Stakeholders Discuss Results of Participatory Biodiversity Monitoring in the Jamari Forest

Stakeholders Discuss Results of Participatory Biodiversity Monitoring in the Jamari Forest
Photo: Paulo Bonavigo

On March 20, 2019, community members and students from the Jamari National Forest (FLONA) region met with researchers and IPÊ consultants to evaluate the results of their Participatory Biodiversity Monitoring joint program. Monitors and researchers presented their experiences on the data collection, its analysis, and then discussed the results.

FLONA Jamari was one of the first areas to allow sustainable timber extraction and even with the controlled harvest following management plans, it is necessary to monitor the impact of this activity on the region’s fauna, flora and biodiversity ecosystem. Companies that work in the FLONA also took part in the meeting and helped to evaluate the results.  

The biodiversity monitoring process, combined with effective management of the Conservation Unit taking place, shows the importance of sustainable management and how good design and execution can achieve conservation results. The regular monitoring allows adjustments to be made so that monitoring activities have the least possible impact on the environment. Close relationships with the companies involved fosters dialogue and adaptive management of the economical activities allied to conservation outcomes.

“The meeting was a wonderful experience,” said Gesiana Kamila Miranda, one of the monitors. “I took part in the data collection and it is very satisfying to get feedback about the results, especially coming from specialists. The key point of the event is to have monitors and specialists interacting so that the person who works with the data comes to the field and can share these experiences, and answer questions”, Ms Miranda explained.

Another 21 institutions also took part in the meeting, including ECOPORÉ, IFRO, UNIR, MADEFLONA, AMATA, METALMIG, ERSA, BRASCAN, SEDAM (ESEC-Samuel e CUC), SEMA Ariquemes, EMBRAPA, AEAMIO, STTR Itapuã, SFB, CES RIOTERRA, EMATER, Itapuã do Oeste Municipality, Itapuã do Oeste Chamber of Representatives, REDE AMAZÔNICA and the the Benjamin traditional community.