A study on the technical and economic viability of the rational use of the timber resources of the Brazilian Amazon / Eloy Barbosa Penna Ribeiro.

Tese (M.S.)--University of Maine, Orono, 1978.

This study was designed to appraise and analyse the present state of the efforts to utilize the timber resources of the Brazilian Amazon region, providing recommendations for their rational and improved use. To achieve this aim, an analysis of the silvicultural characteristics of the Amazon is undertaken,as well as a critical description of the setting of the study area. Based on this informational background and analysis, the study proceeds to consider the major aspects related to the improved utilization of the timber resources such as 1) logging and transporting, 2) industrialization of the timber resources, encompassing the overall aspects of the forest products manufacturing such as primary wood processes, pulp and paper, wood as a source of energy and as feed-stock for the production of chemicals. Emphasis is given to pulp and paper, and the production of chemicals and fuels from the forest biomass. Also in this context, an appraisal of the integrated utilization of the forest products is undertaken. The study closes with recommendations for the upgrading of research in the forestry and forest products sector, and the need for the protection of the environment.