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Free keywords:
Amazonia; development; history; perspectives; research; wetlands
Abstract:
Exploitation and exploration of the Amazon basin by Europeans started in the 17th century, but only since
about 1970 has the Brazilian government given priority to the connection of the Amazon basin to the
industrialized southern part of the country. This new policy required scientific research on the natural
resources of the area. Wetlands cover about 20% of the Amazon basin. Inland fishery, fertile floodplain soils,
and hydroelectric energy offer a large potential for economic development. Research concentrates on major
wetlands and water bodies near the large cities. The Amazon River floodplain belongs to the best studied
tropical river floodplains in the world. However, studies in other areas suffer from lack of wetland inventory
and classification. Accelerated economic development is not adequately accompanied by wetland research.
Insufficient knowledge about distribution, size, structure and function of many wetlands leads to increasing
degradation and loss of biodiversity, for instance, by the construction of hydroelectric power plants, large
scale deforestation for cattle ranching and agro-industrial projects, mining activities, the construction of
navigation channels (hidrovias), etc. The low number of scientists working in the area and lack of funding
require close cooperation in problem-oriented multidisciplinary projects (scientific clustering) to optimize
scientific outcome. Intensive, long-term cooperation and scientific exchange with institutions from southern
Brazil and from abroad is recommended to improve the scientific infrastructure in Amazonian institutions,
to accelerate the transfer of new scientific methods and technology, and to intensify the training program for
local human resources.
