According to The Nature Conservancy, (2008), “Wild and amazing rainforest extend from as far as Alaska and Canada to Latin America, Asia and Africa.” Several thousand different species of plants and animals reside in the rainforest that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

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The indigenous people of the area are concerned with the many threats the rainforest is facing; more than 50% of all original rainforest, which are spread out around the globe have been destroyed. The forests have fell victim to ranching, mining, agriculture, logging and many other destructive practices. Logging is one of the main destructive forces and according to The Nature Conservancy, (2008). “Nearly 50 million acres are harvested yearly.”

It has taken the rainforests several million years to grow into the amazingly complex ecological systems they are today. The forests environments depict a vast hoard of regenerative intrinsic living resources that for thousands of years by distinction of their lavishness in both plant and animal species, have bestowed a wealth of assets for the continuation and benefits of humanity. These assets include essential food replenishment, clothing, shelter, fossil fuel, spices, industrial crude materials and basic medicines for all those that reside in the exalted rainforest.

However, the inner working of a rainforest is a complexes and delicate system. Everything becomes so co-dependent that disturbing any part of it could lead to unrealized damage and destruction of the entire rainforest. Regrettable as it may seem, it has only taken a hundred years of human involvement to upset and destroy that which Mother Nature has designed to remain forever if left alone and undisturbed (Raintree Nutrition, 1996).

The National Geographic (1996-2008) stated, “Vegetation replenishes the atmosphere, by releasing moisture collected by the canopy trees; this process is called transpiration.” “A canopy tree can release as much as 200 gallons of water each year.” The moisture in turn creates a thick dense cloud cover which hangs over the rainforest. This cloud cover even when not raining keeps the forest very moist and warm.

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“The average rainfall in the Amazon Rainforest is nine feet of water each year,” Educational Web Adventure (1996). The vegetation sucks up the water and expels moisture back into the atmosphere; then contributing and bringing water to other parts of the world. Without the trees and canopy the water cannot be collected and expelled back into the atmosphere, causing drought and possibly climatic change throughout the world.

Since the temperatures remain in the high ’70s Fahrenheit all year round and it rains nearly every day making this an ideal condition for supporting life. Rainforest species can range from a couple of dozen to several million. The many different types of animals and plants rely on the canopy and ground cover to survive; once the magnificent rainforest is gone they will die (Young,).

The Brazil nut tree is one of the endangered species that can only grow in the rainforest. The tree grows 40-50 meters high and lives to be 500-800 years old. The fruit of this tree, which is a nut, is exported to places all over the world. “The United States alone imports nearly 9 metric ton per year” (Rain Tree, 1996).

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Harvested Brazil nuts.

According to Rain Tree (1996), “The tree does not produce its fruit until it is 30-40 years old. The trees also require a specific species of bee to pollinate the flowers. These combined factors make it highly unsuitable for plantation production.”

The Brazil nut tree is an excellent example of the closely entwined ecosystem of the rainforest. The agouti is the only animal capable of chewing through the fruit pod to release the seeds for new growth. This huge rat like creature can grow very large up to (10 pounds). The tree, agouti and bees are all co-dependent on each other for its survival (Rain Tree, 1996).

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The Rainforest is home to several thousand groups of indigenous people each having its own culture and language. These indigenous people have never ventured out to the modern world and have resided in the Rainforest for several millenniums. Each culture depends on the plants and animals for food and medicines. The children are schooled by people within their families and taught how to survive within the confines of the rainforest. The children often have such an extensive knowledge of the indigenous species of plants and animals, that they are able to teach the scientist that come to research inside the rainforest (Silber & Velton, 1996 revised 2004).

While doing research into tribal medicine in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, I the author of this thesis was able to learn many new and exciting ways in which to incorporate the properties of the plants found in the rainforest into modern day medicine. During my two year stay I lived with several tribes and each tribe taught and freely shared with me, his or her way of life. Although I was an outsider, the tribe members accepted me into their fold with open hands and hearts (Amazon Shaman, personal conversation, 2001-2003).

One possible solution that came up while in conversation with a tribal shaman concerning the preservation of the Rainforest, would be to make all Rainforest National Parks. This would insure the protection of many indigenous species and the people within the rainforest (Amazon Shaman, personal conversation, 2001-2003).

Once a proper assessment has been reached weighing both the pros and cons of harvesting the Rainforest, then adequate laws can be enacted to protect and properly manage dwindling Rainforest; preservation of our Rainforest can begin.

Indigenous people are now starting to join forces; fighting for his and her rights and through the means of peaceful organized demonstrations are hoping to bring a resolution to this on-going concern. The people residing inside the rainforest realize the importance of taking such action. If no action is taken by the people their land and culture will soon be destroyed and lost forever. By joining forces with these groups everyone can help the people who depend on the majestic rainforest to preserve and insure their way of live for years to come (Silber and Velton, 1996 revised 2004).

If humankind looks at the benefits then humankind stands to gain by protecting the rainforest of the world such as, environment, community resources and personal enjoyment then compare them with that which humankind stand to lose by not taking action, Everyone will agree that the pros outweigh the cons.