More than 37 million acres of Brazilian rainforest are to receive protection under a new conservation initiative. The announcement of the new program was made earlier this week by the governor of Para, a state in the northern part of Brazil.

The benefits of such a preserve are immense. Sensitive ecosystems and species will be protected and harmful land use practices such as mining, logging, and development are to cease.

Find out more:

• Rainforest Gets Protected Status (BBC News)
• Brazil Makes Unprecedented Conservation Announcement (Conservation International)

Photo © Carapana