faramazon

Opportunities and Situation

Page history last edited by Deryk Wenaus 1 yr ago

The Madre De Dios forests are less damaged than other Amazonian regions in South America (see google earth pictures). They still hold great potential to maintain the Amazons biodiversity and cultural values.
The Amazonian First Nations still keep most of their natural resources; their elders remember most of their traditions, their language and the use of medicinal plants.
Through our projects and programs, we can contribute to the protection of Amazonian endangered species, conserving 2300 hectares of Natural Reserves Forests, managing 600000 hectares of Brazil Nut Forests, revitalizing more than 20 First Nation cultures, monitoring the water body’s quality in the region, encouraging the Amazonian identity and promoting sustainable development in 100000 people, the inhabitants of the region.
With a reforestation reserve of 1700 hectares, given by the Peruvian Government for forestry we can teach eco-forestry with first quality standards of ecological sustainable management.

Complicated situation, many pressures

Growing global demand for hardwood leads to increased wood extraction in an irresponsible/devastative way, as it was done with the Mahogany trees in the Americas.
Locals are selling resources for very low profits because this is the only alternative they know in the region, due to the lack of education and the economic system does not benefit the locals.
Major lack of promotion for local producers of sustainable development alternatives.
Lack of professional capacity to generate health, education, research, conservation, environmental and development programs in the region.
Lack of community organizations (micro-business), impossible for them to reach a Fair Trade Market.
The growing global demand for Hydrocarbons and gold, added to the Government politics, are generating exploitation and abuse of the local communities and First Nations, contaminating their resources and societies, and also trying to reduce National Parks (see www.salvemoscandamo.com).
By educating people and supporting them in sustainable alternatives, they have a way to generate more income and keep natural resources

Loss of cultural values and identity.
Young indigenous people are losing their relationship with the environment, leading to alcohol and related social problems
Low contacted First Nations groups are experiencing dramatic effects (in health and social values) when being contacted by Hydrocarbon and gold mining companies, and illegal loggers.

Loss of endangered species habitat and the growing/increased illegal hunting pressure leads to eventual extinction
Weak environmental education in schools
Lack of governmental guidelines for conservation
Lack of governmental control over hunting is reducing mammals, big birds and reptiles’ populations.
The mortality of big predators (eagles and cats) is increasing every year because of being seen by the local people as “damaging animals” when approaching their farms.
Loss of water quality and contamination due to Gold Mining and other activities.
Destruction of water bodies (aguajales=Mauritia palm swamps, creeks, lakes and river heads) because of gold mining.
Rotation agriculture (rice, corn, soy) leads to deforestation, forest fires, acid rain and animal mortality.