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Abstract:
The knowledge of both the Amazon natural landscape units like terra firme and
varzea and their development potentials is still limited, so it is vital to increase our
understanding of the ecology of these units, including their rich and diverse biota,
before any extensive development projects are undetaken. Already there is a programme for establishing ecological research stations within Brazil (Nogueira'Neto and de Melo-Carvalh o, 1979).
The research programmes should be planned to allow the development of ecologically sound land use systems (Budowski, 1977; IUCN, 1975),particularly those which will be of the benefit to the people of Amazonia (Bousfìeld, 1979b; Breniere, 1979 ; Greenland, 1975)'
In developing Amazonia, the conservation of selected areas in natural conditions
should not be neglected, in order to conserve for present and future human use the diversity and integrity of biotic communities of plants and animals within natural ecosystems, and to safeguard the genetic diversity of species on which their continuing evolution depend (Unesco, 1974).
The impact of the disappearance of the Amazon forests on both the climate and
hydrology of the region should not be overlooked (Fränzle, 1976; Salati et al.,
1978).
Considering the fragile nutrient situation of a large proportion of Amazonia,
major efforts should be directed to the development of the varzea wetlands where
nutrients are supplied in relatively great quantities and at no cost by the floods of
the turbid rivers.
