Assessing logging legislation parameters and forest growth dissimilarities in the Brazilian Amazon

Selective logging has been occurring in the last three centuries in the Amazon region. Depending on its intensity , it can result in forest degradation, contributing to increasing CO2 emissions. In Brazil, selective logging rules have been established by federal law based on forest growth parameters collected in the field. Since the Amazon forest is highly heterogeneous, selective logging parameters established by current forestry law s may be modified based upon specific studies conducted in targeted regions. However, few studies have collected forest growing parameters over long periods of time. This study focusses on the impact of selective logging policies in the Amazon, comparing thresholds in legislation with recommended practices found in literature regarding forest structure and dynamics in selective logging areas. We have undertaken a literature review of the main parameters found in studies conducted on different forest phytophysiognomies in the Amazon. Our analysis concludes that forest resources may be misused by uniformly applying the same selective logging strategy established by law for the entire Brazilian Amazon, regardless of site features. This study emphasizes the importance of considering parameters available in the current literature regarding distinct forest phytophysiognomies to inform regulation, since they may substaintially vary depending on site, which can affect timber activity, biomass production and carbon allocation estimations. Our results aim to provide precise information to support the development of informed forest regulation for sustainable timber harvesting in the Brazilian Amazon.

Automated summary

This study examines the impact of selective logging policies in the Amazon, comparing legal thresholds with recommended practices from literature. The study highlights the importance of considering site-specific parameters in forest regulation to prevent misuse of forest resources.