Protection and restoration of the Amazon rainforest
October 26 2022
3 minutes
Planting trees is currently very popular, especially in the context of curbing climate change. But we often forget that preserving existing forests is also essential to combat global warming. Especially when it comes to the largest forest on earth, the Amazon rainforest.
To avoid the 'tipping point' of current climate change, we need to protect about 2025% of the Amazon rainforest by 80. The Amazon rainforest is spread across no less than nine countries. Bolivia and Ecuador are two of those countries. BOS+, a member organization of 11.11.11, will work with local organizations to find ways to make the population more resilient and protect the forest.
Adapted agriculture and better monitoring in Bolivia
Wildfires threaten the Amazon rainforest and people in Bolivia
Climate change and the growing number of forest fires go hand in hand in Bolivia. The climate crisis is causing stronger winds, more frequent droughts and longer dry seasons. These significantly increase the risk of forest fires. These fires endanger the lives and livelihoods of the people who live there. As large areas of forest go up in smoke, the climate crisis is also accelerated. A vicious circle.
Wake-up call for better protection
The massive forest fires of 2019 were a 'wake up call'. The public outrage and the call for structural solutions were enormous.
In the Chiquitania area, the population received technical assistance from local partner organizations of BOS+. This allowed them to organic vegetable gardens realize for their own use and succeed in growing food without cutting down trees. In the Monte Verde area, they are committed to a sustainable local economy through, among other things, the production of honeyIn addition, BOS+ partners are committed to forest restoration in the region. They grow plants for the native almond tree and for more commercial tree species. Local organizations also make a 'Forest Watch'-tool and sentries. Volunteer firefighters and authorities can better monitor deforestation and fire alarms and better prevent fires.
In the past, I had to drive for hours to buy fresh food in the nearest city. That's why I rarely had fresh fruits and vegetables. With the help of PROBIOMA, I now have my own organic vegetable garden, together with more than 100 families.
The Sápara from Ecuador as guardians of the forest
Precious Amazon rainforest in danger
The forest in Ecuador does not cover the largest area. However, the Ecuadorian Amazon region has one of the highest concentrations of CO2 in the area. The number of threats for the forest has increased dramatically in recent years, even in the most bio-diverse and legally protected areas. The insatiable hunger for petroleum, minerals en wood cause deforestation on an unprecedented scale. Huge amounts of CO2 are released.
The Sápara live in and with the forest
Part of the endangered Ecuadorian Amazon is home to the Sápara, an indigenous group that is threatened with extinction. Their territory is located in a remote part of the Amazon.
The Sápara live in and with the forest and know the value of their Amazon region better than anyone else. For centuries although they act as guardians of the forest. But to protect the forest from the current threats they do not have the necessary resources and finances.
Traditional knowledge and new technology
BOS+ supports local Sápara supervisors and leaders of indigenous organizations to protect their forest to protect yourself and thus also combat climate change. They do this in collaboration with the partner organization Ecociencia. Together with the Sápara, they set up effective systems of citizen surveillance us.
With this they not only secure the Amazon rainforest, they also ensure the quality of life of the population. In this process they fully involve young people and connect them traditional knowledge on new technology and monitoring models. They also map the forest and the carbon present in the territory. In this way they measure deforestation and the impact on the climate.
Will you help stop climate injustice?
The Amazon rainforest is vital to life, not just for the people who live there, but for the entire planet.
Help protect the Amazon rainforest.
