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Abstract

The central Amazon River floodplain (várzea) plays an important role in the supply of timber, fish, vegetables, fruit and beef for the local market. A rising demand by a quickly growing population increases the pressure on the natural resources and begins to affect negatively the structures and functions of the ecosystem. Conflicts of interest arise between different groups of stake holders, which affect negatively the welfare of parts of the population in the floodplain. Detailed studies about ecology, socio-economy, agriculture, forestry, fishery and animal ranching led to the formulation of three concepts that combine the ecological background (flood pulse concept) with the activities of major users (concept of multiple use) and an alternative management option (concept of decentralized and participative management). The concepts are presented and their importance for the sustainable management of the várzea is discussed