Urgent Need for Protection of High-Carbon Areas in Amazon Rainforest

New data reveal that nearly 40% of the most crucial areas of the Amazon Rainforest for combating climate change remain unprotected. These areas, identified by nonprofit Amazon Conservation, have the densest vegetation and highest carbon storage, and their preservation is essential to curb global warming.

Scientists emphasize the critical importance of preserving the Amazon rainforest to combat global warming. Yet, new data released on Wednesday show that significant portions of the forest, vital for the world's climate, lack special government protection.

According to Amazon Conservation, nearly 40% of crucial areas in the Amazon remain unprotected. These regions, situated in Peru and parts of Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname, hold dense trees and continuous canopy cover, critical for carbon storage.

Matt Finer, leader of Amazon Conservation's Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project (MAAP), points out that these areas contain the highest carbon levels. If destroyed by fire or logging, the carbon released would contribute significantly to greenhouse gases.

Data, exclusively shared with Reuters, highlight that only 61% of these critical areas are protected. In Brazil, Suriname, and French Guiana, protection levels drop to 51%. In Peru, despite higher protection, some unprotected areas are designated for logging.

MAAP's recent analysis indicates the Amazon rainforest contains 71.5 billion tonnes of carbon, offering a positive climate impact. However, ongoing debates challenge whether the Amazon has turned into an emissions source.

(With inputs from agencies.)