Vital processes are very dynamic and they are subject to a permanent flow of energy, water and nutrients. In nature these processes happen all the time allowing for the development of dynamic and stable life systems. Due to their particular climate, topography and soil, humid tropical forests are home to diverse forms of flora and fauna that respond perfectly to the particularities of these regions. The regeneration, recovery and renovation of these systems, takes place through succession processes. Within these processes, each species occupies, for a certain period of time, a given space in which it contributes with its particular capacity to improve and to optimise its conditions as well as those of the members of its consortium to grow prosper and to reproduce. As time passes each species - by performing its functions- creates the necessary conditions for the development of another (more demanding) species ensuring that the energy, water and nutrient dynamics are maintained. As a result nature creates more and more complex systems which results in more diverse forms.

Initially, Ambaybo (Cecropia spp.) and Balsa wood (Ochroma pyramidale) are the main species predominant in slashed and burned (deforested) areas in alluvial sites in the Alto Beni region. As years go by, other species occupy their place until, without the intervention of man a new primary forest is re-established. By forcing nature to remain static for long periods of time (such is the case of single-crop farming), nature responds with the so-called "diseases", "pests" and "weeds". All these, however, are but mere indicators that show us that our agricultural practices are not adequate. These "diseases", "pests" and "weeds" appear when we insist on planting a single crop in the same plot over and over again, and we worsen this situation by using toxic chemicals to counterattack their effect. Instead of taking advantage of natural dynamics that result in complex systems that generate more life and fertile soils, because we do not understand them, we fight them using insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

By understanding and taking advantage of the principles underlying natural succession we achieve an abundant agricultural and forest production without using chemicals or struggling against "diseases" and "pests".

The principles underlying the natural succession of species were formulated and presented by Mr. Ernst Götsch during his visits to Bolivia. They have been published as the "Guía para el Establecimiento de Sistemas Agroforestales" .*

* Milz, Joachim: Guía para el Establecimiento de Sistemas Agroforestals. DED-COSUDE, La Paz-Bolivia 1998