Q: What is the extent of illegal deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest and is illegal deforestation included in overall deforestation statistics?

 

Overall, somewhere between 20% and 25% has been deforested, but the impact might be considered greater than that since vast areas have been degraded. I think CI's website has a very helpful map showing this and also a good way to imagine approaching the problem: http://www.conservation.org/where/pages/amazonia.aspx

 

There site also includes lots of good stats on the value of the Amazon. 

 

Also deforestation is increasing again after a period of slowing. Here is a good article on it.

 

Q: What governmental and non-governmental organizations have taken the most steps towards sustainability in the Amazon?

 

The Amazon is a big place and extends into many countries, so there are differing levels of response. In general, the governments' response are to take action in some realms--such as efforts to end illegal logging--while also permitting massive new soy farms, cattle ranches and oil and gas projects that open new regions to deforestation. Many contradictions, but frequently these are the result of the influence different industries have over the governments. It might make sense to do additional research just on one or two countries to learn more about the multiple dynamics at play.

 

Possibly the most important non-governmental players in recent years whose efforts show the most promise are the indigenous peoples' federations. They have made significant advances in mobilizing support for their causes to gain control of their Amazon territories, block new industrial-scale oil, gas, mining and logging, and pursue their own sustainable development paths. The mosaic of titled indigenous lands and protected areas are the most intact regions of the basin. I suggest going to AmazonWatch.org to read more about that work in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia.

 

Q: According to our research, only 2-3% of Amazon deforestation is done for the purpose of logging. Does this mean that all the other trees that are removed are burned or unused?

 

Good question. I am not sure. My guess is that much of it is in fact used for firewood--many people use wood as their primary or even exclusive cooking fuel. Much is also likely hand-milled and then used locally for homes in towns and villages, rather than trucked out to the urban centers. Trees are also used to make nearly all the canoes used in local communities. But, that is just based on what I have seen in Ecuador and Peru, and might not be representative of other regions, though I suspect it is.

 

Q: Do you believe that sustainable deforestation in the Amazon is achievable? In your opinion, what steps would have to be made in order to get there.

 

I do believe it is possible to reach a zero-net deforestation. The primary drivers of deforestation in most areas are industrial-scale projects that rarely are even intended to benefit the local peoples. So, these actions need to be stepped up--some of them are more politically feasible at this moment than others:

 

--Titling of indigenous peoples' traditional territories and legal backing to fully control the lands.

 

--Fully legalize and implement indigenous peoples' right to "free, prior and informed consent" of any outside economic project on their lands. This would ensure their right to block any proposed project they see as potentially destructive.

 

--A moratorium on new oil, gas, mining and large-scale logging.

 

--An expansion of protected areas and increased resources to make them more then "paper parks" that are not fully protected.

 

--A financial solution to many of the countries' massive foreign debt that drives the governments to prioritize economic strategies such as oil and gas exploitation and other commodity exports over strategies that favor sustainability and an economically diversified base.

 

--The corporate rate of taxation is incredibly low in some countries and could be a much larger source of revenue for the governments.

 

There are many other steps that could or should take place, but these are what I would prioritize if I were in charge. :

 

 

Q: What factors affecting amazon deforestation are the least well known to the general public?

 

Possibly the slower, more organic process of "colonization" or migration of people into a new area over time after new roads are put in for big projects or to "integrate" a remote region into the national infrastructure. These are often poor families that move from other regions of their countries to make a better life for their families. Frequently they were farmers in areas where the soils gave out, so the Amazon region offers a new opportunity. You can't blame them. However, the impact on the forest over the years can be substantial.