Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (LACAD)

Managing Institute:
Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi

Project Code: 087-502-008	Start Date: 01-Oct-90	End Date: 01-Mar-93
Commitment: £295,000	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
Plans for the two years of project activity to be supported by DFID have grown out of earlier research and interaction with islanders. Better knowledge of local tree-management practices and of market constraints, has led to the identification of specific pieces of research and extension and to economic studies and documentation aimed at enhancing the profitability while preserving the sustainability of the extractive economy practised on Combu. Funds are now sought from DFID to continue (and slightly expand) the programme for two years, including the following activities: 1) Research: studies of the ecology, structure and function of the forest, and the role of topography, drainage, soil and light in regeneration and growth of valued species studies of the natural history of tree species, including a database of available information from field observation, experiments, local residents, laboratory and literature studies. These will be brought together in a book on the island's natural history. 2) Marketing and Socio-economic studies: studies of the economic value of the marketable products obtained from both managed and unmanaged floodplain forest, including measurements of actual yields obtained per household as well as estimates of potential yields. 3) Extension and environmental education: an extension programme to transfer research findings and introduce promising new crop species, combined with short training courses for farmers. The programme will be co-ordinated part-time by a consultant, who will devote up to three months per year to this project. It will be directed full-time by his assistant and team leader. This project is expected to achieve its objectives in two years, DFID will review progress after eighteen months. Whether or not the Goeldi Museum decides to continue this or another research programme on Combu, there is no present commitment by DFID to involvement beyond the two year period. Research on Combu has been oriented towards increasing understanding of how people use the forest resources, and how the forest itself behaves. All studies being aimed towards improving production and sustainability. Several research studies have been operating since 1987 or later and will continue, while other short-term studies will be completed during 1991-92. The research programme covers both socio-economic and ecological issues.

Project Objectives:
To study the ecology, natural regeneration and flora of flooded forest and conduct economic studies of farm forest production systems on Combu Island near Belem, Para State. To contribute to increased production and sustainability on small forest farms.

Intended Outputs:
Ecological studies of tree growth, regeneration and mortality in plots, in relation to topography light soil density and aeration Natural history study: database of tree species and phenology, book on natural history of Combu Island. Study of actual value of products available to sample households, through micro-economic surveys. Extension programme of on-farm trials of improved techniques and new crops. Marketing studies of non-wood forest products. Extension activities aimed a health care and sanitation of new improvement and on-farm trials of new crops, livestock and farming techniques.