Save the Rain forest

For as long as I can remember, I have been taught to preserve the rain forest. In elementary school, I raised money with my class to preserve an acre of this rain forest. We were told story after story of how the rain forest was being destroyed in the name of development. We were instructed that the rain forest contained perhaps the cure to cancer and other incurable diseases. By sending money, we were also taught that we are preserving the habitat of rare birds, animals, and other species. So where are we today? After millions of dollars has been spent, what is the status of the rain forest?

We are told the Amazon rain forest encompasses around 2.7 million square miles. The Amazon also holds one-fifth of the world’s water supply. These facts should make it worth saving. But unless the governments report the status of the rain forest, all these efforts are for naught.

Are logging, mining, and burning continuing to take place? It was estimated in 2003 that an estimated 9,170 square miles had been burned or cleared. Is this number declining each year? The loss of the rain forest is not just a loss for Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, but all countries that may benefit from its treasures. All governments should be holding these countries accountable. Reports should be distributed on a regular basis that review the ongoing status of the rain forest. We can’t help unless we have the right information.