Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (LACAD)

Managing Institute:
NRIL (Natural Resources International)

Project Code: 087-502-013	Start Date: 01-Apr-91	End Date: 01-Mar-95
Commitment: £1,901,218	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
The Amazon forests of the Rio Negro Basin are growing on old, deeply weathered and leached soils from nutrient poor bedrock. There is a question as to whether these forests can sustain the nutrient depletion inherent in more severe levels of extraction by logging than those currently practised. Information on forest nutrient recycling is relevant to judging the effects of extraction and therefore to devising sustainable forest management systems. The project aims to provide information and data in support of the development of such systems. INPA is the largest research body in Amazonas state with a natural resources focus. It has a strong body of scientists capable of cooperating in multidisciplinary schemes. However, they do not have appropriate equipment or training to conduct a nutrient cycling study in both undisturbed and managed forest. This project will supply the equipment, training and consultancy advice to enable the INPA scientists to acquire the necessary data on nutrient cycling to form judgements about its role in sustainable forest management. DFID's contribution to the project will cost 1.74m GBP over three financial years. The Brazilian contribution is valued at 2.07m GBP.

Project Objectives:
To investigate levels of sustainable harvesting of rainforest species through maintenance of adequate levels of soil nutrients.

Intended Outputs:
Database of biomass dry weights and nutrient amounts Nutrient cycling dynamics data Model to enable nutritional consequences of varying forest management strategies to be assessed Computer model of nutrient cycling in logged and unlogged forest Forest Management guidelines developed on how to minimise nutrient loss when logging Trained INPA staff able to continue activities.