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 Mining, lumbering, ranching Redistribution unused land 45% of land is owned by 1% of the people Concentrated among the rich Could keep settlers out of the rainforest

Environmental Groups Using new technologies, such as harvesting trees in narrow rows instead of broad areas Forests come back 30 times faster Ecotourism Brings in $ Provides jobs Keeps a public eye on the rainforests Finding exportable products in the rainforest Nuts, medicines, and rubber Encourage scientists to study the rainforest assets Medicines Genetic knowledge

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 Latin American Nations owe billions to the US and other countries Brazil uses 65% of its budget to service debt Few lenders are willing