2 research outputs found
The Fate of an Amazonian Savanna: Government Land-Use Planning Endangers Sustainable Development in Amapá, the Most Protected Brazilian State
Although Amapa´ is the most protected Brazilian state, the same level of protection does not extend to its savannas. These
are currently suffering increased pressure from threats including large-scale agriculture, particularly the expansion of soybean
plantations. In September 2016, the Government of Amapa´ presented a zoning proposal (Zoneamento Socioambiental do
Cerrado [ZSC]) that reserves most of the savannas for agricultural activities. Here, we outline how the methodology
employed is flawed because it does not include fauna surveys, evaluations of ecosystem services or an assessment of the
social importance of the savannas. The ZSC authors admit that, contrary to Brazilian legislation, the zoning was carried out
with the single intention of increasing agriculture production. Current knowledge indicates that Amapa´’s savannas are rich in
biodiversity, including endemic and threatened species, and are also home to a rich culture of traditional populations. These
savannas are important providers of ecosystem services that, if intact, could represent around US$ 1.52 billion annually. We
hold that the ZSC should be reformulated, with fair participation of stakeholders, in accordance with Brazil’s legal requirements.
At least 30% of the savannas should be protected, local family farming should be supported, and the rights of
traditional peoples must now be assured through recognition of their land rights
The Fate of an Amazonian Savanna: Government Land-Use Planning Endangers Sustainable Development in Amapá, the Most Protected Brazilian State
Although Amapa´ is the most protected Brazilian state, the same level of protection does not extend to its savannas. These
are currently suffering increased pressure from threats including large-scale agriculture, particularly the expansion of soybean
plantations. In September 2016, the Government of Amapa´ presented a zoning proposal (Zoneamento Socioambiental do
Cerrado [ZSC]) that reserves most of the savannas for agricultural activities. Here, we outline how the methodology
employed is flawed because it does not include fauna surveys, evaluations of ecosystem services or an assessment of the
social importance of the savannas. The ZSC authors admit that, contrary to Brazilian legislation, the zoning was carried out
with the single intention of increasing agriculture production. Current knowledge indicates that Amapa´’s savannas are rich in
biodiversity, including endemic and threatened species, and are also home to a rich culture of traditional populations. These
savannas are important providers of ecosystem services that, if intact, could represent around US$ 1.52 billion annually. We
hold that the ZSC should be reformulated, with fair participation of stakeholders, in accordance with Brazil’s legal requirements.
At least 30% of the savannas should be protected, local family farming should be supported, and the rights of
traditional peoples must now be assured through recognition of their land rights