The Amazon, often referred to as the ‘lungs of the planet’, is a vast region spanning approximately 5.5 million square kilometres, covering parts of nine countries, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. This dense tropical rainforest is the largest in the world and plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by absorbing a significant amount of carbon dioxide.

The Amazon’s biodiversity is breathtaking, home to around 10% of the Earth’s known species. It is home to millions of species of plants, animals and microorganisms, many of which are endemic and still poorly documented. The rivers of the Amazon, notably the Amazon River, are also rich ecosystems, supporting a multitude of aquatic life forms.

Amazonian culture is equally rich and diverse, shaped by the many indigenous communities that have inhabited the region for millennia. These groups possess a deep understanding of their environment, using sustainable practices to live in harmony with nature. Their traditions, languages and ancestral knowledge are precious and threatened by deforestation and commercial exploitation.

Preserving the Amazon is essential not only for the biodiversity it harbours, but also for the health of our planet. And for the human beings who still live on this planet. Conservation efforts must include protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, combating illegal deforestation, and promoting sustainable practices that respect both the environment and local cultures.

In short, the Amazon is a treasure for us