The Amazon Biome, one of the world's largest reserves of biodiversity, extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains, reaching altitudes of up to 600 meters. This vast region, which spans parts of nine South American countries, has 69% of its area located in Brazil (Ferreira; Venticinque; Almeida, 2005). In Brazilian territory, the Amazon covers the states of Pará, Amazonas, Maranhão, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Acre, Amapá, Rondônia, and Roraima, totaling approximately 4,871,000 km2. The region’s population is estimated at around twenty million people, 60% of whom live in urban areas (INPE, 2004). The ecological significance of this biome transcends borders, positioning it as a key component for global environmental stability.
The traditional model of occupation and exploitation of the Amazon has driven a concerning increase in deforestation in the so-called Legal Amazon. This phenomenon is not the result of a single factor but rather a complex interaction of socio-economic and environmental variables (Alencar et al., 2004). Among the main agents of this degradation are land speculation along highways, urban expansion, extensive cattle ranching, logging, and subsistence agriculture. These activities have led to a significant loss of the region’s essential ecological functions, threatening not only local biodiversity but also global climate balance (Ferreira; Venticinque; Almeida, 2005).
One of the symbols of this endangered biodiversity is the hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), a member of the Psittacidae family, which also includes parrots and parakeets (Chagas et al., 2023). With its striking deep blue plumage and sociable behavior, this bird inhabits biomes such as the Amazon, Cerrado, and Caatinga and can be found in states like Pará, Tocantins, Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Bahia (Chagas et al., 2023). The hyacinth macaw plays a fundamental role in ecological balance by acting as a seed disperser, contributing to the natural regeneration of forests. Its presence in the ecosystem is an important indicator of the region’s environmental health (Chagas et al., 2023).
Despite its importance, this species faces serious threats. The destruction of its natural habitats, combined with predatory hunting and illegal wildlife trafficking, has placed the hyacinth macaw at risk of extinction (Chagas et al., 2023). Brazil, known for its rich biodiversity, holds a notorious position in the illegal wildlife trade, with fauna trafficking ranking among the three largest types of illicit commerce worldwide, alongside drug and arms trafficking (UFMS, 2020).
According to Agência Brasil (2024), more than 1.8 million hectares of native vegetation were deforested in Brazil in 2023. Of this total, 97% was primarily due to agricultural expansion. The Cerrado and Amazon biomes together accounted for 86% of the deforested area, with the Cerrado surpassing the Amazon in extent of devastation for the first time since 2019,
representing 61% of the total, while the Amazon accounted for 25% (Agência Brasil, 2024; RAD, 2023).
This environmental devastation threatens not only biodiversity and ecosystem services—such as climate regulation and the balance of hydrological cycles—but also the survival of species like the hyacinth macaw. The fragmentation of natural habitats and pressures from wildlife trafficking highlight the urgent need for effective public policies and conservation strategies to protect Brazil’s rich biodiversity. Only through an integrated approach that reconciles economic development with environmental preservation will it be possible to ensure the survival of this valuable natural heritage for future generations.
Given this alarming scenario, it is imperative to rethink development strategies and sustainable management of the Amazon. The preservation of this biome is not merely an environmental issue but an urgent necessity to ensure climate balance, food security, and the planet’s biological diversity. The hyacinth macaw, a symbol of Brazil’s natural wealth, represents the fight for the protection of natural resources amid economic and social pressures. Promoting environmental education, strengthening enforcement against environmental crimes, and encouraging sustainable practices are fundamental steps in reversing the trajectory of degradation. The future of the Amazon and its species depends on collective responsibility, social engagement, and public policies that prioritize life conservation. Only then will it be possible to protect this invaluable natural heritage and ensure its benefits continue for future generations.
Author: Pétala Souza Farias – Vice Director of Treasury and Sponsorship at GEAS Brasil
Reviewed by: Iago Junqueira – Partner of GEAS Brasil at The Wild Place
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