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, African
Palm Oil Plantations, and various types of strip mining for resources such
as gold and copper.
These photos were taken from the roadsides while traveling for approximately
just 20 kilometers on my way to the community of Selve Alegre. Some of the
mining photos were taken from a boat traveling up the Rio Santiago before
arriving to Playa de Oro. The amount of deforestation in such a relatively
short distance is staggering.
The Touch The Jungle project is working hard to provide communities with sustainable
alternatives so they do not have to destroy their forests to survive. We focus
our strongest efforts on the communities that are committed 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 Timber and Mining companies.
Tracy Wilson,
TTJ Project Director