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One of the largest rainforests in the world! Why is the Peruvian Amazon such a magical natural miracle?
The Peruvian Amazon has been known since ancient times for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. This vast rainforest covers 60% of Peru's land, but only 5% of the population lives here. In the future, can we find a balance between protecting these precious natural resources and developing the economy?
Amazon’s unique ecosystem
The Peruvian Amazon rainforest contains two main ecological regions: lowland rainforest and highland rainforest.
The lowland rainforest is close to the river and has up to 260 centimeters of rainfall throughout the year, while the highland rainforest has unique species, including many endemic species, due to different terrains.
The climatic conditions in these areas make them home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including more than 63% of mammal species and 44% of bird species, ranking Peru among the best in the world.
Threats to the environment
However, the Peruvian Amazon faces serious environmental challenges. Illegal logging has become a serious problem. According to the World Bank, in 2012, 80% of Peruvian timber exports were the result of illegal logging.
This uncontrolled logging not only threatens local biodiversity, but also affects the living environment of indigenous peoples.
Worse, these actions have led to social unrest and violence, especially among indigenous groups. The murders of four environmental leaders in 2014, which were rooted in accusations of illegal logging, are a clear example.
The impact of illegal mining and oil extraction
In addition to logging, illegal gold mining and oil refining are also destroying the original state of this rainforest. Especially in the Madre de Dios region, the sharp rise in gold prices has caused more and more uneducated people to join this "gold craze".
The mining of these gold mines uses mercury for refining, which causes irreversible damage to water sources and ecosystems.
In addition, issues related to oil and gas extraction cannot be ignored. Many indigenous peoples have been forced to relocate due to oil exploration operations, and their traditional way of life is threatened.
Society and government facing challenges
Although the Peruvian government has tried to improve forest management through the United States-Peru Free Trade Agreement, the results have been very limited, and many indigenous people even believe that the agreement has made the situation worse.
The continued illegal timber trade and environmental damage have made the future of the entire forest bleak.
Although the establishment of some regulatory agencies shows positive changes, it is clear that an investment of time and resources is needed to truly improve the situation.
Hope for the future
In this magical and fragile rainforest, countless people, animals and plants live together. With the global awareness of environmental protection increasing, can the Peruvian Amazon rainforest be better protected in the future to maintain this precious ecosystem?
