World Wildlife Fund

Researchers track native species to determine the size of their range.
© WWF / Sue Palminteri

Despite its natural splendor, the Amazon ecosystem is fragile and imperiled. As the countries of the Amazon become further integrated into the global economy, higher demand for increasingly limited natural resources significantly challenges conservation efforts. WWF is focused on four areas that present the best opportunities for altering the key global markets that challenge the future of this place.

Creating conservation landscapes
WWF collaborates with governments in Amazonian countries to support the creation and management of protected areas, extractive and indigenous reserves, and buffer zones to maintain large blocks of intact forest. In Brazil, through ARPA - the Amazon Region Protected Areas Program - we are working to create a network of federal and state protected areas to safeguard nearly 150 million acres of rain forest. When complete, it will be more than 50 percent larger than the U.S. national park system.

Confronting drivers of deforestation
Each year, the Amazon loses forested areas equal in size to the state of New Jersey. Agricultural expansion, ranching, infrastructure projects and energy exploration are accelerating this rate of deforestation. WWF collaborates with local communities, industry and governments to encourage sustainable environmental practices. As the deforestation rate accelerates, we are providing practical tools—such as stepwise forest certification, timber tracking and chain-of-custody monitoring—to producers, manufacturers and traders. We are also educating governments, corporations, financial backers and consumers worldwide about their role in stimulating a healthy market for responsibly-sourced wood and agricultural products.

Developing a sustainable forest economy
More than 33 million people rely on the Amazon for their homes and livelihoods. WWF works hard to make protection real on the ground, engaging local participants in the management of protected areas and the sustainable use of natural resources. WWF is demonstrating how natural resources such as timber and fisheries can provide livelihoods without devastating the environment. We are applying this approach in our effort to safeguard the headwaters of the Amazon. We are creating local ownership and commitment to the conservation of over 25 million acres of forests in this largely intact region.

Conducting field research to inform actions
The creation of protected areas is essential to safeguard species habitats and local communities. WWF scientists conduct extensive field research to gather vital data on the habitat needs of wide-ranging species such as the jaguar. With this information, we determine the appropriate size and configuration of protected areas. It also informs our advocacy of conservation policies in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.

Learn more about the partnerships that make this work possible.