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Brazil: Virgin Rainforest Preserved, Slutty Rainforest Slated For
Development
In a partial
victory for environmentalists, nearly 100,000 acres of pristine
rainforest in a region known as Piernas Cerradas, will be preserved
for eternity as a national park. The deal reflects a compromise that
would sacrifice an adjoining tract of land, known locally as the
Puta Sucia valley.
Some preservation
groups were opposed to the compromise, noting that the Puta Sucia region
contains several unique ecosystems including the Tonto canyon, one
of the world’s widest, home to more than 180 different species of
crab. While both areas contain a wealth of natural resources,
experts believe that the well traveled Puta Sucia region will give
up those resources far more readily.
Piernas cerradas
has remained unspoiled mainly because of its inaccessibility. Two
large peaks known as Los Pechos, remain unclimbed, and the narrow
central valley has yet to be navigated. |