Preserving forests

Amazonia

Amazonia is the setting for many imaginary worlds. From its name, which takes its inspiration from the Amazonian women of mythology, to the incredible richness of its biodiversity and the forest peoples who live there, the Amazon is an ecosystem that is unique in the world. A vast region in South America, crossed by the Amazon River, the Amazon extends over 8 countries and one overseas territory: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Surinam, Guyana and French Guyana.

Amazonia in figures

550

million hectares, ten times the size of mainland France

390

billion trees of 16,000 species, i.e. 50 times more trees than people on the planet

10 %

of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity

34

million people live there, including more than 350 indigenous groups

entre 90 et 140

billion tonnes of carbon stored, i.e. 10% of the world’s carbon reserves

Some symbolic species

The marvellous hummingbird

Also known as the spatulate-tailed hummingbird, it is endemic to the jungles of northern Peru and can be recognised by the large purplish discs that the males use to scare off predators or impress the females.

The jaguar

Its habitat varies between 30 and 250km2. Only 250 individuals remain in a country like Ecuador, making it a critically endangered species.

The chorongo monkey

This is one of the largest monkeys in South America. It does not reach adulthood until it is 7-8 years old and only gives birth to a young every 2 years.

Pressures on the Amazon rainforest

In the region, deforestation consists essentially of converting wooded areas into farmland. More than 1/5 of the Amazon rainforest has already been destroyed, and that which remains is under threat. In ten years, between 415,000 and 587,000km2 of forest have been lost in the Amazon – an area roughly the size of mainland France.

Most of the converted land is used to produce food for cattle. According to a World Bank scenario, at the current rate, the Amazon could have lost almost 40% of its surface area by 2050, with disastrous consequences for the water cycle and the survival of millions of people.

What is Planète Urgence doing in the Amazon?

Strengthening forest stakeholders in Amazonia

Planète Urgence works with associations, social enterprises and nature reserves to strengthen their skills and also to support the monitoring of species in order to influence conservation policies.

Get involved as a volunteer

Project CUISCAF

Growing coffee can be compatible with maintaining the tropical canopy and generating sustainable income for communities. This is the raison d’être of the CUISCAF project in the Amazon.

Discover the project