Usar p⁄gs xvii-134 - ResearchGate

Providing Better Information for Informed Decision-MakingBOX 9Based on the findings of this report, we identified three critical sub-zones of the Guayana region (see Map below) wheremore detailed monitoring is necessary in the short-term. These areas are still relatively intact, but they are potentiallythreatened by a variety of land-uses, including agriculture, logging, and mining.• The Imataca Forest: Much of this forest has already been allocated for logging and mining. However, it remainslargely intact, due in part to depressed gold prices on international markets. Logging, mining, indigenous settlements,and small-scale agriculture are all competing land uses, making this a potentially volatile conflict zone.• The Northern Sector of the Caura/ Paragua Watershed: Forests of the Caura watershed are largely unaccessed,except in the northern sector, where agriculture practiced by non-indigenous communities has led to rapid deforestationin recent years. Although not yet under production, this area is also zoned for logging.• Northern Amazonas: The completion of the Ciudad Bolívar-Puerto Ayacucho highway has led to the penetrationof forests in this region. Significant tracts of montane, submontane, and lowland forests still remain, but growingpopulation and development pressures could significantly impact forest ecosystems in this portion of AmazonasState.Global Forest Watch Venezuela aims to continue its monitoring activities at a more detailed scale in these three criticalzones, as well as in other zones as these are identified. Our hope is that further monitoring will provide better informationabout the condition of these forests, as well as more accurate data regarding development activities and other potentialpressures on forest ecosystems, so that sound planning and forest management can be implemented before the forestsundergo widespread clearing and degradation.Areas for Future Monitoring in the Guayana Region73