The Impact of Poverty on Biodiversity
With the human population expected to reach 10 billion by the end of this century and the Earth in the midst of a period of human-induced mass species extinction due to destruction of habitats and climate change, actions taken to address the balance between human needs and environmental imperatives will be decisive to the future of our planet. In few places is the struggle between the two more compelling than in rural Latin America, which is home to some of the greatest diversity of plants and animals - and some of the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere. Resource use associated with conditions of poverty (slash and burn agriculture, clear cutting, overfishing) places tremendous pressure on fragile ecosystems. Equally pernicious is the threat posed by ecologically unsustainable activities in mining, agribusiness, and oil exploration.
In its 2007 State of the World's Forests report, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization found that in the last 15 years, Latin America has lost over 158 million acres of forest (almost the size of Texas). Central America alone has lost 19%, the largest percentage for the region. This largely unintended consequence is driven by conversion of forest land to agricultural uses fueled by subsistence needs of the poor as well as environmentally unsustainable commercial expansion. This habitat devastation accelerates the loss of species, endangers critical sources of safe water, and contributes the massive release of greenhouse gases that exacerbates global warming.
Deforested hillside planted with corn, Honduras/S. Paul
Forests that provide habitat for diverse wildlife and rare plants whose medicinal potential is just beginning to be tapped will be lost if current conditions persist. Rivers, wetlands, and reefs that are home to fish and other aquatic life are threatened by overfishing and pollution, placing at risk vital food sources and access to clean water. Something needs to be done - now - and EcoLogic is working with our partners to find sustainable, long-term solutions - solutions that improve human well-being today and protect precious natural resources crucial to future generations.
