The Amazon Rainforest is located in South America, primarily in Brazil, but it also stretches into Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. This breathtaking region is a natural wonder and is often referred to as one of the most vital ecosystems on the planet. It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense biodiversity and crucial environmental functions.
The Amazon Rainforest is special because it is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The forest covers approximately 5.5 million square kilometres and contains about 390 billion individual trees belonging to around 16,000 different species. Some key natural elements of the Amazon include:
The Amazon Rainforest was formed over millions of years and is often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" because it plays a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and providing oxygen. This massive forest significantly contributes to global oxygen production, making it vital for life on Earth. Furthermore, the Amazon is crucial for indigenous cultures, with many local communities depending on the rainforest's resources for their livelihoods, traditions, and way of life.
The Amazon Rainforest is protected under various international agreements due to its irreplaceable ecological value and its role in stabilising the Earth's climate. UNESCO, along with several environmental organisations and national governments, works to preserve this treasure by combating deforestation and promoting sustainable development. Its global recognition is highlighted by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as being designated as a New7Wonders of Nature. The Amazon's importance to the environment, climate, and humanity earns it nicknames like the "Earth's lungs," underscoring the need for its protection and conservation for future generations.
