The jungles and tropical rain forests of South America contain many species still unexplored. The tropics account for a major population of the planet's biological diversity.

These resources are used by the industrialized countries for a wide range of materials and services for economic benefit: tourism, timber, agriculture & animal farming, pharmaceuticals. Sustainable development is intelligent planning of the uses of natural resources ... resources managed to be used and replaced in a way to sustain balanced life for the future.

There are many examples of this managed approach in the tropics as well as there are examples of those that abuse the land.

The Peruvian government supports well managed forestry as shown in signed environmental treaties and as shown by living examples, as does their farming sector. Near Pucallpa Peru, the home of Usko-Ayar, a restoration program is underway, to assist the natives in reclaiming title to their ancestral domains. However, much of the land has already been cleared for farming and cattle ranching. The forests have been flattened and timber removed.

Also near Pucallpa is a timber company, an example of managed forestry, that is in the global limelight, to see if it can economically survive.

Others near Pucallpa are providing herbs to botanical companies who market personal care products made with natural extracts. "Eco tourism" is showing off this great resource without destroying the natural beauty.

The Usko Ayar Amazonian School of Painting, Gardens and future Medical Research Center is also an example of sustainable development in Pucallpa Peru. It provides the world native identification, (artistic) documentation and the collection of plant specimens for medical research.

All life has a role. There is much to do now and there will continue to be much to do tomorrow. All life is connected.