Foundations for the sustainable development of the Venezuelan Amazon: A regional development plan

In Venezuela, the Southern state of Amazonas covers one fifth of the country's mainland territory. Until recently, its remote geographical position has largely prevented the state from participating in Venezuela's development process. Therefore, no social and economic basis was created to allow Amazonas to combat the negative effects of large-scale poverty in spite of an existing richness in natural and human resources. With the passing of the Constitutional Law for Regional Development in 1983, this has changed as clear provisions were established governing the regional development process. On this basis the Regional Development Plan for the State of Amazonas (POTEA) was set up. Its goals comprise twelve points, including the decentralisation of political and administrative power structures to enhance local management capacity, the development of a social and economic basis for intermediate size urban centres, the improvement of basic services through the use of local resources, the promotion of tourism and agriculture in accordance with ecological principles, the strengthening of the technological research and development infrastructure and the development of conservation areas through diversified opportunities for the involvement of local communities. The plan is the result of an integrated, systematic, participatory and holistic approach that will certainly serve to maintain the intensity of present environmental conservation activities whilst significantly reinforce social awareness of the opportunities and risks associated with development decisions.