The Future of Latin America’s Tropical Rainforests

Government responses Some governments have

passed laws creating rainforest land reserves

By 1995, 1% of rainforest land in Latin America was under some kind of protection. In Brazil:

75 million acres for rubber tappers

200 million for Native Amazonians

Should governments do more? Enforce current laws

well Cease (stop) granting

land to businesses that are destructive to the rainforest

Redistribution unused land

Environmental Groups Using new technologies,

such as harvesting trees in narrow rows instead of broad areas

Ecotourism Finding exportable

products in the rainforest Encourage scientists to

study the rainforest assets

International Community Stop funding destructive

projects like dams, roads and mines World Bank

Educate Americans about rainforest issues, so they can pressure U.S. Gov’t to change policies

Give support to Brazilian environmental organizations

Reduce Debt Debt for nature swap