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Brazil has the majority of the Amazon biome, which extends across nine countries in South America.
The Brazilian government created a geographic area called Legal Amazon in the 1950s to define its environmental and political importance.
But after all, do you know what the Legal Amazon is? Do you know why it was created? Or do you have any knowledge of its fundamental role in the country and the world?
We'll explore in detail what the Legal Amazon is, the reasons for its creation, and its fundamental role in Brazil and the world. So, if you're looking for answers to your questions about this crucial topic, keep reading. Check it out!
What is Legal Amazon?
The Legal Amazon is a territorial division of Brazil created by Law No. 1806 of 1953, to establish criteria for the economic and social development of the Amazon region.
This division covers a large area that comprises the majority of the Amazon Rainforest and also areas of other biomes present in the region, corresponding to approximately 59% of Brazilian territory.
Furthermore, this region is home to approximately 56% of Brazil's indigenous population, which further highlights its cultural and environmental relevance for the country.
The states that are part of the Legal Amazon are:
1. Acre
2. Amapá
3. Amazonas
4. Pará
5. Rondônia
6. Roraima
7. Tocantins
8. Maranhão
9. Mato Grosso
10. The western part of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul
In addition to these states, the Legal Amazon also includes part of the state of Goiás, the state of Piauí and the state of Tocantins.
It is important to highlight that the Legal Amazon covers an area of great environmental importance, with rich biodiversity and a fundamental role in climate regulation and the preservation of the country's natural resources.
Therefore, the protection and conservation of this region are issues of great relevance for Brazil and the world.
Why was it created?
The law was created to better plan and execute economic projects in the delimited region, following the determination of the 1988 Federal Constitution to create the Amazon Economic Valorization Plan.
The objective was to find efficient solutions to the political, economic and social problems that affect regions with similar difficulties.
Currently, one of the main goals is the sustainable development of the states in the region.
The law allows the adoption of measures, services or projects that facilitate local extractive, agricultural, mineral and industrial activities.
Carrying out necessary works is also permitted by law.
Its importance
The Legal Amazon is of enormous importance, both for Brazil and for the world, for the following reasons:
1.Biodiversity:
An impressive variety of plant, animal and microorganism species make up one of the greatest biodiversities on the planet in the region.
Therefore, it is essential to preserve this ecosystem to maintain genetic diversity and, consequently, discover new species.
Therefore, these species can play a fundamental role in science and medicine.
2. Natural Resources:
Natural resources, such as timber, minerals, freshwater and fishing resources, enrich the Legal Amazon.
The region and the entire country need to exploit these resources sustainably for economic development.
3. Climate Regulation:
The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate. It absorbs a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as a major carbon sink.
Thus, it contributes to mitigating climate change.
4.Hydrological Cycle:
The Legal Amazon generates rainfall that supplies not only the region itself, but also other parts of Brazil and neighboring countries.
Its hydrological system maintains soil and river moisture, ensuring the supply of water for populations and agriculture.
5. Culture and Society:
Several indigenous communities and traditional populations live in the region with unique cultures and traditional ways of life.
Cultural diversity and respect for human rights depend on the preservation of their lands and cultures. Therefore, protecting these peoples and their territories is essential.
6. Tourism and Scientific Research:
Tourists from all over the world visit the Legal Amazon to explore its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes.
In addition to being a tourist destination, the region is also home to an important scientific research center.
At this center, several researchers carry out studies to better understand the forest and its ecosystems.
Challenges and Threats to the Legal Amazon
Despite its vital importance, the Legal Amazon faces several challenges that threaten its environmental and social integrity:
Deforestation and environmental degradation: The expansion of agriculture, livestock farming, and illegal logging contribute to accelerated deforestation, compromising biodiversity and the balance of the ecosystem.
Land conflicts: The dispute over land between indigenous peoples, traditional communities, farmers and large enterprises generates conflicts that hinder the preservation of protected areas.
Climate change: Global warming affects rainfall patterns and can intensify forest fires, putting the region's hydrological cycle at risk.
Illegal activities: Mining, illegal logging, and animal trafficking are problems that undermine the region's sustainability and the safety of local populations.
Insufficient infrastructure: The lack of adequate infrastructure limits sustainable development and hinders access to basic services for many communities.
Meeting these challenges requires effective public policies, rigorous oversight, and the active involvement of local communities in environmental management.
Initiatives and Solutions for the Conservation of the Legal Amazon
To protect the Legal Amazon and promote its sustainable development, several initiatives have been implemented by governments, NGOs and local communities:
Conservation Units: Creation of protected areas, such as national parks and extractive reserves, which limit predatory use of the territory.
Encouraging a sustainable economy: Projects that promote low-impact economic activities, such as sustainable forest management, organic farming, and eco-tourism.
Strengthening indigenous rights: Recognition and demarcation of indigenous lands, guaranteeing the cultural and territorial protection of these populations.
Monitoring and combating environmental crimes: Use of satellite monitoring technologies and increased enforcement to curb illegal deforestation and other illicit activities.
Environmental education: Programs that raise awareness among the local population and society in general about the importance of conserving the Amazon and conscious consumption.
International partnerships: Cooperation between countries and international organizations to finance and support preservation and scientific research projects.
These actions, when integrated and effective, can ensure that the Legal Amazon continues to be a fundamental natural and cultural heritage for Brazil and the world.
Conclusion
In short, the Legal Amazon is a vast area in Brazil, encompassing much of the Amazon Rainforest and other biomes. It is inhabited by a significant portion of Brazil's indigenous population.
Its importance lies in biodiversity, natural resources, climate regulation, hydrological cycle, culture and scientific research.
However, it faces challenges regarding conservation, sustainable development and indigenous land rights.
In this sense, it is essential to protect the region to ensure a balanced future for the planet.