Amazon River and Flooded Forests:
Conservation Tips

The cyclical replenishment of nutrients carried in by the annual floods of the Amazon River Basin creates an ecologically rich area unrivalled on the planet. But the growing threats of deforestation for timber and agriculture, overfishing, dam construction, and other human pressures may doom this special ecoregion. As an informed consumer, you can help ensure that the floods and the forests that depend on them flourish forever.

Buy sustainable products: Trees such as the virola are being harvested and exported as tropical timber to North America and Europe. Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo when purchasing wood and paper products—from toilet paper to flooring. This certifies that the product comes from a company that has made a commitment to managing forests in ways that help protect biodiversity and respect the rights of indigenous peoples whose livelihoods depend on the sustainability of the forest.

Purchase the right fish: Many unique freshwater fish take advantage of the flooded forests, but some of these exotic fish are being illegally smuggled out of Amazonia to be sold as ornamental aquarium pets, and a large number of these fish do not survive the trip. If you are buying an exotic fish, it's important to ask where it came from and to make sure that it was captive bred or comes from a well-managed fishery. Several places in the Amazon River Basin are now developing certification systems that will contribute to local economies while protecting natural fish resources.

Be a smart tourist: Tourism to wilderness regions like the flooded forests of the Amazon can sometimes harm the natural environment that draws visitors in the first place. Before your next trip, do some research and support ecotourism operations that help protect biodiversity by creating incentives to protect it.

Organized tours and local facilities that are ecologically sensitive can also boost the local economy, creating demand for accommodations, food, and local guides while minimizing the impact on the local ecosystem.

Photograph of
hoatzins by
Michael and Patricia Fogden/Corbis