Deforestation

Amazon Land Use

The Amazon has much mineral wealth, so mining is a key land use. Mining for ores such as iron occurs in open cast mines in areas where the mineral is found in a sufficient quantity. The forest is cleared and machinery is brought in to excavate, causing changes to natural ecosystems and pollution of the forest environment.

Varzea cultivation is a type of farming that takes place on the fertile floodplains of many rivers. As silt is regularly deposited on the varzea, the soils are very fertile. This means farmers can grow crops such as manioc and herd cattle here when water levels aren't too high.

The natural beauty of the Amazon rainforest and the unique biota found there have made this region an increasing important area for ecotourism. Visitors from places such as the USA and Germany enjoy admiring the scenery and learning about the customs of the native people. As a result, infrastructure development occurs and tourists facilities are built (eg - the Tropical Hotel in Manaus).