From this project I have learned a great deal about the effects of tropical deforestation, even more than I knew before I started this topic. Deforestation widely impacts everyone in the world, from the rain that falls in China ,to the world’s atmosphere. Deforestation not only affects the region but the entire world, especially the climate. It provides a filter to our worlds atmosphere, so we can breathe cleaner air. This is not the only contributing factor to global warming but it is definitely something must be considered in order to provide healthier world.There is many impacts on the regional environment in terms of the local ecosystem and the native peoples that live there. Many governmental and non-governmental agencies are working with the people who cause deforestation to come up with more environmental friendly solutions to save the rain forests. More protected areas can also be helpful and make money by providing jobs and bring in more tourists. Economic plans must be developed in order to help protect these resources and incentives given in order to encourage protection of the rainforests. There are many organizations that people can get involved in to help show there support. Here are some of my favorites that I found:

The Rainforest Alliance: I liked their mission statement, “The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Companies, cooperatives and landowners that participate in our programs meet rigorous standards that conserve biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihoods.”

Their approach toward deforestation was firm but was not completely bias.

Website: http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/index.html

Conservation International: A international site that provided informational articles on various issues that affects the environment, including deforestation and the factors that influence it.

Website: http://www.conservation.org/English/Pages/Default.aspx?nointro=true&USC=True

Amazon Watch: Focuses on the Amazon and the problems that occur there. I found it to be very helpful for getting involved because it provided a “Take Action Page,” with a variety of resources, updates, and chances to get involved in saving the Amazon and promoting awareness.

Website: http://www.amazonwatch.org/

The World Conservation Union: It also promotes global issues, it has a specific area just for forest conservation. It strives to help people understand the local and global consequences of deforestation.

Website: http://www.iucn.org/