Projecto Piaba
"Piaba" is a regional generic name for
ornamental fishes.
The thrust of Project Piaba is toward developing
a sustainable natural resource in Amazon freshwater
fisheries.
"Buy a fish, save a tree!"
View a picture from space of a section of the Rio Negro Basin.
Introduction to the Large Scale Biosphere - Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia
Project Piaba is a community based interdisciplinary project
established to understand the ecological and socio -
cultural systems of the middle Rio Negro basin, Amazonas,
Brazil, in order to conserve and maintain the live ornamental
fishery (i.e. cardinal tetra's and discus) and other
renewable resources at commercially feasible, and
ecologically sustainable levels. Project Piaba has been
working solidly for the past ten years (1989 - 1999) on
research to promote the sustainable harvest of aquatic
resources that will ensure the survival of both the Amazonian
rainforests and its human inhabitants. Significant progress has
been made during this time, but much more baseline data are
required before firm resource management strategies can be
formulated. The next phase of Project Piaba (2000 - 2003) aims
to generate data relating to a wide range of issues, from
population of species diversity, to the function and structure
of the ecosystem, and to develop measures that will help
improve the livelihood of the riverine people. The ultimate goal
is to promote a viable fishery at commercially and ecologically
sustainable levels, and to help reduce environmentally
destructive land use and rural to urban migration in the
Rio Negro basin. Prepared by:
Dr. Ning Labbish Chao
Universidade do Amazonas
Manaus, Brazil
How can you help?
Recently a book documenting the above titled, "Conservation
and Management of Ornamental Fish Resources of the Rio Negro
Basin", Amazonia, Brazil, has become available. This book covers
a broad range of issues but all are interrelated to the issues that
concern the sustainable use of ornamental fishes, the industry,
on conservation and research in the Rio Negro river of the Amazon
basin. The future goals of the research team have also been
presented. It is a timely publication in light of the many negative
opinions on wild caught fishes of Amazonia and else where.
In its unique situation, Project Piaba has shown a successful model
in sustainable natural resource use in the Rio Negro.
This timely and informative book is for sale for $40.00 plus
$5.00 for shipping and handling. If you feel so moved any
donation will also be sincerely appreciated. All proceeds will
go to Projecto Piaba. Please make your check or money order
payable to Bio-Amazonia Conservation International, a U.S.
501(c)3 organization. Please, U.S. funds only.
Bio-Amazonia Conservation International
1295 William Street
Baltimore, MD 21230-4318
410-539-7428
