The Amazon River Basin is the largest drainage basin on the planet, covering an area the size of the US and is across nine nations and many indigenous territories. It is the source of 20% of the planet’s fresh potable water. It is also a forest and freshwater ecosystem which is very important to world carbon and meteorological cycles. The Amazon forest accounts for about 25% of all CO2 absorbed by all rainforests on earth. What are some solutions to protect this freshwater source? Some solutions are already provided by nature, provided we respect them!
It is important to maintain the Amazon system’s connectivity and ecosystem balance. This will reduce the impact of drought. Floodplains can be critical, because they can act like a big sponge and hold water. The wetlands can also store water in vegetation and soil, then release it slowly in a drought. IF the forests are maintained, and protected, as well as the wetlands and floodplains, there will be greater resiliency and greater protection for a freshwater source. It is necessary for the nine nations that are involved in the Amazon to work together. It is also needed for local governments, municipalities and national parks to work together with the indigenous communities to focus on this region’s protection and care. Locally led, community led, Indigenous led adaptation plans are critical forces to be acknowledged, listened to and acted upon for the sake of freshwater’s “survival! We all can participate in catalyzing and supporting such facts for the survival of all the planet’s peoples.
Steven E. Handwerker Ph.D. D.div, RM
Board Certified Licensed Psychologist
50 years experience
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