This paper describes smallholder agricultural systems in the lower Amazon where the Santarém sub-Cluster is based. Here, despite the fertility of floodplain soils and a long tradition of floodplain farming, smallholder agriculture is stagnating. Once the basis of the floodplain economy, its role in smallholder subsistence has now been taken over by commercial fishing and extensive cattle ranching.
The potential role of responsible forestry in REDD
The potential role of responsible forestry in REDD
If properly designed, REDD could tip the balance towards responsible, certified logging, thus squeezing out illegal operations. Responsible forestry should be coupled with measures to reduce the flow and irresponsibly harvested timber into consumer markets.