The Living World - Case Studies

What are Goods

Resources we can use up

Tangible, physical products provided by the rainforest

What goods does the rainforest provide

Timber - eg. Mahogany and Cedar which are used for furniture and construction

Food - bananas, buts, fruits, coffee and cocoa

Medicines - 25% of modern medicines come from rainforest plants

Rubber - from rubber trees (tyres, gloves etc.)

Raw materials - palm oil and natural oils for cosmetics

Minerals - including bauxite, gold, iron (Carajas mine has been operating since the 1980s)

What are services

Benefits that are provided naturally

These are non-material, long-term benefits

What services does the rainforest provide

Carbon sink - Amazon absorbs 2.2 billion tonnes of CO2 per year (Regulates global climate and slows climate change)

Climate regulation - evapotranspiration, rainforests contribute to rainfall patterns across South America

Soil protection - roots bind soil, preventing erosion

Flood prevention - forest canopy intercepts rain and reduces surface run off

Biodiversity hotspot - Amazon holds over 10% of the worlds know species

Cultural value - home to over 400 indigenous tribes, who rely on the forest for their spiritual, cultural and physical needs

Eco tourism - generates income though sustainable travel