SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATIVE BAMBOO FROM ACRE, AMAZONIA, BRAZIL: POTENTIAL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIOPLASTICS, BIOCHAR AND CHARCOAL

Abstract

Brazil faces a critical challenge: the growth of rural production combined with the reduction of environmental impacts. The bioeconomy emerges as a promising alternative to this dilemma, especially in the state of Acre, where bamboo forests, which cover 62% of the territory, offer significant economic and environmental opportunities. This study investigates the sustainable exploitation of native bamboo, with a focus on species of the genus Guadua, through a comprehensive forest inventory carried out in seven municipalities of Acre. The methodology included taxonomic analyses, sampling and statistical treatment of the data, revealing a predominance of the species Guadua weberbaueri, which, despite its limitations for the furniture industry, has potential for the production of bioplastics, biochar and charcoal. The results indicate an estimated 21.8 billion culms and 800.1 million m³ of bamboo in Acre, highlighting the relevance of this renewable resource in mitigating climate change, promoting biodiversity, and replacing conventional plastics. The research concludes that, to ensure sustainable bamboo exploitation, it is essential to implement public policies, strengthen production chains and involve local communities. Thus, bamboo can become a symbol of a sustainable economic future integrated with environmental conservation in the Amazon.