Who do you think is affected and why?

• A) 10%

• B) 16%

• C) 20%

• D) 25%

• B) 16%

  
  

Mining in the Amazon targets gold, aluminum, iron ore, and copper, with illegal gold mining causing major harm due to mercury pollution. Brazil, Peru, Venezuela, and Colombia are most affected because of rich mineral reserves and weak oversight. Mining is driven by global demand for metals and limited job options in the region.

Is the cost of economic development worth the environmental damage ?

• What do you think the long term effects of this kind of destruction might be?

-From government support during the military era to today’s regulation challenges, these policies continue to impact the people and environment of this region!

OVER 54 million hectares lost in 20 years (nearly the size of France)

- Mining often causes deforestation.

Forests are cleared to reach minerals, which destroys habitats and increases the risk of erosion and flooding.

- It also leads to pollution.

Dust and toxic chemicals from mining can harm the air, soil, and people's health.

- Water contamination is a big concern.

Chemicals and acid runoff from mines can poison rivers and groundwater, affecting both people and wildlife.

- And mining often encroaches on Indigenous lands.

Communities can be displaced, and their cultural sites and way of life are put at serious risk.

- Indigenous communities have lived in the Amazon for thousands of years.

- They believe the Amazon is sacred and must be cared for.

- Their farming and hunting practices are sustainable and help protect the forest.

- They know how to use plants for medicine and food without harming the environment.

- They fight against companies that want to cut down the forest for profit.

- Indigenous leaders are pushing for laws to protect their land and culture.

- They play a key role in fighting climate change by keeping the forest healthy.

- They teach younger generations about their traditions and the forest.

- Many work together with environmental groups to protect the Amazon.

- They are challenging governments to recognize their rights to the land

• Different groups care about the rainforest for different reasons

• Governments and corporations often support mining

• Indigenous people and NGOs work to protect the land

- Indigenous land protection initiatives

- Global climate treaties (the Paris Agreement)

- Monitoring tools to track deforestation

- Environmental law enforcement against illegal logging and mining

- Local & global activism (Greenpeace, Fridays for Future)

- Sustainable development funding from international groups like the World Bank, UN Environment Programme, and Rainforest Trust

Shop Smart & Sustainable– Avoid products tied to deforestation (like certain beef, soy, or wood). Look for eco-labels like FSC or Rainforest Alliance.

Use Your Voice – Spread awareness, sign petitions, and push for climate action on campus and online.

Donate or Volunteer – Even small donations to groups like Amazon Watch or Rainforest Trust help. Volunteering counts too.

Cut Carbon – Fly less, eat less meat, and support reforestation projects to offset your carbon footprint.

You have power ! Here is how you can use it🌎🐞

Click less. Eat less meat. Act more.

- Click less: Skip products tied to deforestation — like fast fashion, exotic wood, and unsustainable brands.

- Eat less meat: Especially beef. Cattle ranching is a top cause of Amazon destruction.

- Act more: Spread awareness, sign petitions, and support rainforest defenders.

Small choices can make a global impact, the Amazon depends on us!

1. Environmental Licensing

- Projects need approval through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

- Unlicensed operations are illegal and fined.

2. Satellite Monitoring & Fines

- Systems like DETER & PRODES track deforestation in real time.

- Offenders face fines and legal action.

3. Protected Areas & Indigenous Lands

- Mining/logging restricted in national parks & Indigenous territories.

- Land demarcation helps protect vulnerable areas.

4. Industry Agreements

- Soy Moratorium & Cattle Agreement ban sourcing from deforested land.

5. Enforcement Operations

- Federal police & IBAMA target illegal activities.

- Military support used in key zones.

6. International Support

- Amazon Fund (Norway & Germany) backs sustainability & enforcement.

- Global pressure to meet environmental standards.

7. Recent Shifts (Post-2023)

- Stronger protections under President Lula.

- Focus on reforestation & Indigenous rights