Physical Characteristics
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Landscape
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Climate Map of Brazil
This map displays the major climate regions of Brazil. Climate Map of Brazil. (2014). [Map]. Retrieved from http://www.dreamofbrazil.com/brazil-map/climate-map-of-brazil/ Natural Vegetation of Brazil
This map displays the regions of Brazil that provide natural vegetation. Natural Vegetation of Brazil. (2012). [Map]. Retrieved from http://mapcollection.wordpress.com/2012/09/28/natural-vegetation-of-brazil/ Human Characteristics Political Map of Brazil
This map shows the political regions of Brazil including international and state boundaries, national capital, and state capital. Political Map of Brazil. (2012). [Map]. Retrieved from http://www.mapsofworld.com/brazil/brazil-political-map.html |
Human Features
Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer):
A symbol of Brazilian Christianity Itaipu Dam:
Located on the border of Panama and Brazil; Hydroelectric facility Arcos da Lapa:
Aqueducts created in 1723 Physical Features
Iguazu Falls:
One of the world's greatest cataracts Ipanema Beach:
An elegant beach surrounded by Dois Irmãos mountains on the western end (Image URLs in Resource page)
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Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity
“According to Greenpeace International, the Amazon is considered to be the “most diverse ecosystem on Earth,” the site of more than “60,000 plant species, 1,000 bird species, and more than 300 mammal species” (Bier, 2005). The indigenous people of Brazil have close ties to the Amazonian land. Indigenous people such as the Yanomami and the Kayapo are experiencing conflict because of the threats the Amazon is facing.
The Yanomami people are an ancient indigenous people who live in the Amazon regions of Brazil. The population of Yanomami people in Brazil is approximately 26,000. The Yanomami are known “for their close relationship to nature, relying on their territory for subsistence purposes and attributing cultural significance to their surrounding” (Bier, 2005). The Yanomami territory in the Amazon was greatly destructed. The rights of the Yanomami people to ownership of their land and traditions were granted by the 1988 Brazilian Constitution under the Chapter of Indigenous Rights. Although the Brazilian Constitution granted Indigenous people their rights to the Amazonian land, the government was not effective in following the law. For example, in the 1970s, the Brazil government began constructing the Northern Circumferential Highway as part of the National Integration Plan. As a result, the Yanomami territory in the Amazon was greatly destructed. However, these indigenous people have a right to reject a project planned on their territory. “The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous emphasizes informed consent prior to government approval of any project affecting indigenous lands or territories” (Finer, et al, 2008). Additionally, the lands where the Yanomami territory lies are rich in minerals that were sought by illegal gold miners. The process of extracting gold results in large amounts of mercury polluted in rivers and streams, which poison fish and harm the people. Moreover, deforestation by private commercial loggers and national developers destroyed much of the land. The deforestation causes “loss of forest cover, erosion, and flooding” (Lind, 2010). Intruders who come and do these process on the land also pose a threat to the native people as they attack them, bring disease, and even kill them. The Kayapos are another group of indigenous people who suffer from the threats to the Amazon. |
The Amazon is also important to foreign people as it is a tremendously popular tourist attraction. Efforts are being created to help the Amazon face fewer threats than it already has. The Rio+20 Un Conference on Sustainable Development focused on preserving the nature of the environment of the Amazon. Paul Irvince stated, “With the Amazon and the Pantanal being two of the most important tourist destinations, Brazil has had a natural focus on low environmental impact on tourism for quite a while” (Forte, Galbany, 2012). Tourism to the Amazon has lessened and the environment has been better taken care of in recent years. Overall, Brazil might be starting to become more aware of the threats the Amazon is facing. As a result, they are acting on it and this will be beneficial to indigenous people who live and praise the land. This image shows the conflicts caused by indigenous people of the Amazon and intruders.
(http://curitibainenglish.com.br/current-affairs/environment/deforestation-and-tribal-killings/)
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