The Amazon region is very important for the entire planet. The economic interests are a powerful drive to convert forests into agricultural and cattle raising farms. The idea of providing food for human consumption and exploitation for economical benefit is considered more important that saving and respecting the wealth of biodiversity. Our understanding of ecological roles of biodiversity and how we all depend on them needs to be improved. Regional weather, local water supply and quality of soils depend on biodiversity.

To save the Amazon region a complex strategy should be implemented, with contributions from governments, non governmental organisations and large funding agencies. A strategy regarding the use of lands in this fragile region is essential. Therefore a design for implementation of land use and occupation throughout the region should be made. These plans should include guidelines and rules to maintain national parks and other protected areas, watersheds and healthy biological corridors.

For these measures to be successful a mix of rules and incentives should be implemented with advantages to all those who protect and give a responsible use to the ecosystems. Clear laws are necessary under the framework of the Convention of Biological Diversity of the United Nations in all countries of the Amazon region, having as a guide the principles of the Ecosystem Approach. “The ecosystem approach is a strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable use." Application of the ecosystem approach will help to reach a balance of the three objectives of the Convention. It is based on the application of appropriate scientific methodologies focused on levels of biological organisation which encompass the essential processes, functions and interactions among organisms and their environment. It recognizes that humans, with their cultural diversity, are an integral component of ecosystems” CBD, UN.

Political and economic co-operation should exist with all countries of the region to act responsible. Economic drivers and incentives related to carbon mitigation, maintenance of watersheds, and several other services derived from the ecosystems are welcome. Finally and most important, it is necessary to influence the minds and hearts of all people, through knowledge and education, about the advantages of maintaining the biodiversity and the ecosystems. This knowledge must be spread in every corner of the Amazon region.

Hermes Justiniano,
Executive Director, Foundation for the Conservation of the Chiquitano Forest