Abstract
Background
Riparian forests provide ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being. The
Pepital River is the main water supply for Alcântara (Brazil) and its forests are disappearing.
This is affecting water volume and distribution in the region. Promoting forest restoration is
imperative. In deprived regions, restoration success depends on the integration of ecology,
livelihoods and traditional knowledge (TEK). In this study, an interdisciplinary research
framework is proposed to design riparian forest restoration strategies based on ecological
data, TEK and social needs.
Methods
This study takes place in a region presenting a complex history of human relocation and land
tenure. Local populations from seven villages were surveyed to document livelihood
(including ‘free-listing’ of agricultural crops and homegarden tree species). Additionally,
their perceptions toward environmental changes were explored through semi-structured
interviews (n = 79). Ethnobotanical information on forest species and their uses were
assessed by local-specialists (n = 19). Remnants of conserved forests were surveyed to access
ecological information on tree species (three plots of 1,000 m2
). Results included descriptive
statistics, frequency and Smith’s index of salience of the free-list results.
Results
The local population depends primarily on slash-and-burn subsistence agriculture to meet
their needs. Interviewees showed a strong empirical knowledge about the environmental
problems of the river, and of their causes, consequences and potential solutions. Twenty-four
tree species (dbh > 10 cm) were found at the reference sites. Tree density averaged 510
individuals per hectare (stdv = 91.6); and 12 species were considered the most abundant
(density > 10ind/ha). There was a strong consensus among plant-specialists about the most
important trees. The species lists from reference sites and plant-specialists presented an
important convergence.
Conclusions
Slash-and-burn agriculture is the main source of livelihood but also the main driver of forest
degradation. Effective restoration approaches must transform problems into solutions by
empowering local people. Successional agroforestry combining annual crops and trees may
be a suitable transitional phase for restoration. The model must be designed collectively and
include species of ecological, cultural, and socioeconomic value. In deprived communities of
the Amazon, forest restoration must be a process that combines environmental and social
gains.