Developing a conservation plan for the várzea

floodplains of the Amazon Basin

Bob Pressey, Malcolm Ridges, Ana Albernaz, Matthew Watts

Environmental units …

• Vegetation types (54)• Longitudinal zones (5)• Flood depth categories (3)• North and south of the main stream (2)• Interface between várzea and terra firme (4 types)• Other possible subdivisions include: local

catchment effects, river confluences • Intersected and set quantitative targets for each

resulting biodiversity “feature” (1,412)

Design considerations (for biodiversity processes & management)

• Size sufficient to maintain large animals• Longitudinal movements of aquatic species• Lateral movements (várzea-river) • Lateral movements (várzea-terra firme)• River dynamics & inclusion of islands• Distance from deforested areas• Proximity to established reserves

Where to now?

1. Analysis of 320 indicative scenarios

2. Improvement of data for defining environmental units and improving design guidelines, based on an expert workshop in Manaus

3. Get lots of money from a large foundation

4. Compile data from previous workshops on socio-economic values

5. Work through an interactive planning exercise

6. Progressive implementation …