Forest restoration in the floodplains of the Amazon estuary subjected to intensive açaí management

Abstract

The expansion and intensification of açaí management in floodplain forests of the Amazonian estuary have resulted in changes in floristic composition and in biodiversity losses, causing problems to ecosystems and endangering livelihoods of riverine communities. These transformations have prompted the need for forest restoration. The objective of this study was to identify and analyze forest recovery initiatives carried out in floodplain forests previously subjected to intensive açaí management in the Amazonian estuary. Methods included structured interviews and questionnaires. Results reveled the following restoration types: 1) area enrichment: subtype 1 - high floodplain forest (7.89%) and subtype 2 - low floodplain forest (44.75%); 2) directing natural regeneration of native species (34.21%); 3) cultivation of native species (13.15%). Results suggest that forest restoration efforts can promote sustainable production of açaí, productive diversity, ecosystem conservation and generate income for riverine families.