This work aims to help the student, scholar or general reader understand the many issues involved in saving Latin America's endangered rainforests. The salvage of this vast ecosystem - so necessary for survival on this planet - depends upon recognition of the complex interplay of political and economic interests which have led to the forest's almost-inevitable destruction. The 30 articles are culled from many different fields, including natural history, sociology, history, anthropology, economics and fiction. They are divided into four parts: perceptions (of the rainforest); explanations (of the destruction of the rainforests); why save the rainforest?; and prospects for development (alternative futures for the rainforest). The author's introduction and notes preceding each article provide an organised context for each essay.

This work aims to help the student, scholar or general reader understand the many issues involved in saving Latin America's endangered rainforests. The salvage of this vast ecosystem - so necessary for survival on this planet - depends upon recognition of the complex interplay of political and economic interests which have led to the forest's almost-inevitable destruction. The 30 articles are culled from many different fields, including natural history, sociology, history, anthropology, economics and fiction. They are divided into four parts: perceptions (of the rainforest); explanations (of the destruction of the rainforests); why save the rainforest?; and prospects for development (alternative futures for the rainforest). The author's introduction and notes preceding each article provide an organised context for each essay.