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This slide show contains images of deforestation and damage to the habitat
from various destructive forces that are happening frequently in the Chocó
region. This includes logging, clear cutting for cattle or agriculture, and
African Palm Oil Plantations.
These photos were taken from the roadsides while traveling for approximately
just 20 kilometers on my way to the community of Selve Alegre. The amount
of deforestation in such a relatively short distance is staggering.
The Chocó Rainforest Protection Project is working hard to provide
communities with sustainable alternatives so they do not have to destroy their
forests to survive. Currently, there are only about 12 communities left in
the Esmeraldas province that have not done any logging. We are focusing our
strongest efforts on these communities because of their commitment thus far
to preserving their forests. It is our hope that with our projects in place,
this will help empower community leaders to maintain their stand against the
increasing pressures from the logging companies.
