Development of Human Resources in Sustainable Forest Management and Reduced Impact Logging in the Brazilian Amazon

Brazil

Lack of qualified and trained forestry practitioners is a key problem impeding the adoption of good forest management practices in the Amazon. This project will promote sustainable forest management (SFM) in the Amazon with a three-part strategy designed to develop the human resources in the forest sector of Amazon Basin countries. Part one of the strategy consists of 38 practical, on- and off-site training courses targeting 410 forestry professionals at all levels and tailored to their diverse needs and interests. This part of the strategy teaches professionals why and how to implement forest management (FM) principles and reduced-impact logging (RIL) techniques. The second component of the strategy aims to promote interest in FM-RIL - and raise awareness about its importance and benefits - among the numerous forest stakeholders who do not understand the concepts of FM and RIL or are not yet convinced of their feasibility. This part of the strategy entails rainy season extension work consisting of lectures, small seminars and workshops. At least 400 people will participate in these events.

The third part of the project strategy is to continue the successful FM-RIL training program of the Fundação Floresta Tropical (FFT), which will execute this project. This program - funded in part by a previous ITTO grant - is now evolving into a longer-term, more sustainable training program. While the Brazilian government works with FFT and other partners to develop this more sustainable training program, it is critical to maintain the burgeoning interest in - and partially satisfy the demand for - FM-RIL training by sustaining FFT.