Preservation of the Atlantic Forest (the forest belt on the eastern coast of South America) is of great significance, as it is a source of important resources and contributes decisively to air and water quality, not only in the region, but world-wide. In addition to climate protection, the forest also fills an important function protecting the soil from the erosive power of water. And the Atlantic Forest is of enormous significance for the earth’s water cycle and drinking water availability: the “Guarani Aquifer” is one of the world’s largest subterranean water reservoirs.
The Atlantic Rainforest originally encompassed approx. 500,000km² between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Today, only a fragmented landscape remains, less that 35,000km², approx. 7.4% of the original surface area. Today, this region is one of the most endangered subtropical forest areas world-wide.
Nonetheless, the remnants of this forest area constitute an extraordinarily abundant biosphere of countless animal and plant species. Among the fauna are the largest and most spectacular mammals on the continent – jaguars, pumas and ocelots, tapirs, deer, and a diversity of simian species. The forest is also home to over 300 species of exceptionally beautiful bird species, a few of which are endangered, such as a number of parrot species. Among the many plant species, orchids are particularly well-known.
Forest fires are a serious threat. Each year, droughts and the low humidity in the surrounding areas foster between 3000 and 4000 fires. In addition, thousands of hectares of forest have already been destroyed by illegal slash-and-burn clearance.
It is now hoped that the passage of new legislation to protect this forest area will enable progress in the struggle against the destruction of nature, for our generation and for those to come.
Translation: Ani Jinpa Lhamo
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A. Kurz
Tuve la oportunidad de estar en Brasil en Enero de este año, en el estado de Santa Catarina, y pude apreciar un pequeño reducto de la llamada Mata Atlantica o Bosque Atlantico en español, y es realmente impresionante cuan rico era el paisaje en determinadas partes, y como ha sido devastado por la accion del hombre, asimismo como se gasta una cantidad impresionante de agua en la zona para cultivos de riego y deforestacion del suelo. Al leer este articulo me hizo recordar esa experiencia.
Muy interesante!
It would be great to think in the future generations and to observe what the law says.
In diesem Zusammenhang möchte ich auch auf den sehr interessanten Artikel von Frau Barbara Unmüßig
verweisen: http://www.boell.de/oekologie/ressourcen/ressourcenpolitik-oekologie-weltweite-jagd-ressourcen-11965.html