Amazon rainforest’s time ‘running out’
Around 26% of the Amazon rainforest has been hit by deforestation and high degradation, according to a report from Amazon Watch. Savannisation is already happening in its south-east – mainly in Brazil and Bolivia, responsible for 90% of its deforestation and degradation.
The report also reveals that 66% of the Amazon is subject to fixed or permanent pressure, and that the rainforest’s restorative capacity is “running out”. However, 80% can be preserved if urgent measures are taken.
The report calls on countries in the region to be granted “conditioned debt forgiveness” – describing debt as one of the causes of destruction. It also highlights the role of indigenous peoples – “an urgent solution to safeguard 80% of the Amazon,” according to José Gregorio Díaz Mirabal, co-ordinator general at the Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon River Basin.