Cooperativism in Forest Communities in the Amazon: What Do Non-Members Say?

Abstract

The National Forest of Tapajós is a reserve in the western region of the state of Pará and in 2005 the Cooperativa Mista da Floresta Nacional do Tapajós was founded, with the main objective of applying forest management through community activities. This paper aimed to identify and evaluate the viewpoint of non-member residents about this cooperative, as well as to find alternative production forms. It was used a matrix of Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses, and Threats, semi-structured interviews, a Priority Matrix, and a Plan of Action. The most important benefits cited were the donation of wood, road maintenance and jobs for the members. Problems in the admission process related to red tape and lack of transparency in the selection process of new members should be overcome. Cassava planting and flour production; handicrafts; tourism; establishment of agroforestry systems; honey production were the main productive activities indicated in the Plan of Action.

Alternative Tourism and Environmental Impacts: Perception of Residents of an Extractive Reserve in the Brazilian Amazonia

“…Most families (56%) had their income supplemented by public social assistance policies, mainly through the Bolsa Família, a conditional cash transfer program ( Figure 4). This situation also occurred among the communities of Marapanim, state of Pará, where the Bolsa Família program benefited 46.4% of the survey′s informants [57] and also in the Tapajós National Forest, where this aid contributed to the maintenance of the families of that Conservation Unit [66]. This federal government program contributed to the fight against poverty and inequality in Brazil.…”

“…In this sense, in the Tapajós National Forest, in a Conservation Unit close to the RESEX Tapajós-Arapiuns, residents understand that tourism is a productive activity and deserves special attention. They suggest creating and articulating a network of partners to offer courses in reception of tourists, English language, and first aid [66]. The economic benefits resulting from protecting tourism areas offer a potential compensation to the local population, who has to bear the majority of indirect costs resulting from land-use restrictions associated with the protection status of a particular area [104].…”