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Governor Eduardo Braga, of the state of Amazonas, Brazil , signed decrees today creating three conservation units. They are all Sustainable Development Reserves (RDS), that is, areas in which the presence of permanent residents and the regulated use of natural resources are permitted.
The creation of the Canumã RDS in Borba, with 22 thousand hectares, the Rio Amapá RDS in Manicoré, with 216 thousand hectares, and the Uacari RDS in Carauari, with 600 thousand hectares, brings the total of state conservation units in Amazonas to 31. In 2002, for example, there were 12 units.
"What is most important is not the quantitative gain, but the qualitative one: These units were created through processes of public consultations with the populations that inhabit or work in these ecosystems. The Uacari RDS, for example, stemmed from a demand made by the community itself," affirmed the state secretary of Environment and Sustainable Development, Virgílio Viana.
Viana also announced the transfer of 1.5 million euros from the European Economic Community to the Amazonas state government. "These funds will finance small-scale forest management projects in conservation units in the state," he declared.
The signing of the decrees is part of the official inauguration of Amazonas Environment Week 2005, which has as its theme "The forest is more profitable standing than felled. Use and care for your forest. Life thanks you."
Agência Brasil
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