Why is the rainforest important?

In just one 10Km square… 750 species of tree 400 species of bird 150 species of butterfly 1500 species of flowering plants 20 types of animals 100 types of reptiles 60 types of amphibian Countless number of insects and fish

Many plants are valuable to use Over half the medicines we use have ingredients from the rainforest. Quinine used to treat malaria One plant found to help treat leukaemia Most plants have yet to be studied – it is hoped there may be cures for other illnesses such as cancer and AIDS.

We get everyday objects from the rainforest… Medicines Coffee cocoa perfume Bananas Chewing gum

Producer of Oxygen The trees in the rainforest are the largest producer of oxygen in the world. They also take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere that helps to combat Global warming.

Deforestation – destruction of the rainforest If the rainforest is so important why are we destroying it?

So why cut it down? Mining H.E.P. Roads Ranching

Who gains and who looses? Brazilian government Foreign companies Amazonian Indians The rest of the world The Brazilian poor Environmental groups

Winners Loosers Amazonian Indians The rest of the world Environmental groups Brazilian government Foreign companies The Brazilian poor