1. Why is the rainforest important?

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

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

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

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

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