Impact of Protected Areas in Brazilian Amazon

Wen Chen Wen Chen

Guardians

Driving Questions

  1. How can the Brazilian government effectively balance the ecological benefits of Protected Areas (PAs) in the Amazon rainforest with the socioeconomic needs of local communities and the country's economic development goals?

Project Introduction

Disciplines/Subjects: Environmental Science, Ecology, Political Science, Economics

Key Themes: Impact of Protected Areas (PAs) in the Brazilian Amazon, highlighting both the benefits and costs associated with these conservation efforts


The article, "Impact of Protected Areas in Brazilian Amazon," examines the complex relationship between Protected Areas (PAs) and their impact on the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.

The Amazon rainforest plays a vital role in regulating global climate and is home to a significant portion of Earth's terrestrial species12. Deforestation, driven by the need for ranching and agriculture, threatens this ecosystem, leading to biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions2. PAs have emerged as a crucial strategy to mitigate deforestation and preserve the Amazon.

Core Competency

Habits of mind:  Curiosity, Continuous Learning, Growth Mindset, Strive for Excellence

Transferable skills:  Selecting relevant sources, Contextualizing Sources, Synthesis multiple sources, Construct evidenced-based arguments

Content Knowledge:

The crucial role of the Amazon rainforest in global climate regulation and carbon sequestration.

The impact of deforestation on biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions.

The concept of Protected Areas (PAs) as a conservation strategy.

The link between deforestation and climate change.

The role of PAs in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration.

The economic costs and benefits of PAs.

The potential economic impact of PAs on local communities.

The challenges of funding PA management and the impact of funding deficits on conservation effectiveness.

The impact of PAs on indigenous communities, including their rights, culture, and well-being.

The potential for PAs to exacerbate social inequalities and poverty.

The influence of political and economic factors on PA policy and funding.