8 ways to contribute to the recovery of the Amazon Forest

With the increase in deforestation alerts in the Amazon, there is also a growing concern about their preservation. According to the Deter-B system, an agency of the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe), in April of this year there was an increase of 63.7% in the alarms of logging in the entire region. In just over four months, Inpe issued alerts for 405.6 km², while in the previous year, in the same period, it was 247.7 km². The data are emitted daily by the Deforestation Detection System in Real-Time (Deter) and are essential to support the actions of the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama). April recorded the third-highest rate of deforestation alerts for this month since 2016, behind 2018. In the Legal Amazon, the state of Mato Grosso is one of the hardest hit by the extraction of natural resources. 144.58 km² were deforested. Rondônia is in second place, with 103.97 km² destroyed. Amazonas is the third state, with 76.88 km² devastated. Along with deforestation, forest fires also grew. The region has suffered a lot from these occurrences that consume vegetation and animals. To combat fires, the Federal Government authorized the deployment of troops from the Armed Forces. The determination encompasses frontier strips, indigenous lands, and federal environmental conservation units. With so much destruction the question we ask is: what are the ways to contribute to the recovery of the Amazon Forest? It may seem difficult, but it is not. With simple attitudes, it is possible to save the Amazon and the planet.

Why is the Amazon important?

Before we write about the 8 ways to recover the Amazon Forest, let’s talk about its importance for the planet. The world’s largest rainforest is instrumental in preserving biodiversity. This is because half of the terrestrial species of fauna and flora are found in the region. If the forest were destroyed, a process of mass extinction of animal species and about 400 ethnic groups would begin. In addition to preserving biodiversity, the forest has the function of regulating the planet’s climate and temperatures. It also guarantees and regulates the rainfall system that supplies various regions of Brazil. According to researchers, if the Amazon reaches 40% of devastated areas, the rest cannot sustain itself. This can lead the region to an irreversible situation. The death of the forest caused by deforestation generates an imbalance. The first reaction has to do with the amount of rain it generates and what is left will not meet your own needs. In other words, if the rain generated does not meet the forestry needs, imagine those of society. For the Amazon to reach 40% of the devastated area, there is little left, since 20% of the forest is already compromised. The consequence of little rain is the rise in temperature on the planet by a proportion of 3.5º C. In Brazil, the Northeast region and other large areas are at risk of being totally desertified. The lack of rain will also force many Brazilians to ration water, in addition to the increase in the supply and electricity bills. Other products may also suffer price adjustments for consuming a lot of water during the production process, such as food and clothing, among others. The increase in pollution and the emergence of new viruses are also one of the main causes of illegal deforestation, which is increasingly advancing.

8 ways to contribute to forest recovery

Now that you know the data on deforestation and know the importance of the forest for Brazil and the planet, see how to contribute to the preservation of the Legal Amazon.

1. Contribute to donations of goods and voluntary work in environmental institutions: It is very important to provide a service to these institutions, as they do not have the resources to develop their actions. NGOs depend on voluntarism to keep the forest preserved.
2. Participate in mobilizations and campaigns: With the internet and social networks, you don’t need to go to Brasília or the region of the Legal Amazon to participate in mobilizations in favor of the forest. Sign petitions online, send messages to deputies and senators demanding projects in defense of the region, make donations in cash to carry out protests, among others.
3. To charge brand positioning for the cause: Many famous brands work with the policy of sustainability and environmental preservation, but a good part is not aware of this. Therefore, charging liability is essential. Large companies have an obligation to position and we have to charge them.
4. Reduce meat consumption: Meat consumption is the main reason for the expansion of livestock in the Amazon rainforest. Many breeders invade public and indigenous lands to maintain their livestock. With that, they cut down several trees and kill the vegetation. Reducing meat consumption would help to combat deforestation and the consequences caused by illegal farming. According to the UN, behavior change would save the world from the impacts of climate change.
5. Sustainable consumption: this is another way to preserve fauna and flora. Buying products aimed at sustainability reduces deforestation and encourages preservation. When buying furniture or makeup, pay attention to the certification seal. If not, don’t buy it. Report it.
6. Support sustainable brands: Always value brands that care about the environment. Many replant, reuse water, and invest in other actions that collaborate with the environment. Therefore, always prioritize these companies. 6. Support sustainable brands: Always value brands that care about the environment. Many replant, reuse water, and invest in other actions that collaborate with the environment. Therefore, always prioritize these companies.
7. Supporting indigenous resistance: Since President Bolsonaro took over the Federal Government, the situation of the Indians has only worsened. The invasions of their territories increased and so did the conflicts. That is why it is important to support the indigenous cause. One way is to participate in mobilizations and sign disapproval documents.
8. Support agroforestry: This is a way of using land for agriculture in a sustainable way. Many farmers have invested in this type of action. The agroforestry activity aims to maintain the originality of the forest amidst the plantations, preserving the natural species, which can coexist with the new crops.