October 04, 2010
Source: mongabay.com
New research conducted by Brazil's Federal Rural University of Amazonia (UFRA) found that logging generates more income from cattle grazing and agriculture in the Amazon provided landowners operate under existing social and environmental laws, reports the International Tropical Timber Organization in its bimonthly update.
The study, conducted on behalf of the Pará State Forest Development Institute (IDEFLOR), found that "forest management" can generate 22 reais ($13.03) per hectare per year, while cattle ranching generates 6 reais ($3.55) and agriculture 14 reais ($8.29).
However the research suggests that under non-compliance with local laws, ranching is more profitable.
The non-compliance scenario is important given the lack of governance on the deforestation frontier of the Brazilian Amazon.
