Land Development Policy for the Amazon region, Brazil

Roads are the main access for the deforestation process in the Amazon Region. About 80 percent of the area deforested is located within 30km of an official road. Due to the potential negative impact caused to the forest, the process of opening roads in the Amazon region needs to be accompanied by efficient land development policies that not only guarantee rational economic activities, promote sustainable use of natural resources but also provide welfare for the population. The absence of public authority with efficient institutions to control, monitor, supervise, and enforce illegal activities in the region gives opportunity for different social actors to abuse and misuse the land and its natural resources The BR-163 was opened 30 years ago during the military regime in Brazil. The highway crossing an area rich in biodiversity, cultural variability and natural resources that attracts interest and investment from different social groups. The paving of the BR-163 has been requested by the people for decades. The poor road conditions turn living conditions too hard especially in the rainy season Is the government capable to guide the occupation of the territory in a sustainable way?