We cannot imagine the future of South America without thinking about the future of the Amazon. Conserving the Amazon biome means protecting its natural resources and using them sustainably, ensuring the entire existence of the forest for future generations. But this is only possible through the involvement of the representatives of more than 30 million people living in the region. Understanding and listening to those who live in cities, in indigenous communities, in “quilombos” (communities of Afro-Brazilian maroon people), in extractive reserves, or riverside stilt-houses is essential to implement economic dynamics beneficial to the tropical biome and its population.
It is essential to listen to the voices from the forest to prepare future opportunities for generations to come: people who understand the timeframes of the waters, the rain cycle, the interaction between animals and plants… The Amazonians are part of the solution for the Amazon. When combined with scientific knowledge from local and regional research centers, their traditional knowledge becomes key factors for maintaining forest environmental services and developing a forest-based economy.
An example of the environmental benefits for the population is the evapotranspiration of trees, which form water-laden clouds – the so-called “flying rivers” – responsible for watering agricultural fields and refreshing the cities of the Mid-Southern part of South America. The tiny colored bubbles seen in this room represent the water vapor released from the trees into the atmosphere, an essential phenomenon that influences the continental and global climate.
There is still much to discover about the complex interaction between Amazonian ecosystems and our planet. More than ever, ending deforestation, regenerating degraded areas, and investing in the sustainable development of the local population with products of the forest are essential steps in the conservation of the Amazon. A prosperous (and fruitful) future for the Amazon and humanity is in our hands.
