Iracambi Research Center - Atlantic Rainforest - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Iracambi Research Center - Atlantic Rainforest

This paper introduces a stratified random sampling strategy and an estimated error matrix of pixe... more This paper introduces a stratified random sampling strategy and an estimated error matrix of pixel proportions of observations for the entire study area. A classified land cover map was created by applying the Maximum likelihood classification method in IDRISI software to a CBERS-2 false color composite satellite image. The classified land cover map identifies four major land use categories: forest, development/cleared land, scrubland, and pasture/agriculture. The study area is a 240sq km municipality boundary of Rosário da Limeira in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A stratified random sampling strategy was developed to select land cover sample sites. The previously collected ground data is compared to the land cover categories on the map. Finally, an error matrix of the estimated pixel proportions of observations is then utilized to show the correct or incorrect proportion of observations for the entire study area. The stratified random sampling strategy and the error matrix of pixel proportions of observations illustrated in this paper are for the Iracambi GIS lab and other organizations interested in collecting land cover ground data.

This dissertation studies the cultural practices, which transform the landscape of the rural comm... more This dissertation studies the cultural practices, which transform the landscape of the rural communities Buracada, Santa Catarina and Pedra Alta located in Muriaé and Rosário da Limeira municipalities, Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais State. Landscape is understood as an expression of the interaction between constructed and non-constructed elements, men included. Investigates the landscape through a cultural perspective and considers it to be in constant transformation. Methodological contributions from anthropology consolidate our fieldwork and landscape interpretation. Creating a network within the communities’ population facilitated our investigation of these transformations. Our
interpretation is based with the combination of our descriptions, interviews and fieldwork experience. Identifies landscape elements and proceeds with investigations on them to gather knowledge about the local cultural practices which we consider most determining of the landscape transformation. To comprehend these practices create the possibility of further reconstructions.

One of the major issues confronting land management projects in developing countries is the absen... more One of the major issues confronting land management projects in developing countries is the absence of sufficient and reliable spatial data (Teeffelen, 1992). This lack of data can partly be solved by using modern techniques of data acquisition such as remote sensing. Iracambi, an NGO in Brazil, has been working to conserve remaining portions of the endangered Atlantic Rainforest. The purpose of this paper is to present Iracambi with useful spatial data in the form of a recent landuse map, along with a sampling strategy that can then be used in future conservation efforts. A current landuse/land cover map was created by applying the Maximum Likelihood classification method to CBERS 2004 satellite imagery. A ground sampling strategy was then developed that was based upon results from a land cover change analysis, conducted using Landsat data from 1988 and 2001. Results from the classified 2001 Landsat image were used to determine the random placement of the sampling points for a future map accuracy assessment. This is to be applied to the final 2004 CBERS classification results.

Door gebruik van chemische middelen in combinatie met een veranderend, warmer en droger klimaat w... more Door gebruik van chemische middelen in combinatie met een veranderend, warmer en droger klimaat wordt de duurzame cultivatie van koffie steeds moeilijker. Een goede balans van nutriënten en mineralen in de bodem en een goede bodemgezondheid is onontbeerlijk voor het verzekeren van de oogst en het behouden van de bodemkwaliteit en -functies. In het empirisch deel van deze bachelorproef worden verschillende bodemkwaliteiten gemeten en vergeleken binnen drie verschillende types koffieplantages. Deze zijn op te delen in een conventionele teelt, organische teelt en een agroforestry systeem. Uit de resultaten
zijn er significante verschillen merkbaar. Zo blijkt dat de bodem van de conventionele teelt een hogere pH heeft alsook hogere concentraties calcium, magnesium en organisch materiaal, maar geen bodemorganismen zoals regenwormen bevat. De organische site en het voedselbos hadden lagere pH- en nutriëntenwaardes en een hogere aanwezigheid van aluminium, doch niet in fytotoxische hoeveelheid. De
bodems van deze laatste twee teelttypes blijken chemisch in ideale staat te verkeren voor het telen van koffie, zonder chemische input. De conventionele teelt is voor het aanbrengen van nutriënten afhankelijk van chemische middelen, en is vatbaar voor bodemdegradatie, o.a. door erosie.

A previous research, carried out by Watson (2000) in the Rosário da Limeira municipality, indicat... more A previous research, carried out by Watson (2000) in the Rosário da Limeira municipality, indicates that the major cause related to the Brazilian Mata Atlântica rain forest destruction has been connected to the expansion of the agricultural frontier principally for coffee cultivation. Therefore, a land management strategy has been proposed by the author to break out of the cycle of deforestation, coffee cultivation and land degradation. It is argued throughout this paper that, in the first place, poverty is not the primary cause behind deforestation and that the main driving forces of deforestation in the Rosário da Limeira and Muriaé municipalities are the consequence of the economic pattern of development. Second, the study is concerned not only with poverty as a
cause of deforestation but also with poverty in itself in order to show possible pathways towards a more sustainable livelihood. Third, the land management plan proposed by Watson (2000) is considered to be a
valuable short-term strategy to slow deforestation but not sustainable in the long run. The paper analyzes the livelihood diversification through community education as a strategy to promote economic diversification and agriculture as a sideline activity in order to reduce poverty and prevent deforestation. It is argued that education is not only a necessary requisite for livelihood diversification but also to promote and improve public
participation. The results of the analysis demonstrate that the possibilities of a sustainable agricultural use of the land, if a land management plan were implemented, are rather limited. In addition, this study reveals that although poor people clear forested areas to maintain or improve their income levels, poverty is only the proximate cause of deforestation in the Rosário da Limeira and Muriaé regions and that the steel and iron industry charcoal demand, as well as the expansion of the agricultural frontier are the primary causes of deforestation in the region. The extension of the agricultural frontier for coffee cultivation in the Minas Gerais state can be attributed to the country’s reliance on export crops, as well as to the shifting composition in crop cultivation within the São Paulo and Paraná states. The foreign debt, as well as the conditional reforms supported by the World Bank and the IMF to generate export income have encouraged coffee cultivation. In addition, economic policies aimed to promote the industrialization of the country have promoted coffee cultivation and encouraged charcoal production in the region.

In 2003, citizens of the Serra do Brigadeiro region of Minas Gerais, Brazil learned of large-scal... more In 2003, citizens of the Serra do Brigadeiro region of Minas Gerais, Brazil learned of large-scale bauxite mining plans for their land, which have the potential to produce up to US $2 billion. This project, designed without the input of the community, conflicts with a culture of small farming, coffee exportation, and a growing environmental movement based on alternative
agriculture and the preservation of the endangered Atlantic Forest. A core group of advocates and farmers quickly demonstrated their resistance to these mining plans. I joined them by engaging in action research based on the question: How has anti-mining advocacy contributed to a more sustainable future for the land and cultural livelihoods of small farmers in Minas Gerais? I collected data through process observation, interviews and material culture. The research concluded that the core advocacy group, or “mining commission,” has successfully demonstrated their resistance to bauxite mining using strategies of confrontation or conflict.
Directly as a result of advocacy efforts, the mining plans for the Serra do Brigadeiro are on hold. However, this is a new advocacy effort and the future is uncertain. This research also discusses strategies of collaboration and internal empowerment, which may be applied to the
mining commission’s work in the future. The results of this capstone will be presented back to the mining commission to facilitate strategy building and inspire a stronger and more powerful resistance. Regardless of whether bauxite mining occurs in the Serra do Brigadeiro, the advocacy movement has already contributed to a more sustainable community in Minas Gerais by emphasizing participation, empowering farmers to speak up, and prioritizing social and environmental justice over economic development.

In light of impending climate change and already disastrous deforestation, conservation strategie... more In light of impending climate change and already disastrous deforestation, conservation strategies are vital to preserving global species diversity and richness. This project looks at existing forest in a small section of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil and assesses which habitat patches are the most essential. A MARXAN analysis was completed using land cover, area, core-to-edge ratio, and threat susceptibility of patches in order to determine the most important patches for maintaining species diversity in the study area.

This bachelor paper covers the challenges and problems present in the Atlantic forest mainly focu... more This bachelor paper covers the challenges and problems present in the Atlantic forest mainly focusing on deforestation and unsustainable land uses that take the forest’s place such as monocultures or mines. Aside from the origins of the loss of forest, the consequences for the climate and humanity get discussed as well as topics like hydrology, soil management and plant protection measures when attempting reforestation. In the end, speculation about possible strategies to handle the problematics mentioned are given. These include the way humans mass-consume and uphold the demand for products such as meat; and how tropical reforestation should be handled in order to increase success rates. The main plague (the leafcutter ant) to hinder reforestation attempts also gets covered to shed a light on their devastating effects. The research conducted concerning this subject includes various methods to control their populations and protect fields and plantations. All existing options get covered, but the use of ecological methods is emphasized and holds much potential. Many of the problems witnessed are connected in one way or another and dealt with using both international as local knowledge about the matter. By addressing the consequences and weighing them against what is gained out of the new land uses, this paper hopes to bring change in the way forests are viewed upon and treated. As humans are the initial cause of the whole problem, only a change of global magnitude
can stop these practices. Sensitizing people worldwide at any age can create ecologically conscious movements.

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is one of the world’s recognised biodiversity hotspots. Anthropogen... more The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is one of the world’s recognised biodiversity hotspots. Anthropogenic factors including population growth and agricultural expansion have reduced forest cover in the region to 7-8% of its original extent (Galindo-Leal & Camara, 2003). Forest fragmentation is challenging the sustainable development of the Atlantic Forest as the
region’s unique biodiversity is threatened with extinction and the environment has become degraded. This thesis focuses on a typical Brazilian Atlantic Forest region in Limeira, in the state of Minas Gerais. Most farmers are resource-poor, family orientated producers whose main
agricultural products are coffee and livestock. National and state forest policies and legislation have restricted the clearing and use of forest fragments by farmers. However the region is still at risk from further fragmentation as farmers rely on forest fragments to supplement their livelihoods. Conservationists promote forest corridors as mechanisms for sustainable development. They help provide links in landscapes for isolated forest fragment animals and plant species. However corridors must be designed to include the people who live and work in the Atlantic
Forest. Forest corridors in conjunction with agroforestry buffer zones offer a potential compromise for conservation and farming livelihoods. A combined methodology was used to assess forest fragmentation and forest corridors as mechanisms for sustainable development. Transect mapping of forest fragments was conducted with the participation of farmers. Interviews were used to establish the extent of fragmentation, local forest types, the use of forest resources and farmer attitudes to forest corridors in the study region. Two existing forest corridor sites were visited to assess the use of forest corridors as mechanisms for sustainable development.

The Atlantic Forest has been reduced from over 1.3 million km² to about 100,000 km² of highly fra... more The Atlantic Forest has been reduced from over 1.3 million km² to about 100,000 km² of highly fragmented forest. Fragmentation effects, such as the isolation of some populations in forest remnants, constitute a major threat to forest ecosystems. The distinguishing function of forest corridors is to combat isolation effects: to increase the viability of plants and animals by facilitating their movement between forest patches. However, there is uncertainty and debate about their effectiveness on both biological and social grounds. This study considers how corridors on private farmland could appeal to landowners and fit with their circumstances; it also assesses human pressures on forest fragments.
Productive corridors developed with the participation of farmers are a promising option. This study examines the potential of this option in a region of tropical lower montane Atlantic Forest. Fieldwork using participant observation and semi-structured interviews focussed on a
potential corridor location along a ridgtop. Respondents grasped the corridor concept easily and contributed invaluable observations. For corridors to cross several properties consensus among landowners is required, which is both a difficulty and an opportunity to generate discussion of conservation issues at a community level. Farmers’ participation in the design of productive corridors can help secure success in both social and conservation aims.

The Atlantic Forest has one of the world’s most diverse tropical forest biota and, at the same ti... more The Atlantic Forest has one of the world’s most diverse tropical forest biota and, at the same time, it is one of the most jeopardised on our Earth. Found along the east coast of South America, it shelters a unique biodiversity with exceptional levels of plant and animal species endemism. Currently, the Atlantic Forest is a fragile treasure significantly reduced in its extension and scattered in hundreds of thousands of fragments. The lands initially covered by the forest are now predominantly human-modified landscapes. Iracambi Research and Conservation Center is a non-governmental organisation located in the heart of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, in the state of Minas Gerais. The goal of this graduation project was to present a design for vegetation monitoring in the Iracambi property, which will be able to assess the health state and development stage of the different forests present in the area. Forest conservation is central objective at Iracambi, and therefore monitoring activities are crucial. A literature study was performed looking at the vegetation composition in the Atlantic Forest, the ecosystem services it offers, the current threats to its biodiversity and goals for the conservation and restoration of the forest. Guidelines for designing a monitoring plan were researched to get explicit instructions on forest monitoring activities. The goal was achieved by an analysis of remote sensing imageries which allowed the visualization of the forested areas at Iracambi. The western boundary is covered by an old-growth healthy section of forest which should be monitored to understand the ecology and biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest. The central and eastern side comprise secondary growth forests and restored areas that should be monitored to keep track of their growth stage and to determine the success of restoration projects. In total six permanent monitoring plots, of circular shape, were chosen. The locations were established for each different type of forest individuated, in relatively homogenous units of vegetation, with comparable canopy height and canopy cover. The indicators to monitor were divided into two main criteria: forest structure and vegetation health. Altogether the data obtained from this monitoring will allow to create a detail picture of the forest dynamics at a certain point in time. Furthermore, target values were established, which will provide insights into taking management actions, to avoid damage and degradation of the forest. Advice was given to Iracambi on the steps to take for starting a successful monitoring program. The first step is the creation of a separate protocol together with a database to store all the collected data. A pilot study should also be performed to identify potential problems before initiating the program. Then it is possible to start collecting data. Measurements for vegetation should be taken on a biannual base and should always be analysed and interpreted directly after the monitoring. The initial observations can be used to develop baseline information regarding the overall forest state. Long-term monitoring program will allow to detect changes of specific indicators and make informed predictions about the ecosystem impacts.
This monitoring design represents the first phase for the organisation to set up a complete monitoring protocol including other ecosystem components: wildlife, soil properties, water quality and weather; part of
the Smart Forests case. When combined, the entire forest ecosystem can be assessed, increasing the understanding of the relationships between those parameters. Finally, advice was given on how to embrace the other environmental parameters in the monitoring program. When all data collected have been analysed, they may be used to elaborate models for the restoration of degraded sites and sustainable resource management proposals. Iracambi is advised to prepare periodical reports including all the monitoring information, any forest health issues or significant changes together with the major management actions taken.

This research aims to assess the effectiveness of different management strategies and reforestati... more This research aims to assess the effectiveness of different management strategies and reforestation efforts in the conservation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest using soundscapes as a primary data source. Fieldwork was conducted at the Iracambi Research Center, an NGO located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, committed to the protection and reforestation of the Atlantic Forest, one of the most biodiverse and threatened biomes on the planet. Six forest management categories were studied: Primary Forest, Secondary Forest, Reforested Area, Montane Forest, Eucalyptus Plantation, and Pasture. Soundscape recording devices were deployed in three plots per category, capturing data for one minute every five during the dry season. The recordings were analysed using acoustic indices—mathematical metrics that act as biodiversity indicators—calculated for four time periods: dawn, midday, dusk, and midnight. The primary hypothesis of this study was that pristine areas would exhibit more complex soundscapes compared to disturbed ones and that reforested areas would present an acoustic diversity comparable to secondary forests. Additionally, it was hypothesized that acoustic diversity would correlate positively with arboreal diversity, evenness and biomass,
underscoring the role of vegetation structure in shaping acoustic communities. It was also expected a relationship between acoustic indices and meso-mammal species richness in the plots. The findings showed that reforested areas can reach levels of acoustic diversity similar to those of secondary forests, suggesting their ecological value in restoring biodiversity within shorter timeframes. Pastures presented unexpectedly high acoustic diversity, likely driven by invertebrate activity, while eucalyptus plantations were characterized by low acoustic diversity. Acoustic indices, particularly the Acoustic Diversity Index (ADI) and the Acoustic Evenness Index (AEI), were significantly correlated with tree diversity and evenness, but not with biomass, suggesting that tree diversity is a stronger determinant of soundscape complexity than tree volume. Meso-mammal species richness also showed weak correlation
with acoustic diversity in all the time spans considered. This study highlights the potential of soundscape analysis as a powerful tool for monitoring biodiversity in differently managed forests, offering insights into conservation strategies in tropical ecosystems.

This paper reports on the successes, challenges and future of a community cooperative in Brazil’s... more This paper reports on the successes, challenges and future of a community cooperative in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest. I worked for six months as program coordinator for a small non- governmental organization (NGO), called Friends of Iracambi Association (Iracambi). Iracambi works with rural communities to create income generating alternatives and to protect the rainforest. To facilitate this it helped start a small community cooperative, the Iracambi Producers Group (IPG). My work with the IPG made me curious to know what its members thought of its success and future prospects. The research question for my paper was: Has membership in the IPG affected the members’ self-efficacy and visioning for the future? The research methodology used was designed with the communities involved in mind. I collected data using semi-structured observation and interviews, questionnaires and material
culture. This data was then analyzed to answer the research question. Through my analysis I came up with a number of conclusions, primarily about the IPG but also Iracambi. In my conclusions I determined that member’s self-efficacy and visioning for the future have benefited from participation in the IPG. Members thought, planned and worked together, and learned new skills and trades while working for the IPG. This was facilitated in large part by Iracambi. It has proven to be a good use of their time, energy and resources. Both Iracambi and the IPG face many challenges. I have made recommendations to both on changes they should make. The practical applicability of this paper is for a small group of individuals and organizations that might find the new knowledge presented useful. This inquiry will be most helpful to the IPG and Iracambi. It might be beneficial to community cooperatives or NGOs thinking of working with communities in rural Brazil or starting similar cooperatives.

Foram cinco anos bem aproveitados e devo agradecimentos a todos que de alguma forma contribuíram ... more Foram cinco anos bem aproveitados e devo agradecimentos a todos que de alguma forma contribuíram para minha formação. Agradeço à minha família, em especial a minha mãe, Iracema e pai José, pela paciência e pelo suporte que me proporcionaram em todos os anos da graduação, e a Déborah, por ser uma irmã atenciosa. Sem vocês nada disso seria possível. À minha companheira Maitê pelo carinho e apoio. Agradeço a todos os professores e professoras que tanto contribuíram para minha formação pessoal e profissional. Especialmente à Profª. Nora Presno, por seus questionamentos, contribuições e orientação nesse trabalho e durante toda minha vida acadêmica; ao Prof. Marcelo Miná por sua orientação nos trabalhos junto à incubadora; ao Prof. José Horta, pelas incansáveis conversas acerca do cooperativismo; e à Profª. France, com quem aprendi muito sobre orientações técnicas no campo. À todos e todas com quem "estagiei", trabalhei e vivenciei diversas experiências durante anos no Estágio Interdisciplinar de Vivência. Foram momentos que marcaram e definiram muitas coisas. Aos amigos da Incubadora Tecnológica de Cooperativas Populares, com quem vi vi momentos de felicidade e angústia, de indignação e esperança, especialmente à Renata,

The tropical forests of South America, some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, also ... more The tropical forests of South America, some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world, also hold the greatest biodiversity. Besides providing important habitat, healthy forests capture
carbon dioxide and prevent its release into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the potential release of stored carbon through deforestation also poses an incredible threat to the earth’s stability. These complex ecosystems are under pressure from local populations who exploit their natural
resources for survival. Compounding this problem, climate change threatens to significantly alter existing habitats and subsequently, the biodiversity those habitats support. Around the world, development practitioners and communities are looking for solutions that reconcile the
needs of rural farming communities with the preservation of tropical forests. Payments for Environmental Services (PES) projects are one potential solution to this problem. These projects are designed to generate income for traditional farmers through alternative land use, while
simultaneously protecting and regenerating the degraded forest. This paper examines a PES alternative being developed by Iracambi, a non-governmental organization working in the Serra do Brigadeiro Development Territory in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. If stakeholders are able to overcome some considerable obstacles, this type of project could have a significant positive impact on this region and in similar regions throughout the world.

This inquiry sets out to examine how the Emergent Cyclical Levels of Existence theory (EC Theory)... more This inquiry sets out to examine how the Emergent Cyclical Levels of Existence theory (EC Theory) may be used to improve the sustainability, effectiveness, and impact of development efforts. Specifically, it attempts to determine how the theory might be used to create sustainable, community-driven development, and also its potential to transform existing, conventional development initiatives. To that end, the research focuses on two development initiatives, the Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Conservation and Research Center in Brazil and the Committee for Cooperation with Darién, in Panama. Research methodology employed consisted of participant observation and informal interviews along with in-depth study of the theory. In addition, it was necessary to construct a framework for analysis of the two cases based on EC theory. The resulting analyses of the cases clearly illustrate the applicability of EC theory to the
field of development while deliberately avoiding specific prescriptions or interventions that might be suggested by the theory. Further research plans include the development of assessments, observational instruments, and a practical guide to EC theory for development
practitioners.

The purpose of this study was to examine understory tree regeneration in three plantations of Euc... more The purpose of this study was to examine understory tree regeneration in three plantations of Eucalyptus grandis of different ages (2, 6 and 15 years after planting) growing at similar site conditions within the Iracambi forest reserve in the southern highlands of Minas Gerais, in Brazil. Root collar diameter and height of overstory and understory trees, Native tree species richness, Native Tree species composition and principal seed dispersal mechanism of native trees were examined. These where used to study changes in community composition and structure with time. Results showed clear chronosequence trends for all variables examined, manifested as significant structural and compositional differences with time for structure and both biological taxa and pseudotaxa (ecological groups). With respect to species richness and composition results of the study revealed increasing species richness with time from an initially poor assemblage. This was more rapid in the 2 to 6 years stage in relation to the 6 to 15 years stage. This was because there was more because of an increasing evenness with time rather than increase in the number of species. With respect to composition Biological families, genera and species characteristic of high altitude rainforest characterized the community, but the assemblage was almost completely different in
comparison to primary and secondary forest fragments of the region and according to Finnegan’s general model of Neotropical secondary succession. There were also significant and very rapid compositional changes especially in the first years. Overall the eucalyptus plantation was in a late early to mid successional state compositionally. In terms of seed dispersal mechanisms a pattern of decline in zoochorous and anemochorous with a subsequent increase in autochorous individuals was observed. This was in direct contrast to the expected model of steady increase in zoochorous individual’s. A possible explanation and implications of this are discussed. With respect to structure rapid
increases in height and diameter were observed within the given time frame. Structure characteristic of primary forest (reverse J curve) was observed quite early on and continued to evolve closer to that with time. Competition between natives and eucalyptus was intense with natives essentially dominating the stand at 15 years after planting. The
absence of an extensive and relatively infrequent disturbance was considered as reason of this. Light was considered the defining factor with natives being semi-shade tolerant later succession better adapted to moderate to low light conditions that are continuous through a long time that is offered by the death of canopy individuals and creation of small gaps with time as the unmanaged plantation is left to grow .on the other hand the shade intolerant eucalypts would require one major and extensive opening event like the clear felling of a plantation every 6 years were it is known to regenerate amply. Results suggest that a classical succession mechanism is occurring according to current ecological theory. With respect to conservation objectives results prompt the need for active management for successful restoration in the future .This should entail planting of eucalyptus protection of animal populations and enhancement through captive breeding programs and other similar methods. Enrichment with species that cannot disperse because of
animal absence and active silvicultural management of the restoration area will also be essential to achieve primary forest conditions. Results also indicate several native species that should not be planted in open areas but could be planted in the understory of eucalyptus to hasten succession.

The Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Research and Conservation Center, located in Rosário da Limeira,... more The Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Research and Conservation Center, located in Rosário da Limeira, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Atlantic Rainforest as well as the sustainable development of the local communities within the region around the Serra do Brigadeiro state park. During the summer of 2010 the organization employed four graduate students from Clark University to assist with the development and application of Geographic Information Science (GIS) for the organization's GIS program. The volunteers assisted with the expansion of the organization's geodatabase, the creation of an interactive Google Earth application for the display of GIS data to the public on the organization's webpage, and assisted with numerous other projects for the organization. This paper summarizes the work conducted by the volunteers, the organization's structure and current projects, along with the volunteer's assessments of their internship with the organization.

Fuelwood is an important source of domestic energy in rural regions of Brazil. In the Zona da Ma... more Fuelwood is an important source of domestic energy in rural regions of Brazil. In the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais, native species from the Atlantic Forest are an important source of fuelwood, supplemented by wood from eucalyptus and coffee plantations. The use of native species is complicated by their increasing scarcity and the recent enforcement of forest policies that prohibit the felling of even dead natives trees without a permit. In this study, the factors contributing to the persistent use of fuelwood in this region, despite the simultaneous use of liquid petroleum gas in most households, are explored by examining fuelwood use patterns in four small rural communities in the Zona da Mata Mineira using household surveys and semi-structured interviews.
Two hypotheses were tested using a Jacknife regression. One hypothesis, based on the Energy Ladder model, tested the predictive power of socioeconomic status in relation to fuelwood use. This variable was not shown to explain a statistically significant percentage of the variance in fuelwood use. The second hypothesis tested for a moderating effect of access to fuelwood on the relationship between the socioeconomic status of a household and that amount of time that household spends collecting fuelwood. The interaction between access to fuelwood and socioeconomic status was shown to explain a significant percentage of the variance in fuelwood use, thereby indicating that in this region, the effect of socioeconomic status on fuelwood use depends on access to fuelwood.
The Atlantic Forest Policy was found to have little influence on domestic energy decisions made by surveyed households. Few research subjects had a good understanding of the basic tenets of this policy and the Forest Police do not have adequate resources to enforce the policy at this level.

A Quetion of Function, 2019

The global development of natural resources is surrounded by extraordinarily high levels of confl... more The global development of natural resources is surrounded by extraordinarily high levels of conflict. Generally, these conflicts revolve around 1) the allocation of benefits and burdens associated with mineral extraction and 2) the identification of relevant stakeholders and appropriate communication channels to consider their perspectives. To contribute to the understanding of global mining conflicts, this paper presents a case study of a mining conflict in several communities of the Serra do Brigadeiro Mountains in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. From 2003 to date, several mining companies, in particular Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA), attempted to mine bauxite on private farms throughout the region. The challenges associated with this development are the lack of appropriate communication by CBA, conservation issues associated with the removal of remnant patches of the Atlantic Forest, and the distribution of economic benefits and burdens between the company and the local community. Several groups in the community, including the Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Research and Conservation Center, have led the opposition to CBA’s mining proposals. Their opposition is not specifically against mining but rather seeks to develop equitable and sustainable mining practices that would serve economic, community, and conservation interests. The paper concludes with an analysis of this mining conflict based on work by Özkaynak and Rodríguez-Labajos (2012), Schlosberg (2003), and Sen and Nussbaum (1993), which shows that tensions began and escalated due to (1) CBA’s deliberate efforts to limit community participation, (2) the unequal distribution of benefits and burdens associated with the mining proposal, (3) CBA’s failure to account for environmental degradation and recognize local experiences, cultures, and moral values in mining conflicts, and (4) the threats the mining proposal posed to the functioning and capabilities of local communities.