Integrating Training, Research and Social Learning for Collaborative Management of Complex Social-Ecological Systems in the Brazilian Amazon

The project has three components:

Component 1: Elucidate the causes and consequences of land use change in this dynamic frontier region through research and training of regional and local actors. This component, which has been initiated as part of the UF-UNEMAT Specialization Course on "Collaborative Management of Complex Social-Ecological Systems," will develop and disseminate understanding of the interactions between drivers, local actor decisions and actions, and impacts on the region's social-ecological system. It will also form a critical mass of trained people from academia, NGOs, government and the private sector who will implement necessary actions in Component 2.

Component 2: Influence governance, implementation of protected areas, and development of the REDD program. Building on initial steps to be carried out in Module 4 of the Specialization Course, we will support the participants and their regional initiatives to promote a sustainable model of land occupation and development in this region, to undertake participatory dialogue with local stakeholders, develop and discuss scenarios for future development of the regional social-economic system, and implement actions to influence both public policies and landowner decision-making.

Component 3: Multiply project results by adaptation and replication at other Amazonian universities. This is an opportunity to leverage and disseminate our methods of analyzing Amazon regions as integrated social-ecological systems in collaboration with local stakeholders, responding to requests for support from a new Center for Sustainable Development being created in Acre state and a regionwide project in 9 Amazonian states funded by the BNDES Amazon Fund.

Project Goals

Our overall goal is to strengthen governance and promote a sustainable development strategy for the region that maintains a high level of forest cover and protects water and biodiversity resources.

Location: Cotrigauçu, Mato Grosso, Brasil

System Type: Agriculture,Forest/woodland

Contact: Robert Buschbacher

Collaborators: Simone Athayde; Wendy-Lin Bartels; Renato Farias; Andre Baby; Rosane Seluchinesk; Solange Arrolho; Raissa Guerra; Ricardo Mello; Thaissa Sobreiro; Alexandre Olival; Paula Bernasconi; Walterlina Brasil; Monica Grabert; Amintas Rossete

Organization: University of Florida

Collaboratoring Institutions: Instituto Centro da Vida; Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso; Universidade Federal de Rondonia

Project Dates: July 2010 to present

Keywords: Collaboration; Conservation; Deforestation;