The book, titled "Fruit Trees and Useful Plants in Amazonian Life," contains information on the environmental services provided by the Amazon, describing the threats that climate change, deforestation and fire pose to the ecosystem.
20 December 2011: During a ceremony marking the close of the International Year of Forests, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) released a book titled “Fruit Trees and Useful Plants in Amazonian Life,” which is meant to be accessible to readers without a formal education.
The book provides comprehensive information on Amazon fruits and plants, using pictures and numbers, and was developed with 90 researchers who present information in alternative formats. The book contains information on the environmental services provided by the Amazon, describing the threats that climate change, deforestation and fire pose to the ecosystem.
It notes that the Amazon could shrink to one third of its current size in 65 years if these threats are not addressed. The book was created in collaboration with the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and People and Plants International. CIFOR is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). [FAO Press Release] [FAO Publication: Fruit Trees and Useful Plants in Amazonian Life] [International Year of the Forests Website]