The Amazon rainforest is a vast ecosystem full of wildlife and natural wonders, covering a large portion of South America. Travelers come from all over the world to experience all that the Amazon has to offer, generally starting their journey in either Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia or Peru. Unfortunately, the Amazon rainforest has lost 17 percent of its forest over 50 years due to multiple factors such as agriculture, climate change, excessive tourism and, ultimately, logging. Travelers can still visit the Amazon rainforest – and do so in a way that keeps the best interest of this beautiful ecosystem at heart.
Logging occurs when individuals and corporations move into rainforests, like the Amazon, and cut down trees to make products that their businesses sell. Even with laws imposing restrictions on logging, companies still find ways to continue to deforest the area, selling products that are considered illegal. The results have been disastrous. When logging occurs at rapid rates, it affects not only the forest itself but also the flora and fauna, wildlife, indigenous communities and tourism.
For many South American countries, tourism brings in millions of dollars in revenue each year. When the fragile ecosystem is damaged by logging, it's destroyed in ways that can't be repaired. Tourists come year after year to explore the lush ecosystem, but their travels can actually have negative effects on the rainforest.
Travelers can reach the Amazon in multiple ways, including through Iquitos, Peru; Lago Agrio, Ecuador; and Belem, Manaus or Santarém in Brazil. From the foothills of the Amazon, travelers can opt for a wide range of experiences to get deep into the rainforest. Of course, over the years, logging has changed the number of activities available to tourists, though there's still a bright side to this.
Tourists can choose to be more conscious about their choices while traveling to the Amazon rainforest. By being more mindful when it comes to understanding the Amazon, tourists can use money, education and volunteering to help combat logging and other factors that affect the long-term health and life of this amazing place.
Although tourism isn't all that great for the Amazon, some eco-friendly options can help visitors learn about sustainability in the rainforest while indulging in the experience they've always dreamed of. It's also one of the only ways for people to learn for themselves what logging looks like first-hand.
Doing a river cruise might be one of the best ways for visitors to see the extraordinary wildlife of the Amazon, such as stingrays, dolphins and manatees. Travelers can opt for an adventurous cruise ride that makes designated stops, either to check out the scenery, spot wildlife or meet the indigenous communities living in the area.
Trekking is a great way to get up close and personal with the rainforest. Treks take hikers on guided tours through the Amazon, where tour guides point out plants and animals and share information about the specific area. Of course, these guides are also great resources when it comes to answering questions about logging.
Those who want to experience all that the Amazon has to offer but avoid strenuous activities can stay in an eco-lodge. Such facilities are based in the rainforest and strive to keep the area around them as healthy and sustainable as possible. Guests can come to relax, learn about the rainforest and issues like logging or even volunteer to help make a difference in the environment.
Traveling to the Amazon is one way to learn about the effects of logging on the rainforest. But for those who can't make the time to come, there are great resources to learn more about this issue, through organizations like Greenpeace and the World Wide Fund for Nature.
And those who really want to support the fight against logging can do so by not buying products that are produced via logging in the Amazon, including items like cedar pencils, mahogany tables and laminate floors made out of cumaru.
Logging has already caused irreparable damage to the Amazon. But it's not too late. People around the world, especially tourists, should find out what they can do to learn more about this issue and strive to make a change in any way they can.
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