Chapter I deals with the historical development of extractivism, from its origins starting with the first extractive activities harvesting rubber and nuts in Amazonia, through the phases of extraction of babacu, hardwoods and minerals, the major social conflicts of the 1970s and the 1980s in the Brazilian Amazon region, unitl its adoption as an official concept embodied in national laws. Chapter II describes the initial stages of social organization among the extractive communities, and analyses the first formally constituted bodies, such as the Fishing Colonies, the first Rural Workers' Unions, the consolidation phase, and lastly prospects for the future. Chatper III looks at the viability of extractive reserves, concentrating on the extractive economy, the law regarding property and natural resources, criticism of the extractive reserve model, and ways of analysing the economic viability of the reserves. In addition, it presents a proposal for the sustainable development of extractive reserves, based on a diversification of subsistence production, on the handling of hydrobiological resources, on the improvement of traditional products and alternatives, on forestry and agricultural development, and on the resue and support of other traditional activities. Lastly, a strategy is suggested to ensure the success of the above-mentioned proposal. Chapter IV traces the steps required for the establishment and legasisation of extractive reserves in Brazil, from the first step, which is a formal request by local inhabitants for their area to be converted into a reserve, up to the preparation of the extractive reserve development plan. Chapter V deals with the management of extractive reserves and analyses the laws which govern the reserves, the role of the CNPT and the importance of community organization. Chapters VI to XII describe the existing nine extractive reserves in Brazil: Alto Jurua and Chico Mendes in the State of Acre; Ciriaco, Frexal and Mata Grande in the State of Maranhao; Rio Cajari in the State of Amapa; Rio Ouro Preto in the State of Rondonia; Extremo Norte de Tocantins in the State of Tocantins and Marinha do Pirajubae in the State of Santa Catarina. The following aspects are described for each reserve: geographical and environmental data, historical and socio-economic aspects, management and social organization, utilization plan, current projects and main problems. The presentation of the different subjects considered in this book shows that the extractive reserve model is a reeal alternative not only for the tropical forests of Latin America, but also for the whole of the world's tropical moist forest ecosystem, including the continents of Africa and Asia. Current trends show that this model can provide a basis for building a new type of society, which is respectful of local cultures and the environment and which achieves a fairer distribution of wealth.
