Amazon Rainforest Day: Celebrating Earth's Green Lungs

Introduction:

Amazon rainforest is one of the greatest gifts of mother nature to earth and hence, us. But, being humans we tend to take everything for granted and obliterate the very gift we were given. The forest is filled with plethora of organisms, many yet to be discovered. These very organisms can hold the key to our past as well as our future and the only way to discover them is to conserve this rainforest that has preserved itself and has supported the native communities dependent on it. This article will remind us of our crimes against this very charity of nature and will tell us again why we celebrate Amazon Rainforest day.

The Amazon Rainforest; Earth's Green Lungs:

The enormous Amazon rainforest covers over 5.5 million square kilometres across nine large countries making it the world’s largest rainforest. It has the capability to absorb exhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) and produce oxygen (O2) which is required for all organisms to carry out important life process and is hence referred to as the “lungs of the Earth”. This crucial property contributes greatly to stabilizing global climatic cycles, making it an ecological keystone.

The Biodiversity Epicentre:

The Amazon carries a magnificent variety of biodiversity, with trillions of organisms, most of which are yet to be explored. From the elusive leopards sulking its depths to the bright coat of scarlet macaws, the Amazon glows with life in every direction. Its streams are abode to numerous species of fish, while its thick forest cover is a home to a brilliant array of insects, birds, and mammals. Indigenous communities have long recognized the medicinal potential of Amazonian plants. Many modern medicines that we use today contain the therapeutic rainforest flora as one of the main components. From quinine to treat malaria to medicines that relieve body pain, the Amazon's plants carry unimaginable potential for medical research and drug discovery.

Threats to the Amazon Rainforest:

The Amazon faces uncontrollable amounts of tree felling, largely carried out by occupations such as paper manufacturing, agriculture, logging and infrastructural development. This demolition not only affects ecosystems but also lets out the stored carbon compounds into the air, causing intense and unpredictable climate change. The loss of such vast area has far-reaching disadvantages for the planet's climate maintenance. Unauthorized timber harvesting persists a significant problem, exhausting the available resources and adversely affecting local communities that depend solely on the forest. This illicit transaction not only threaten the biodiversity of the Amazon but also the cultural heritage and daily life activities of its indigenous people.

Conservation Imperative:

It is highly important to plan and conserve the natural resources in the Amazon Forest. These areas stand as a gateway to the cure of various medical conditions, possessing multiple therapeutic florae. They pose as a refuge for a variety of species due to their suitable conditions. Protecting precious tracts of the rainforest is crucial to safeguarding the ecological balance of the area. Appreciating and acknowledging the privileges of aboriginal people in the rainforest is a must. Forest authorities have proven effective in protecting forests. The historical discoveries and viable procedures of these communities are priceless in preserving the rainforest's potential resources for generations to come.

Conclusion:

Amazon Rainforest Day reminds us of the Amazon's global ecological significance, impacting climate, biodiversity, and medicine. It's crucial to recognize indigenous communities' vital role in its protection. Let's celebrate and commit to safeguarding this irreplaceable ecosystem, a shared responsibility. Supporting conservation ensures the Amazon's biodiversity and climate regulation continue for future generations.

Written and researched by Aarthi Raghu

References:

• Duarte, L. da S. et al. (2021). Biodiversity in the Amazon: Origin and diversification. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 8, 227.
• Calixto, J. B. (2019). The role of natural products in modern drug discovery. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 59, 41-65.
• Barlow, J. et al. (2018). The critical importance of considering fire in REDD+ programs. Environmental Research Letters, 13(11), 115003.
• Finer, M. et al. (2015). Timber concessions in Madre de Dios: Are they promoting sustainable forest management? Environmental Research Letters, 10(12), 124019.
• Joppa, L. N. et al. (2016). Impact of alternative land‐use policies on deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. Conservation Letters, 9(6), 402-410.
• Nepstad, D. et al. (2006). Inhibition of Amazon deforestation and fire by parks and indigenous lands. Conservation Biology, 20(1), 65-73.