- The destruction of the Amazon rainforest has been particularly harmful to the biodiversity there. To prevent this some places have been protected by law meaning that they are undisturbed.
- There are three separate reserves which are linked and is known as the Central Amazon Conservation. Complex. The total size of these three areas is bigger than Switzerland.
- Jau National Park 2,272,000 ha.
- Mamiraua Sustainable Development Reserve 260,000 ha.
- Amana Sustainable Development Reserve 2,230,000 ha.
- This is a UNESCO world heritage site is the second largest protected area of tropical rainforest in the world.
- The area is sparsely populated and there are no transport links other than boats. There are no major projects such as hydroelectric dams and some incidences of hunting and poaching by outsiders for commercial gain
- This area has one of the most diverse flora and fauna in the world. These include:
- 200+ species of mammals.
- 500+ species of birds including parrots.
- 300+ species of fish.
- Reptiles and amphibians such as coral snake.
- Some of these are endangered which means that the area requires extra protection such as spider monkey and puma.
Management
The management has three main functions:
- To protect the land and to minimise the impact of human activity.
- To research, catalogue and protect biodiversity.
- To manage specific activities, such as tourism.
They have drawn up a zoning plan which shows how much activity has been going on in each area.
- Primitive Zone – Minimal human intervention as this is land of great natural beauty.
- Extensive Use Zone – There has been a small amount of activity.
- Intensive Use Zone – Environment has been significantly altered due to human intervention.
- Special Use Zone – where services operate to monitor an protect the rainforest.
A management strategy was developed by local communities and with other representatives resulted in:
- Hunting and logging for commercial gain is prohibited.
- Inhabitants receive environmental education and improved healthcare.
- Increased economic production from natural resources, ensure a sustainable future for those in the rainforest.
- Zoning and protection resulted in an increase in the productivity of the forest and aquatic resources.