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All About Animals > RainForests
Threats to the Rainforest
Almost all remaining rainforests is found in "Third World" and other developing countries that see it as a valuable resource to be sold for cash. International debt is a major problem for many poor nations, and for some of these the sale of timber may finance much neede hospitals and schools, as well as aid the growth of the economy. As villages in these regions grow, local people need to clear new areas of land for farming. Rainforest soil is poor, however, and is soon exhausted, so farmers have to move on again to clear a new area. In this way some 300 million people are destroying at least 700,000sq km of rainforest a year, and depleting a further 100,000sq km.
How could you help
One alternative is to look for ways to exploit the rainforest carefully, and make sure it regenerates. Establishing more timber plantations and encouraging the development of agroforestry will also help to relieve the pressure of the rainforest resources that remain. Practical steps you can take include avoiding the use of tropical hardwoods and supporting conservation groups in their fight to influence government policies.
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