The Amazon, often referred to as the lungs of the planet, is a vast region extending over some 5.5 million square kilometres, covering parts of nine countries, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela. This dense tropical forest 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. There are millions of species of plants, animals and micro-organisms, many of which are endemic and still poorly documented. The rivers of Amazonia, particularly the Amazon, are also rich ecosystems, feeding a multitude of forms of aquatic life.

Amazonian culture is just as rich and varied, shaped by the many indigenous communities that have inhabited the region for millennia. These groups have an in-depth knowledge 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. 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 our treasure.