Social and biological impact of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

In the Brazilian Eastern Amazon, an area with high biological endemism, oil palm plantations rapidly expand, presenting ongoing challenges to prevent deforestation and biodiversity loss. This study was developed in the Belém Endemism Area and assessed the impacts of oil palm expansion on biological and social aspects. The biological impact analysis compared biodiversity in seven taxonomic groups between forests and oil palm plantations. It revealed a decline in diversity for aquatic insects (Hemiptera), amphibians, reptiles, birds, and plants, while fish and Odonata insect diversity increased in plantations. On the social front, local communities’ perceptions of socioeconomic and environmental changes due to oil palm expansion were examined. Smallholders and hired workers had a lesser negative perceptions than people with no relation with the oil palm value chain, regarding socioeconomic factors (e.g., contributions to the local economy and job opportunities), as well as environmental aspects (e.g., water availability and air and water quality). Our study highlights biological and social factors in the context of oil palm expansion that should be considered to ensure more sustainable development in this ecologically unique and threatened region. Certified companies are encouraged to achieve zero deforestation rates and implement social programs that integrate all local communities into the value chain, aiming for coexistence between oil palm cultivation and biological conservation in the Amazon.