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Harpy Eagle. More
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Logging near Noel Kempff Mercado, Bolivia, more
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Old growth forest, more
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Beauties of nature. Some are nearly extinct, more
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CONSERVATION
The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is endangered. This beautiful creature lives in Andean tropical forests in countries like Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia. Sadly, the Andean bear may soon become extinct and join the rapidly expanding legions of species extinguished forever by humans.
Like the Andean bear, other wonderful species such as the Jaguar, Harpy Eagle, the Maned Wolf, the Blue Throated Macaw, the Giant Otter and other less known species of animals and plants are endangered. If you have a lot of time and luck they can still be observed in the wild, a much more rewarding experience then seeing them in captivity in pathetic condition. In parallel and for similar reasons, indigenous cultures lose their land, resources, identities, and existence.
Cultural and economic tensions are a main cause for the loss of these fellow travelers. Threats like illegal logging, illegal trading of species, soybean plantations, biofuels and ethanol production, mining-pollution are well known. The consequences are severe. Environmental degradation and species loss undermines human well-being since the natural world provides us with new medicines, carbon storage, food, fiber, natural resources, aesthetics, spirituality, and freedom of choice. Nonetheless, the devastation of the Amazon continues.
Balsa people at Rio Shishinawa, Peru. They had to relocate because of a lack of resources.
Who are we to stand in judgment?
In Europe we destroyed most of our pristine nature. In North America, a similar pattern has emerged. Thus, who are we to stand in judgment? More and more now we understand that we are inextricably tied to nature. If Nature ends, we end. By creating more awareness, educational incentives, establishing longterm partnerships, and stimulating international involvement, Amazon Fund wants to slow down short term economic gains that cause long term devastating impact. This is no trivial task in an economics-driven world, where indigenous people lose existence without compensation and where Western and Asian consumers are a main cause for losing Amazon nature.
During our survey in Bolivia we explored possibilities for implementing our goals and objectives of conserving Amazonian nature and cultures. The first project we researched was the potential of establishing a combined field study and wildlife rehabilitation centre. Both centres would have the additional objectives of creating awareness and improving attitudes towards nature. At the moment we are looking for suitable locations in two areas. The main criteria are accessibility for children, schools, students and other visitors. Our Bolivian partner FCBC will join forces to make the field study centre come true.
Amazon Fund
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