What is Being Done

       In response to President Rouseff's approval of the environmentally harmful Forest Code, Brazil citizens have began the Zero Deforestation initiative. 600,000 people have already signed this petition and if 1.4 million people sign it, the Zero Deforestation initiative could become law. With public support, the passing of this law would have greatly reduce deforestation rates of the Amazon Rainforest. However, these laws will do nothing if they are not enforced. The most important improvement that could be made to preserve the Amazon Rainforest involves the enforcement of laws and better management of already protected areas. Stricter enforcement and punishment will reduce encroachment on these areas. In addition, educating local citizens about why the Amazon is important and what can be done to protect it is crucial. Groups like the Amazon Conservation Team are educating indigenous people in hopes of them being able to monitor, manage, and protect their forests. Also, organizations such as Green Peace are constantly fundraising money to purchase more land to keep it under their protection.                                          
       It is unrealistic to expect humans to drop their economic goals and completely stop deforesting, however, there are improvements that can be made to benefit the economy while using the rainforest more sustainably. Increased involvement from local communities and central governments can help enforce existing regulations that encourage more sustainable practices. Additionally, limiting and diversifying exports alleviates stress put on the Amazon rainforest. Finally, introduction and growth in the Palm oil industry puts further use to old, depleted pasture land, creates jobs, stimulates the economy, and reduces the need of cattle ranching. This industry not only reduces deforestation, but creates more vegetation.  
Furthermore, it is a renewable resource and can develop on previously used land.    

 picture: http://www.celsias.com/media/uploads/admin/palmoilplantation.JPG

To see more about the Amazon Conservation Team, watch this video we found interesting: http://www.kikim.com/xml/projects.php?projectId=93