Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Bewirtschaftung tropischer Naturwälder in Amazonien

By the research project three typical management systems of tropical rainforests in Amazonia are investigated. These concern small farms; medium-size timber extraction and processing enterprises and large internationally oriented forest management firms. The objective is to reflect the systems by models and to elaborate tools for comparative analysis. Data collection and processing is based on methods of empirical social research, conventional enterprise analysis and farming systems research analysis of product lines and historical survey. Common indicators will be derived, which are related to actors and their knowledge systems, product lines, and geographical space. Results shall be used for planning sustainable forest management in Amazonia. The approach may be useful for comparative investigations in other tropical forest regions.