The Amazonian Odyssey

In this book, José Rente Nascimento explores the economic, environmental, social, and cultural dynamics of the Amazon. The book weaves five centuries of transformation, highlighting geographical conditions, Amerindian resource stewardship, the rubber boom, postcolonial policies, and today's development pressures. Spanning infrastructure, mining, ranching, and agricultural expansion, the book analyzes Amazonian challenges within their historical context.

Drawing on lessons from both failed policies and successful initiatives, Nascimento addresses urgent contemporary issues, including deforestation, indigenous welfare, land tenure, forest-based development, and the complex balance between environmental protection and sustainable growth.

More than a historical account, this book presents a conceptual framework that links past trajectories to present challenges, providing an essential and inspiring resource for students, policymakers, researchers, and all those seeking to learn from Amazonia's history to secure its sustainable future.

Explores the economy, society, and environment of the Amazon Highlights the intricate relationship between humanity and nature Explores deforestation, indigenous welfare, land rights, forest-based development, and economic policies

Autorentext

José Rente Nascimento is a Brazilian scholar who specializes in forestry, agriculture, and environmental economics. He has supported development and conservation projects throughout Latin America while working for international institutions, governments, and NGOs. A former senior natural resource specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank, Nascimento is a forester and holds an MP and a PhD from the University of Minnesota.

Inhalt

Introduction.- PART I: Environmental and Human Circumstances.- Chapter 1: Environmental Circumstances.- Chapter 2: Human Circumstances.- PART II: The First Centuries.- Chapter 3: The European Arrival.- Chapter 4: Amerindians, Missionaries, and Forest Products.- Chapter 5: The Pombal Reforms and the End of Colonization.- PART III: Brazilian Empire.- Chapter 6: The Rise of the Rubber Economy.- PART IV: Brazilian Republic.- Chapter 7: The Fall of the Rubber Economy.- Chapter 8: Brief Revival of the Rubber Economy.- Chapter 9: New Directions for Amazônia.- PART V: Post-1964 Counter-Revolution.- Chapter 10: Land Statute and Operation Amazônia.- Chapter 11: Small Settlers' Colonization.- Chapter 12: POLAMAZÔNIA, Private Colonization, and Large Projects.- Chapter 13: Large Programs and Re-democratization.