Deforestation and cattle

 

Photographer: Daniela Cueva
Location: Nothern end of the Tiputini River


"This picture shows a somewhat typical scenario from this area, where logging and cattle-raising are the main protagonists. Every time we see these activities, we're overwhelmed by a feeling of powerlessness which makes it very hard to take action."


The Yasuní Biosphere Reserve sits above large deposits of crude oil and is home to many species of valuable timber. Illegal logging and tree clearing to create access roads for oil extraction are threatening conservation efforts. The Ecuadoran government recently created a Zona Intangible — an area off limits to extractive activities such as logging and oil — and cracked down on illegal logging. It has also proposed curtailing extraction to protect the reserve and limit global warming, in exchange for international compensation for lost income.

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