The FUTURES project used the novel Lidar technology conceived in the current ERC-funded PAST project with the intention of using these data to help improve the sustainable relationship between the Cazumba-Iracema Extractive Reserve (CIER) forest residents and their environment in the state of Acre, Brazilian Amazon. The project has acquired lidar technology to create ground digital surface models with unprecedented detail (5-20 cm spatial resolution) from 36 square kilometres of the CIER and collected vegetation data to generate 3D maps of forest structure, currently being processed at the Brazilian National Institute of Space Research (INPE). Two workshops with representatives of ICMBio (Ministry of Environment), IPHAN (The National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute), INPE and the CIER community have identified the following priorities for further analysis of this data including (i) use of high-resolution digital elevation models to design flood mitigation strategies, such as route planning for easier access to health and emergency services, schools, and local markets during the rainy season; (ii) use the digital elevation model to discuss the potential of creating fish tanks; (iii) identify areas for the sustainable extraction of non-timber forest products, in particular, Brazil nut and Acai palm that are of particular interest for the community; and (iv) monitor forest structure. The lidar data did not discover archaeological earthworks below the forest so at the moment the discussion is focused on the use of cultural heritage for archaeo-tourism. The remaining data will be analysed during the 2019/2020 and we will apply for funds to continue to the project with the community.
