lingson, 2000; Tian et al., 2000; Bierregaard et al. 2001; Portela, 2001). The firm denunciation of these events has led countries like Costa Rica, Mexico and Brazil to develop programs for payment for environmental services (Calle et al., 2002), but the long-term effect of these programs are still not known. Studies are needed on the value and impact of the environmental services provided by ecosystems and on identifying the type of human communities that sustain them (Mattison and Norris, 2005). Such understanding would he helpful in finding strategies for continuity (and respect) of the lifestyles of the local populations directly associated with the management of native ecosystems, thereby balancing the need for rural production with environmental conservation (Daily, 1997; Mattos et al., 2001; Bensusan, 2002; MMA, 2004; Zbiden, 2005).
     Another priority need is for research into and dissemination of the use of secondary and other degraded or abandoned habitats. Secondary forests, if properly managed, play an important role as providers of environmental services, protection and maintenance of biodiversity, and protection of water sources and wood products for rural construction, manufacture of domestic utensils, medicinal and ornamental plants, fruits, honey, fiber, oils, resins and seeds, among other things, (Promanejo, 2001; FLOAGRI, 2005). Comparative studies are also needed on agricultural alternatives that do not include burning in Amazonia, since burning has a negative impact on the atmosphere (carbon emissions) and leads to the loss of the nutrients retained by the biomass. New approaches are needed to repair the planting area which are less harmful to the environment and ensure the sustainability of forests, ensuring in particular that the extraction of wood does not negatively impact the conservation of the diversity of plant varieties, or, by extension, of the ecosystem. One option being proposed for the sub-region of Amazonia is the development of a program of study, dissemination and exchange of experiences on the communal management of the natural resources of the Amazon in order to promote
public policies that take account of the realities of farmers (co-management and self-management). The experience of local groups in close symbiosis with the forest will contribute knowledge and management styles that would ensure conservation for centuries. Moreover, the combination of this experience is indispensable for the development of agroecological practices. Such experiences should therefore be pursued as an option for promoting conservation and social
and environmental sustainability, which are the goals of IAASTD (Barros, 1996; Benatti, 2003; Amaral Neto, 2004).

4.2.2.2 Study and understanding of the dynamics of basic natural resources
Water, soils and the biological processes associated with biodiversity are one of the acknowledged bases of environmental and economic sustainability. Generally speaking, there is an urgent need throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to generate technologies for controlling the erosion and degradation of soils and these should go together with the creation of more economic opportunities for smallscale producers, while at the same time recognizing the limitations imposed by the low productivity of labor and the small size of landholdings (Dixon et al., 2001).

      Many studies have demonstrated the need to promote practices that closely resemble natural ecological processes for the management of natural resources, control of pests and diseases (Alpizar et al., 1986; Von Maydell, 1991; Kursten, 1993; Jong, 1995; Gallina, 1996; Vohland, 1999; DeClerk, 2000), and the promotion of related biodiversity (Armbrecht et al., 2004). Given that all agroecosystems originated from natural ecosystems, ecological, indigenous and traditional knowledge of agricultural systems (cattle farming, fish farming, growing of crops) must be expanded so as to increase the impact of AKST systems in Latin America and the Caribbean.
     Studies must be undertaken and plans developed to manage the impact of agriculture in water basins both in the Amazon and other regions. Expansion of agricultural frontiers is a reality and the use of soils for agriculture leads to chemical modifications of underground and surface waters (Markewitz et al., 2001, 2006). It is necessary to identify which alternatives for agricultural management and environmental conservation minimize these impacts (Markewitz et al., 2001, 2006). In order to achieve sustainability, research and dissemination programs are needed to stabilize the agricultural frontier, to add value to and ensure the sustainability of the resources and environmental services provided by secondary forests, to restore degraded land and encourage the establishment of enterprises through community partnerships for the exploitation of forests and development of non-wood forestry products (Promanejo, 2001; FLOAGRI, 2005).
     Moreover, depending on the Latin American landscape in question, the management plan may be supplemented by the introduction, development and dissemination of aquaculture technologies that rely on local ingredients (residues, fruits and seeds) (Mori-Pinedo,1993; Pereira-Filho, 1995) while continuing to further develop local and indigenous knowledge. Aquaculture in Amazonia is based on local particularities (use of local ingredients for fish feed, subsistence and local know-how). The models for enhancing the efficiency of this activity are dispersed and do not include existing production systems. It is necessary to explore fisheries management systems with a view to developing balanced models that would strengthen the capacity of local populations to support themselves.
     Traditionally developed strategies are beginning to experience a crisis because of the over-exploitation of resources. The techniques developed from local and scientific knowhow (before the former disappear) need to identify ways of restoring balance (Baltazar, 2005). In Andean regions, where intensive and extensive cattle farming is practiced in zones that are extremely vulnerable to erosion, (hillsides, inter-Andean valleys) agricultural, forestry and pastoral technologies need to be developed (Calle et al., 2002). Such technologies would combine the herbaceous, shrub and
plant strata to improve production (production of biomass stockfeed for cattle) and to expand the services provided by ecosystems (Murgueitio, 2003). However, it is difficult to achieve the goals of IAASTD as long as the paradigm remains economic growth alone (individual enrichment) without
taking into account external factors (environmental and social damage). The intensification of cattle farming should therefore be avoided and emphasis placed on the generation