LAUSR

The objective of this study to estimate the socioeconomic and environmental benefits of Brazil nut ( Bertholletia excels Bonpl. ) extraction and commercialization in the period from 1999 to 2011, in the western region of the state of Para, Brazil, with parameters estimatedby the Generalized Moment Method (GMM). The results showed that the demand and the supply of Brazil nuts are inelastic regarding price. The cross-elasticity indicated that the assai marketed inPara is complementary to Brazil nuts. The income elasticity, with a value equal to 1.09, revealed that Brazil nuts a luxury commodity. Regarding the supply, it was found that the quantity offered responded directly to the contemporary price of Brazil nuts and the price of logs. This indicates that wood is a product that does not compete on land and labor with Brazil nuts. The results showed that as of 1999, with the changes observed inrainfall, there was a reduction of the socioeconomic environmental benefit for the population of western Para. The socioeconomic and environmental benefits of Brazil nuts reached the level of R$ 20,842.84 thousand after rainfall changes in the region, which represented a decrease of 16.46% in relation to the benefit obtained before the change in rainfall levels (R$ 24,951.34thousand). Regarding the distribution of benefits after the climate change, consumers were the most affected, with a loss of 10.22% (-R$ 5.406,03 thousand) of total benefits.