3-D network routing of Brazil nut harvesting in tropical forests

Background: The aim of this research is to optimize the routing of Brazil nut harvesting in order to reduce labor costs and promote an equitable redistribution of placements among extractive interests. The study area was located in the Tahuamanu province, designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, in the Madre de Dios region of Peru. Planning for harvesting activities is vital to support sustainable use of the tropical forest by extractive communities, generating profit while minimizing adverse impacts on the forest. A location-allocation model was used to redistribute extraction placement areas, taking into account the number of trees and productivity for analysis. To optimize the order of nut load pickups at the placement areas, the vehicle routing problem (VRP) was used to minimize real distance and reduce traversal time. Results: The time taken to cover the route without delays was 08:46’, which is superior to the time taken to minimize the distance. However, the total delay time was 05:10’. Conclusion: Network analyses were effective in achieving the reallocation of placement areas and optimizing Brazil nut harvest routes.