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Protected Areas in the Amazon

The Amazon Rainforest, sometimes called the “Lungs of Our Planet” because it produces 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, shrinks by as much as 1.5 acres per second due to destruction by loggers, ranchers and others who profit off its wealth of resources.

But now the government of Brazil is taking major steps to preserve these precious natural resources, by creating seven new protected areas that together make up an area as large as England. More importantly, the protected zones link to protected areas in four South American nations, increasing habitat and mating areas for numerous endangered species.

Two of the areas are believed to contain more than half of all bird, animal and plant species found in the Amazon, several of which are endangered. For example, the northern bearded saki monkey, jaguars, giant anteaters and the giant Amazon otter will all receive protection in the newly created zones. The project is being aided by a $1 million grant from Conservation International.

Only researchers will be allowed into the protected zones. Conservationists hope the creation of the preserved areas will cut down on the violent clashes between loggers, ranchers and environmentalists that frequently occur in Brazil.

For more information on the importance of the Amazon Rainforest, visit http://www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm.

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To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to: www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org, or www.healthandenvironment.org