Habitat Loss

Welcome to Eco-Odyssey's newest section on 'Habitat Loss'.

This topic is of particular relevance to us as two of our team members recently took part in an exclusive expedition along the Amazon river.  Past expeditions to this region have made clear to us that the Amazon is rapidly destroying huge portions of wildlife and Indigenous habitat, and the rate of exploitation is alarming.

The Amazonas region covers nearly 40% of South America and its rainforest is the largest in the world. Much of the Amazon's depths have yet to be explored and many plant and animal species still remain undiscovered.

Habitat loss is particularly significant to Eco-Odyssey and certainly the Amazon for this unique natural wonder has been under constant threat from aggressive human exploitation of its natural resources.  Over 719,000 square kilometres of the Amazon rainforest have been cleared as of 2008, and large scale development and destruction within this region are ever-increasing.

Countless Amazonian Indigenous populations are suffering from habitat destruction, and thousands continue to be displaced from their traditional settlements. Moreover, deforestation, agricultural development, and Hydropower plants are not only forcing humans from their homes but millions of wildlife species as well.

Here are some current statistics, issues, and concerns surrounding the Amazon region and Habitat loss.

Eco-Odyssey will be providing you with the latest on this year's expedition to Amazonas, so stay tuned for the most current news on this special region..

November 14th, 2011

De-forestation in Amazonas

Amazonas is defined as the largest Brazilian state, covering the most terrain in the country. It is aptly named Amazonas as the Amazon river is a major natural phenomenon and priceless resource occupying most of its land mass. This region is made up almost entirely of dense rainforest, which encompasses more than 2,000 known species of plants and animals.

Populations living along the Amazon river and in the isolated regions of the forest live from the land, water and trees. With little development in most of the Amazonas state, Indigenous settlements have been relatively self-sufficient and traditionally occupy many of the rich landscapes within Amazonas. However, the past century has brought immeasurable changes to the once calm and peaceful region, with domestic and foreign development taking force.

Since the 1970's, 600,000 square kilometres of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed, The prominent reasons for this intense de-forestation are clearing for pastureland (e.g. cattle ranching), commercial exploitation of forest resources (e.g. logging), small and large scale commercial agriculture (e.g. soy crops), dams, mining, and urbanization.

These activities are devastating to the fragile ecosystems existing within the Amazon, and continuing a virtually uncontrolled expansion of human activities reduces biodiversity, water and land quality, and most certainly living conditions for Indigenous populations in the middle of this destruction. Amazonas is now facing changes to the chemistry of both its aquatic and terrestrial resources, and now we must also consider the adverse effects global climate change is having on this region.

A tribal leader's message to the United Nations

At this year's United Nations general assembly, Surui tribal leader Almir Narayamoga candidly addressed members with the intent to precipitate support for the Indigenous populations forced from their land and protection for the countless species of wildlife losing their natural habitat and.  In the face of illegal deforestation, Narayamoga addressed the devastating activities carried out by loggers, ranchers, miners and intruders on sacred indigenous land.

Under the Brazilian government's Growth Acceleration Program, large scale development plans are being implemented, and consequently their is an increase in conflicts between the  Indigenous and those destroying their communities and natural resources.

Stating that currently 62% of deforested Amazon rainforest is used for cattle pastures, Narayamoga pleas with the United Nations and asks that they take direct action to protect restore, and respect the traditional values, habitats, and lives of Indigenous Amazonas populations and the surrounding living ecosystems.