南米の産油国エクアドルのコレア大統領は8月15日、アマゾン川源流域のヤスニ国立公園内での油田開発を中止する代わりに、森林保全を目指すとして国際社会に呼び掛けてきた信託基金が目標金額に到達しなかったとして、油田開発を再開する方針を明らかにした。産経新聞が伝えた。
朝日新聞デジタルによると、エクアドルは国際社会が収入を補償することでアマゾン原生林での石油開発をやめる「ヤスニITT計画」を提唱。気候変動対策や生物多様性の保護を目的に掲げ、2007年から東部のヤスニ国立公園内に眠る石油の開発で見込まれる収入の半分にあたる36億ドル(約3500億円)の提供を呼びかけ、10年に国連開発計画(UNDP)に基金ができた。
環境保護の新たな試みと注目され、日本からも「無印良品」を企画開発する良品計画が20万ドルを提供。しかし、これまでに基金に寄せられたのは約1300万ドルと、目標の0・37%にとどまる。債務の相殺などの申し出を含めても1億ドル余りにしかならなかった。
コレア大統領はテレビを通じた演説で「世界が計画を頓挫させた」と述べ、一部の油田で開発を始めると表明。収益は貧困撲滅などにあてることを強調し理解を求めた。また、コレア大統領は「先進国の理解を得られなかった。(開発は)大統領として下した最も困難な選択の一つだ」と説明した。地元メディアによると、国民の78%が開発に反対しており、発表後、首都キトの大統領府周辺では抗議デモが起きた。
■ 洪水と旱魃（かんばつ）を繰り返すアマゾン、ブラジルは100年後砂漠に？
ブラジルのアマゾン熱帯雨林では、地球温暖化による洪水と干魃(かんばつ)が繰り返され、生態系に変化が出始めている。北東部の高地は最悪の場合、100年後に砂漠になるとの予測もあり、専門家は「今すぐ行動しなければ手遅れ。地球全体にとって深刻な問題だ」と訴えている。
ブラジル国立宇宙研究所(INPE)地球科学システムセンターのリンコルン・アルベス研究員は「アマゾンでは太古の昔から豪雨と干魃が繰り返されてきたが、温暖化でその間隔が著しく短くなっている」と指摘。「大西洋の表面水温の上昇が原因だ。違法森林伐採や焼き畑も影響している」と説明する。
ブラジル政府は、放牧地開墾や木材の違法伐採の取り締まりと監視を進め、伐採面積は過去4年間、最低を更新し続けている。それでも、国連の気候変動に関する政府間パネル(IPCC)などによると、アマゾン熱帯雨林の面積は2100年に現在の3分の2になるとの試算もある。
■ ダム建設進むブラジル 環境破壊がより深刻に
ブラジルでは現在、発電量で世界第3位のベロモンテ水力発電ダムが建設されている。完成すると、4万8000ヘクタール超の熱帯雨林が水没し、全長1980キロにわたるシングー川のほぼ全域で流れが変わる可能性がある。
水力発電開発を進めるブラジル政府は、今後20年間でアマゾン川流域に60基以上の大規模ダムを建設する計画だ。非営利の環境・人権保護団体「インターナショナル・リバーズ」によれば、ベロモンテをきっかけに一帯でダム建設が進み、深刻な環境破壊につながる可能性が指摘されているという。 また、住民2万人以上が立ち退きを強いられ、カヤポ族をはじめとする先住民が独自に育んできた文化が脅かされるとの批判も出ている。
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PARA STATE, BRAZIL - JUNE 09: A lone remaining Amazon rainforest tree stands in a deforested section of Amazon rainforest on June 9, 2012 in Para state, Brazil. Although deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is down 80 percent since 2004, environmentalists fear recent changes to the Forest Code will lead to further destruction. Around 20 percent of the rainforest has already been destroyed. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or \'Earth Summit\'. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. The summit aims to overcome years of deadlock over environmental concerns and marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, which delivered the Climate Convention and a host of other promises. Brazil is now the world’s sixth largest economy and is set to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil Faces Environmental Challenges in Amazon Ahead of Rio+20 Earth Summit(17 of102)
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NEAR AMARANTE DO MARANHAO , BRAZIL - JUNE 10: Cows graze in a deforested section of Amazon rainforest on June 10, 2012 near Amarante do Maranhao, Brazil. The cattle industry has taken over much of the deforested land in the Amazon. Although deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is down 80 percent since 2004, environmentalists fear recent changes to the Forest Code will lead to further destruction. Around 20 percent of the rainforest has already been destroyed. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or \'Earth Summit\'. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. The summit aims to overcome years of deadlock over environmental concerns and marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, which delivered the Climate Convention and a host of other promises. Brazil is now the world’s sixth largest economy and is set to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil Faces Environmental Challenges in Amazon Ahead of Rio+20 Earth Summit(20 of102)
NEAR ARARIBOIA INDIGENOUS RESERVE, BRAZIL - JUNE 10: A truck transporting illegally harvested Amazon rainforest logs is broken down on a road near protected indigenous land on June 10, 2012 near the Arariboia Indigenous Reserve, Maranhao state, Brazil. Guajajara tribe members on the reserve say their forests are being plundered by illegal loggers who killed a member of their tribe who attempted to resist. According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), which tracks rainforest destruction by satellite, 242 square kilometers in the reserve have already been destroyed. From 1987-2011, 1.1 million hectares of wood disappeared in protected indigenous reserves, according to the Brazilian government. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or \'Earth Summit\'. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. The summit aims to overcome years of deadlock over environmental concerns and marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, which delivered the Climate Convention and a host of other promises. Brazil is now the world’s sixth largest economy and is set to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil Faces Environmental Challenges in Amazon Ahead of Rio+20 Earth Summit(21 of102)
NEAR THE ARARIBOIA INDIGENOUS RESERVE, BRAZIL - JUNE 10: A truck transports illegally harvested Amazon rainforest logs on a road near protected indigenous land on June 10, 2012 near the Arariboia Indigenous Reserve, Maranhao state, Brazil. Guajajara tribe members on the reserve say their forests are being plundered by illegal loggers who killed a member of their tribe who attempted to resist. According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), which tracks rainforest destruction by satellite, 242 square kilometers in the reserve have already been destroyed. From 1987-2011, 1.1 million hectares of wood disappeared in protected indigenous reserves, according to the Brazilian government. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or \'Earth Summit\'. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. The summit aims to overcome years of deadlock over environmental concerns and marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, which delivered the Climate Convention and a host of other promises. Brazil is now the world’s sixth largest economy and is set to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil Faces Environmental Challenges in Amazon Ahead of Rio+20 Earth Summit(22 of102)
PARA STATE, BRAZIL - JUNE 11: A bicyclist and motorcycle pass one another on a bridge near a deforested section of Amazon rainforest on June 11, 2012 in Para state, Brazil. Although deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is down 80 percent since 2004, environmentalists fear recent changes to the Forest Code will lead to further destruction. Around 20 percent of the rainforest has already been destroyed. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or \'Earth Summit\'. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. The summit aims to overcome years of deadlock over environmental concerns and marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, which delivered the Climate Convention and a host of other promises. Brazil is now the world’s sixth largest economy and is set to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil Faces Environmental Challenges in Amazon Ahead of Rio+20 Earth Summit(23 of102)
PARA STATE, BRAZIL - JUNE 11: A lone remaining Amazon rainforest tree stands in a deforested section of Amazon rainforest on June 11, 2012 in Para state, Brazil. Although deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is down 80 percent since 2004, environmentalists fear recent changes to the Forest Code will lead to further destruction. Around 20 percent of the rainforest has already been destroyed. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or \'Earth Summit\'. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. The summit aims to overcome years of deadlock over environmental concerns and marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, which delivered the Climate Convention and a host of other promises. Brazil is now the world’s sixth largest economy and is set to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil Faces Environmental Challenges in Amazon Ahead of Rio+20 Earth Summit(24 of102)
PARA STATE, BRAZIL - JUNE 11: A deforested section of Amazon rainforest is seen in dust kicked up from a passing automobile on June 11, 2012 in Para state, Brazil. Although deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is down 80 percent since 2004, environmentalists fear recent changes to the Forest Code will lead to further destruction. Around 20 percent of the rainforest has already been destroyed. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or “Earth Summit”. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. The summit aims to overcome years of deadlock over environmental concerns and marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, which delivered the Climate Convention and a host of other promises. Brazil is now the world’s sixth largest economy and is set to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil Faces Environmental Challenges in Amazon Ahead of Rio+20 Earth Summit(25 of102)
PARA STATE, BRAZIL - JUNE 11: A lone remaining original Amazon rainforest tree (C) stands in a deforested section of Amazon rainforest on June 11, 2012 in Para state, Brazil. The other trees have grown since deforestation. Although deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is down 80 percent since 2004, environmentalists fear recent changes to the Forest Code will lead to further destruction. Around 20 percent of the rainforest has already been destroyed. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or \'Earth Summit\'. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. The summit aims to overcome years of deadlock over environmental concerns and marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, which delivered the Climate Convention and a host of other promises. Brazil is now the world’s sixth largest economy and is set to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil Faces Environmental Challenges in Amazon Ahead of Rio+20 Earth Summit(26 of102)
PARA STATE, BRAZIL - JUNE 11: A man carries a palm branch to use while constructing a thatch roof for his home in a deforested section of Amazon rainforest on June 11, 2012 in Para state, Brazil. Although deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is down 80 percent since 2004, environmentalists fear recent changes to the Forest Code will lead to further destruction. Around 20 percent of the rainforest has already been destroyed.The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or \'Earth Summit\'. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. The summit aims to overcome years of deadlock over environmental concerns and marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, which delivered the Climate Convention and a host of other promises. Brazil is now the world’s sixth largest economy and is set to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil Faces Environmental Challenges in Amazon Ahead of Rio+20 Earth Summit(27 of102)
MARABA, BRAZIL - JUNE 11: Illegal burning clears brush and small trees in order to clear land for agriculture in an already deforested section of Amazon rainforest on June 11, 2012 in Para state, Brazil. Although deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is down 80 percent since 2004, environmentalists fear recent changes to the Forest Code will lead to further destruction. Around 20 percent of the rainforest has already been destroyed. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or \'Earth Summit\'. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. The summit aims to overcome years of deadlock over environmental concerns and marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, which delivered the Climate Convention and a host of other promises. Brazil is now the world’s sixth largest economy and is set to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(28 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(29 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Felled trees lie in an area where construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(30 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(31 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(32 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(33 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(34 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(35 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(36 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(37 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the area where the main dam will be built in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(38 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: The Xingu River flows near the area where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(39 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: A felled tree lies in the construction site of the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(40 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(41 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(42 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(43 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Construction continues (TOP R) at the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(44 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: A man walks past graffitti denouncing the Belo Monte dam project near the area where the dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(45 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Protesters demonstrate against the Belo Monte dam project near the area where the dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(46 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Protesters demonstrate against the Belo Monte dam project near the area where the dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(47 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: The Amazon rainforest is seen near construction of the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(48 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Protesters demonstrate against the Belo Monte dam project near the area where the dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(49 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: The Amazon rainforest is seen near construction of the Belo Monte dam complex in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(50 of102)
NEAR ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 15: Tire tracks are seen where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 15, 2012 near Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(51 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 16: People bathe and wash items in a stream leading to the Xingu River near the area where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 16, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(52 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 16: Brazilians bathe in the Xingu River near the area where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 16, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The government says residents forced to relocate due to the dam will be compensated and that most will benefit from relocation. Opponents of the dam are skeptical of this claim. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(53 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 16: A taxi passes through a deforested section of Amazon rainforest near the area where the dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 16, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(54 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 16: A man flips into a stream leading to the Xingu River near the area where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 16, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. The controversial project is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(55 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: Boys play soccer in a deforested section of Amazon rainforest near the site where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 17, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. Thousands of Altamira residents will need to be relocated as up to one-third of the city will be underwater once the project is completed. The controversial dam is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(56 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: A motorcycle jumps during a motocross race in a deforested section of Amazon rainforest near the site where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 17, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. Thousands of Altamira residents will need to be relocated as up to one-third of the city will be underwater once the project is completed. The controversial dam is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(57 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: A lone remaining tree is seen along the Xingu River in a deforested section of Amazon rainforest near the site where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 17, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. Thousands of Altamira residents will need to be relocated as up to one-third of the city will be underwater once the project is completed. The controversial dam is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(58 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: Spectators watch a motocross race in a deforested section of Amazon rainforest near the site where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 17, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. Thousands of Altamira residents will need to be relocated as up to one-third of the city will be underwater once the project is completed. The controversial dam is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(59 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: An indigenous mother and son stand outside a home for indigenous peoples near the site where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 17, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. Thousands of Altamira residents will need to be relocated as up to one-third of the city will be underwater once the project is completed. The controversial dam is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(60 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: A boy walks down a street near the site where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 17, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. Thousands of Altamira residents will need to be relocated as up to one-third of the city will be underwater once the project is completed. The controversial dam is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(61 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: A boy cleans a churrasco restaurant near the site where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 17, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. Thousands of Altamira residents will need to be relocated as up to one-third of the city will be underwater once the project is completed. The controversial dam is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(62 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: A resident poses with a baby near the site where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 17, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. Thousands of Altamira residents will need to be relocated as up to one-third of the city will be underwater once the project is completed. The controversial dam is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(63 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: A worker repairs a power line near the site where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 17, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. Thousands of Altamira residents will need to be relocated as up to one-third of the city will be underwater once the project is completed. The controversial dam is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Brazil's Controversial Belo Monte Dam Project To Displace Thousands in Amazon(64 of102)
ALTAMIRA, BRAZIL - JUNE 17: Graffitti denouncing hydroelectric projects is seen near the site where the Belo Monte dam complex is under construction in the Amazon basin on June 17, 2012 in Altamira, Brazil. Belo Monte will be the world’s third-largest hydroelectric project and will displace up to 20,000 people while diverting the Xingu River and flooding as much as 230 square miles of rainforest. Thousands of Altamira residents will need to be relocated as up to one-third of the city will be underwater once the project is completed. The controversial dam is one of around 60 hydroelectric projects Brazil has planned in the Amazon to generate electricity for its rapidly expanding economy. While environmentalists and indigenous groups oppose the dam, many Brazilians support the project. The Brazilian Amazon, home to 60 percent of the world’s largest forest and 20 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, remains threatened by the rapid development of the country. The area is currently populated by over 20 million people and is challenged by deforestation, agriculture, mining, a governmental dam building spree, illegal land speculation including the occupation of forest reserves and indigenous land and other issues. Over 100 heads of state and tens of thousands of participants and protesters will descend on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month for the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development or ‘Earth Summit’. Host Brazil is caught up in its own dilemma between accelerated growth and environmental preservation. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
A Brazilian indian dances with an activi(65 of102)
A Brazilian indian dances with an activist wearing an \'Amazon rain forest\' costume, during the People\'s Summit at Flamengo Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 18 June, 2012, in the framework of the UN Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development. The UN conference, which marks the 20th anniversary of the Earth Summit -- a landmark 1992 gathering that opened the debate on the future of the planet and its resources -- is the largest ever organized, with 50,000 delegates. AFP PHOTO/VANDERLEI ALMEIDA (Photo credit should read VANDERLEI ALMEIDA/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
A Brazilian indian dances next to an act(66 of102)
A Brazilian indian dances next to an activist with an \'Amazon rain forest\' costume, during the People\'s Summit at Flamengo Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 18 June, 2012, in the framework of the UN Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development. The UN conference, which marks the 20th anniversary of the Earth Summit -- a landmark 1992 gathering that opened the debate on the future of the planet and its resources -- is the largest ever organized, with 50,000 delegates. AFP PHOTO/VANDERLEI ALMEIDA (Photo credit should read VANDERLEI ALMEIDA/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:Getty Images)
Protest Against the Construction of Belo Monte Hydroeletric(67 of102)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 20: Native indians burn a straw man representing the president of IBAMA during a protest against the construction of Belo Monte hydroelectric in the Amazon rain forest at the Paulista Avenue on August 20, 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Lunae Parracho/LatinContent/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Protest Against the Construction of Belo Monte Hydroeletric(68 of102)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 20: Native indians burn a straw man representing the Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff during a protest against the construction of Belo Monte hydroelectric in the Amazon rain forest at the Paulista Avenue on August 20, 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Lunae Parracho/LatinContent/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Protest Against the Construction of Belo Monte Hydroeletric(69 of102)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 20: Native indians burn a straw man representing the president of IBAMA during a protest against the construction of Belo Monte hydroelectric in the Amazon rain forest at the Paulista Avenue on August 20, 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Lunae Parracho/LatinContent/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Protest Against the Construction of Belo Monte Hydroeletric(70 of102)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 20: Native indians burn a straw man representing the Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff during a protest against the construction of Belo Monte hydroelectric in the Amazon rain forest at the Paulista Avenue on August 20, 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Lunae Parracho/LatinContent/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Protest Against the Construction of Belo Monte Hydroeletric(71 of102)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 20: About 1,000 people took part in a protest against the construction of Belo Monte hydroelectric in the Amazon rain forest at the Paulista Avenue on August 20, 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Lunae Parracho/LatinContent/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Protest Against the Construction of Belo Monte Hydroeletric(72 of102)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 20: About 1,000 people took part in a protest against the construction of Belo Monte hydroelectric in the Amazon rain forest at the Paulista Avenue on August 20, 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Lunae Parracho/LatinContent/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Protest Against the Construction of Belo Monte Hydroeletric(73 of102)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 20: About 1,000 people took part in a protest against the construction of Belo Monte hydroelectric in the Amazon rain forest at the Paulista Avenue on August 20, 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Lunae Parracho/LatinContent/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Protest Against the Construction of Belo Monte Hydroeletric(74 of102)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 20: Native indians burn a straw man representing the Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff during a protest against the construction of Belo Monte hydroelectric in the Amazon rain forest at the Paulista Avenue on August 20, 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Lunae Parracho/LatinContent/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Protest Against the Construction of Belo Monte Hydroeletric(75 of102)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 20: About 1,000 people took part in a protest against the construction of Belo Monte hydroelectric in the Amazon rain forest at the Paulista Avenue on August 20, 2011 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Lunae Parracho/LatinContent/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Black Agouti Dasyprocta fuliginosa, Amazon Rain Forest, Ecuador(76 of102)
The Black Agouti, Dasyprocta fuliginosa, is a South American agouti species from the Dasyproctidae family. It is found in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil. The agouti is the only animal that has sharp enough teeth to crack open the tough shell of a brazil nut, something that similar rodents such as the guinea pig cannot do. (credit:Getty Images)
Huaorani Indian girl with night monkey pet, Gabaro Community, Yasuni National Park, Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador(77 of102)
The Huaorani tribe were basically uncontacted until 1956 when missionaries from the Summer Institute of Linguistics made contact with them. (credit:Getty Images)
Huaorani Indian hunters with blowgun, Gabaro Community, Yasuni National Park, Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador(78 of102)
These Huaorani Indian hunters are carrying the bushmeat they have killed with their blowgun. The catch includes three howler monkeys and one coati. (credit:Getty Images)
Huaorani houses, Bameno Community, Yasuni National Park, Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador(79 of102)
Huaorani houses are simple structures built directly on the ground. The frame is made from thin branches which is then covered with palm leaves. (credit:Getty Images)
Common Squirrel Monkey Saimiri sciureus captive, Amazon Rain Forest, Ecuador(80 of102)
The common squirrel monkey can be found primarily in the Amazon Basin, including territories in the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Paraguay and Venezuela; a small population has been introduced to Southern Florida and many of the Caribbean Islands. (credit:Getty Images)
Flooded Igapo forest on Cocaya River, Eastern Amazon Rain Forest, border of Peru and Ecuador(81 of102)
The Amazon Rainforest, also known in English as Amazonia or the Amazon Jungle, is a moist broadleaf forest that covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America. This basin encompasses seven million square kilometers 1.7 billion acres, of which five and a half million square kilometers 1.4 billion acres are covered by the rainforest. (credit:Getty Images)
Dead-leaf Mantid Acanthops falcataria, Napo River, Yasuni National Park, Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador(82 of102)
Acanthops falcataria, common name South American Dead Leaf Mantis, is a species of praying mantis placed historically in the family Acanthopidae and is one of many mantis from various genera that resembles a dead leaf. (credit:Getty Images)
Huaorani drinking chicha, Bameno Community, Yasuni National Park, Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador, South America(83 of102)
The Huaorani are native Amerindians from the Amazonian Region of Ecuador. This local brew is made from yucca. The woman chew it and then spit it into a bowl for fermenting. The alcohol content depends on the number of days it has been brewing, (credit:Getty Images)
Imbabura Tree frog Hypsiboas picturatus, captive, Choca Region of NW Ecuador, South America(84 of102)
This colorful little tree frog is usually found along streams in closed-canopy forests and can be locally abundant, however, generally uncommon. (credit:Getty Images)
Huaorani man hunting, Bameno Community, Yasuni National Park, Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador(85 of102)
Large terrestrial game like peccaries and tapir are hunted in this way, with a lance which is made from the stem of a palm tree. The Huaorani are native Amerindians from the Amazonian Region of Ecuador. They were basically uncontacted until 1956 when missionaries from the Summer Institute of Linguistics made contact with them. (credit:Getty Images)
Huaorani Indians hugging, Bameno Community, Yasuni National Park, Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador(86 of102)
The Huaorani are native Amerindians from the Amazonian Region of Ecuador who were basically uncontacted until 1956 when missionaries from the Summer Institute of Linguistics made contact with them. Their homelands are threatened by oil exploration and illegal logging practices. (credit:Getty Images)
Squirrel Monkey From The Amazon(87 of102)
A Wild Squirrel Monkey In The Jungle Near Puyo, Ecuador In The Amazon (credit:Getty Images)
Red howler monkey on branch(88 of102)
Male red howler monkey climbs onto a branch in Ecuadorian Amazon in Yasuni National Park. (credit:Getty Images)
Pied Plover or Pied Lapwing (Vanellus cayanus)(89 of102)
Pied Plover or Pied Lapwing (Vanellus cayanus), Amazon, Mato Grosso, Brazil (credit:Getty Images)
Wild tamandua, Tamandua tetradactyla in tree(90 of102)
Wild tamandua, Tamandua tetradactyla in tree. This arboreal anteater spends most of it\'s time in trees hunting ants and termites (credit:Getty Images)
Rufescent Tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum)(91 of102)
Rufescent Tiger-heron (Tigrisoma lineatum), Pantanal, Brazil (credit:Getty Images)
Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus)(92 of102)
Capped Heron (Pilherodius pileatus) (credit:Getty Images)
Bamboo page butterfly resting on a passion vine leaf Philaethria dido Native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America Butterfly farm, La Selva Reserve, Rio Napo drainage, Amazon Basin, E(93 of102)
Bamboo page butterfly resting on a passion vine leaf, Philaethria dido, Native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, Butterfly farm, La Selva Reserve, Rio Napo drainage, Amazon Basin, Ecuador, (Photo by Wild Horizons/UIG via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Numata longwing butterfly resting on a leaf Heliconius numata This unpalatable tropical butterfly co-mimics other unpalatable tiger-pattern butterflies in the genus Melinaea Butterfly farm, La Selva R(94 of102)
Numata longwing butterfly resting on a leaf, Heliconius numata, This unpalatable tropical butterfly co-mimics other unpalatable tiger-pattern butterflies in the genus Melinaea, Butterfly farm, La Selva Reserve, Rio Napo drainage, Amazon Basin, Ecuador, Photographed under controlled conditions (Photo by Wild Horizons/UIG via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Bare-faced Curassow (Crax fasciolata)(95 of102)
Bare-faced Curassow (Crax fasciolata), male, Amazon, Brazil (credit:Getty Images)
Amazon destruction(96 of102)
60-70 percent of deforestation in the Amazon results from cattle ranches and soyabeans cultivation while the rest mostly results from small-scale subsistence agriculture. (credit:Getty Images)
Rainforest(97 of102)
Tropical plants in rainforest (credit:Getty Images)
Geoffrys Side-necked Turtle(98 of102)
Geoffrys Side-necked Turtle, Amazon basin, Peru, SA (credit:Getty Images)
Scarlet Macaw(99 of102)
Scarlet Macaw Ara macao Tambopata, Amazon Rainforest Peru (credit:Getty Images)
Hoatzin(100 of102)
Hoatzin, Amazon basin, Peru, SA (credit:Getty Images)
Capped Heron(101 of102)
Capped Heron, Manu NP, Amazon Basin, Peru, SA (credit:Getty Images)
Green tropical rainforest with Toco Toucan(102 of102)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2851273304_72b8be9dcf.jpg?v=0 (credit:Getty Images)