Production potential for non-timber forest products in public forests for sustainable use in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon
Non-timber forest products, public forests, bioeconomy, community forest enterprises, Amazon
Traditional populations of the Amazon build a complex and integrated production system, with a highlight on the commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). Despite the socioeconomic and environmental relevance of this activity, it faces challenges such as the lack of information about species and their markets, hindering the organization and planning of production. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the productive potential of NTFPs in public forests for sustainable use in the Amazon, supporting the development of sustainable bioeconomy business models by community forest enterprises. The research will be conducted in federal and state public forests in Pará that have approved forest management plans. The species studied will be selected based on a survey of socioeconomic databases (CONAB, SEFA-PA, FAPESPA, IMAZON) and that have a market in the state of Pará. A literature review focusing on these species will be conducted to gather ecological, productive, and phytosociological information. Based on forest inventory data, indicators such as density, annual production, and spatial distribution of NTFP species will be processed. To complement the information, semi-structured questionnaires will be applied with the communities around the forests, aiming to obtain information about the products, uses, and management of NTFPs. The research results will provide valuable information for sustainable forest management and the development of NTFP production chains in the Amazon. The valorization of these products can generate income for traditional communities, strengthen the local economy, and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. The research also contributes to the debate on the regulation of the use of NTFPs, with a focus on guaranteeing minimum prices and the sustainability of production.