Sustainable and Integrated Management of Caixeta Forests in the Ribeira Valley

• Grant number: 95/04638-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Start date: August 01, 1996
• End date: August 31, 1999
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Forestry Resources and Forestry Engineering - Forest Management
• Principal Investigator: Virgilio Mauricio Viana
• Grantee: Virgilio Mauricio Viana
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant(s): 98/11604-2 - Roelof arent Albert Oldeman | Wageningen agricultural university - Holanda, AV.EXT

Abstract

This project addresses the problem of forest management in freshwater swamp forests dominated by Tabebuia cassinoides, a fast growing tree, with a low density timber used for fine woodworking. The project is comprised of nine sub-projects that range from basic ecological studies (ecossystem characterization, natural regeneration, population genetics and hidrology) to management (survey methods, logging and silviculture) and processing of timber and non-timber forest products (epiphytes, sawmill processing, waste use). The project uses a participatory approach with high local participation. It also involves strong cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organization. The project has a strong training component. The final objective is (i) support a sustainable forest management initiative carried out by the association of caixeta extractivists and (ii) to produce a series of scientific publications, including a book on the ecology and management of caixeta. (AU)