Sustainable Development

Sustainable development means that man is able to profit from the products of the rain forest without destroying it in the process.

“It is impossible to leave Amazonas as it is. A population of 25

million live in the forest and they need support. If we were to decide to prevent any type of development, people would discover illegal ways of using the rain forest and deforestation would increase. We must continue to use the rain forest but it must be used in a sustainable way. “

– The Government of Brazil

Here are examples of unsustainable ways of developing the rain forest

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Planting Trees

• What are the advantages and the disadvantages of this scheme?

• Compile a list.

Planting Trees

• Cutting trees is an unsustainable activity within the rain forest but if every one planted trees to replace them, the rain forest would live much longer.

• In order to feed themselves and their families, farmers plant crops which grow quickly on a piece of land already deforested.

• Trees which grow more slowly are planted in rows between the crops. Within a few years, the farmers will be able to earn a living from the fruit of such trees.

• Then, trees which take years to grow and which are very valuable, for example, mahogany, are planted here and there.

• In this way, the rain forest is replanted but people can continue to make use of it.

Tapping Rubber

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this scheme?

• Compile a list

Tapping Rubber

• The climate of the rain forest is perfect for growing rubber trees. Rubber tappers can collect latex from the trees without cutting down a single tree. This latex can be exported to more developed countries and this will be a help to erase the debt of the country.

• Tapping rubber is a traditional activity in the forest, and has been taking place for years.

• Synthetig rubber made from oil has been produced recently and therefore there is a lower demand for latex .

Tapping Rubber

• Think about all the goods made from rubber and you use every day.

• What are the advantages of using latex rather than synthetic rubber?

Managing Deforestation

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this scheme?

• Compile a list

Managing Deforestation

• The government by now is trying to regulate the exact number of trees which can be cut down in Amazonas. Cutting trees has been forbidden completely in certain areas. In other areas some trees may be cut but not every tree.

• BUT, the trees which have been cut down must be replanted by new trees every time.

Ecotourism

• What are the advantages and the disadvantages of this scheme?

• Compile a list

Ecotourism• Many people around the world have an interest in the

rain forest but until recently, it has been difficult for them to visit the place.

• Ecotouristic companies have become popular recently since they ensure that their holidays do not affect the environment whatsoever.

• There are several ways of doing this e.g. Use local produce, take small groups of people around, employ local people and make sure that they receive the wages they deserve.

• Holidays conducted by ecotouristic companies cost slightly more than usual holidays, but most people are happy to pay the extra cost if it means that the environment is being protected.

Ecotourism

• Would you like to go for a holiday to Amazonas? Why?

• Would you be willing to pay extra in order to ensure that the environment is being protected?

• Do you agree that tourism is a good way of bringing money to the people of the rain forest or do you think that people should have more traditional jobs?

Processing Goods

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this scheme?

• Compile a list

Processing Goods

• The inhabitants of the rain forest can make money by selling the untreated materials they grow. But they can make more money by processing these goods before they are sold.

• For example,they could get more money for cupboards which are ready for sale than they would get for a tree which is yet to be used.

• By now several people have established small factories which process goods before they are exported, hoping that they can make more money.

Processing Goods

• What is the disadvantage of this scheme to other countries?

• Do you agree that the inhabitants of the rain forest deserve to get more money for the goods they produce?

Solar Panels

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this scheme?

• Compile a list

Solar Panels

• Having already studied the rain forest, you are aware that the forest receives much sunshine daily.

• Much land is lost in order to produce hydro electric power. It has been proved that logging trees and flooding the land in order to produce hydro electricity worsens global warming by freeing a lot of carbon dioxide.

• Producing electricity by using solar panels will produce a lot of reliable electricity and without causing as much damage to the environment.

Solar Panels

• Do you think it is possible to distribute solar panels to every corner of the rain forest?

• What in your opinion is the best way of producing electricity in the rain forest?

Use the left click to choose a label, and then drag it. A further left click will free it.

Process Goods

Ecotourism

Tap rubber

Plant trees

Solar Panels

Manage deforestation

IS SUSTAINABILITY POSSIBLE WITHIN THE RAIN FOREST?

• Present an introdution to the rain forest. Why are they so important?

• What are the reasons for deforestation?

• In your own opinion is sustainability possible? Why is this your opinion?

• Present what in your opinion are the 4 best ideas for sustainability.