economically possible, with enough effect to promote a positive impact on employment and income, thus improving the social condition of the population, allowing, at the same time, the preservation of forest resources and services. Timber extraction, for instance, already employs 500,000 people and is responsible for almost 15% of the region GNB being necess ary to improve it and make it sustainable. Certified timber can reach a better value, can be exported, can be converted in sophisticated products whose entrance in also sophisticated markets does not suffer the veto of ecologically conscious consumers. Carbon fixation market is also being organized and ecological tourism beats records. National and foreign companies start a race after the largest stock of genes in the planet, of literally priceless value, as rt was very well explained in an article recently published in a weekly,and whose possibility of use simply becomes non-existent when "our forest of the golden eggs" is cut and burnt down. As it can be seen, the strictly economic reasons against the change in the Forest Code and Amazonia deforestation are countless. But the change in the code would also be disastrous for strategrcal rnterests of Brazil in the international scenery. Although upset, the Kyoto Protocol did not give in to the American boycott. The USA is paying a high price for their isolationist position. The Brazilian denunciation of the American position, including successive manifestations of Presrdent Fernando Henrique Cardoso himself, was direct and piercing. ln Bonn, Brazil exerted a crucial leadership on the Group of the 77, in favor of the Protocol. How to legalize now the increase in deforesting and CO, emissions? How to send the world a sign so contrary to our very beautiful diplomatic performance and to the concerted decision of almost all nations for the continuity of the Protocol? ln the name of which interests are we going to increase devastation and carbon emissions exactly when the world acknowledges the greenhouse effect as a very serious global problem? It is worth remembering that CO, issued in the annual burning of Amazon forest, at the correct levels, is estimated in about three times the total of emissions in the burning of fossil fuels in the whole country. Without the forest burning, we are one of the cleanest countries in the world. With it we are the fifth main issuer of CO,. The integrity of the most magnificent forest rn the planet is a right of the many future generattons of Brazilians who, unlike the big landowners, cannot make themselves heard in Congress. State and public opinion are entitled to the intransigent defense of this right so that, out of the rmmense possibilities of sustainable development in Amazonia, they are not left with only ashes, smoke and despondency.

88

1

Brazilian Amazonia is seen by many as

the "Earthly Paradise". ln reality, whether we wish it

or not, Amazonia represents the human race survival. Because it is part of the "New World", it means the treasure all nations would like to possess. It represents much more than the combustible oil (petroleum), since it may supply its substitute, in a quantity sufficient to keep the progress of humanity, Brazil being in a much better position than Saudi Arabia in terms of strategic reserves. lt possesses more than all the other riches existing in the planet Earth. lt will have great possibilities of changing into a giant biodiversity mill, at present estimated of the order of 3 trillion of dollars, exploring all its resources, from the water generating energy to its rich subsoil exploration. Withholder of the exclusive right over the air we breathe, Amazonia is not the "lung of the world". lt is the filter of the world which, certainly, does not attack it. Being the fifth marn issuer of CO, in the world, Brazil is considered one of the cleanest countries. Its importance increases every day,as a compulsory component for all those who catch a glimpse of the future of the world. ln spite of that, there are many who underestimate it. They do not believe it is possible to exist "new a world" full of natural resources, full of solutions, able to develop and follow modern science progress. An example of that is its own survival. It needs nothing, no external help to survive or live well in this new world, untouchable yet. The world duty and concern to preserve it must always be constant. It is necessary to protect water. Amazon Rain Forest holds within it two thirds of all fresh water in the planet, a wealth that every day arouses more world interest and greed. There have already been several meetings to deal with the matter, having in view that it is estlmated that, from 2015 on, some of the richest countries in the world will feel the need to find alternatives, in face of the reduction or lack of available water. Its occupation should be planned, with the greatest respect paid to Nature. Its exploration should be rational, according to scientific solutions and developed for the good of mankind. ln this (twenty-first) century we must find the way to its evolution and from it take the best it can offer us. Withholder of the most part of this natural heritage, Brazil must find its adequate solutions in order to face economic pressures and external policies of some countries interested in the part they th in k belongs to them. Political and scientific wisdom must prevail over all the optics of untimely solutions about the importance and destiny of Am azonia. Its natural resources must be used in the right proportior, in order to give continuity to the existence of the planet Earth. Untimely worries that Amazonia is about to close this cycle of riches are mrsleading; they come from those who ignore its potential in a virgrn state, ready to answer to any viable proposition for its utilizalion

.

We will, therefore, have a last chance to find a solution for the problems that trouble it. We must have the supreme wisdom in order to deal with Nature's wisdom. lf we find this way, next generations will surely live better.

by Marco Antonio Espirito Santo & Elisabeth Espirito Santo

189

,': t t t! f

"-s

+

Ir

P

ffi -;i

?l?i{sis

rl{ -

-'-

_:--

-

.-,

':1Ia'. -:-- -\-{.=-

--

!

l

';t'f- *+##1 -'**4^