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Illegal logs seized in the Amazon

Traditional forest dwellers blocked the Jaracu river to protest against forest destruction. Enlarge Image

River blockade to save Amazon forest

With the name of Chico Mendes on their lips, people representing almost 600 Amazon forest dwellers joined by Greenpeace and other organisations blocked the bright green waters of Brazil’s Jaraucu river in the first such community protest in nearly 20 years.

Worm's eye view of a mahogany tree in the Amazon forest, Brazil Enlarge Image

Illegal export of mahogany continues

One year ago we uncovered a stash of illegal mahogany in the Brazilian Amazon worth over US$7 million. The seizure of these logs and continued investigations by the government led to a ban on the logging, transport and export of mahogany. But today the trade continues, and if not stopped, it is only a matter of time before the species becomes extinct.

Sei whale and calf Enlarge Image

Species survival plans crucial at CITES

Theories abound for dinosaurs' dramatic exit from the planet millions of years ago. Now another mass extinction is underway on Earth, but this time the cause is amply clear: humans. It's time to stop trading Earth's biodiversity for profits, and put preservation first at UN negotiations now underway in Santiago, Chile.

The Arctic Sunrise campaigning for the extractive reserves in 2003. The announcement by the Brazilian government to create 2 million hectares of extractive reserve is a major victory for our campaign. Enlarge Image

2m hectares of Amazon saved!

The Brazilian government has stood up to the powerful forces of illegal loggers and greedy soya and beef barons in the Amazon by creating two massive protective reserves. This means increased sustainable use of the forest by local people and added protection against environmental devastation.

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Jungle diaries Read action updates from Greenpeace activists deep in the Amazon.