Many of the people who accepted the free plots of land in the Amazon moved there to farm or ranch, so they cleared the forest. After doing so, they realized that the vegetation they had cleared away was holding the soil and nutrients in the land and keeping them from being washed away during the heavy rains. The soil was thin and not able to sustain agriculture. After just a few years of trying to use the land for farming, the soil was an unable to support crops. Farmers then had to clear even more land in order to keep their farms running.
This deforestation has had a tremendous negative impact on the Amazon River basin. A number of plant and animal species were destroyed in the clearing process. Because the region was not explored thoroughly, many scientists did not realize the importance of the region’s biodiversity. More than 1,300 plants in the Amazon can be used to treat various illnesses.
Because of these discoveries, the Brazilian government is working to avoid further deforestation. Illegal logging is met with finance and arrests. Farmers, ranchers, and foresters are given tax credits when they maintain rain forest areas. Ecotourism encourages environmental awareness and has limited negative impact. The government is supporting entrepreneurs who are developing ecotourism opportunities in order to avoid the destruction of the rain forest.
Click image to enlarge.
What trends do you notice about deforestation in Brazil?
| Your Responses | Sample Answers |
|---|---|
| You might notice that most of the deforestation prior to 2015 was in the southern and eastern parts of the Amazon region. Remember, the government gave out free land to people willing to settle the areas. You might also notice that deforestation dropped significantly in 2016. Brazil is taking measures to save the Amazon from further destruction. |
