The work of a team of Brazilian and US scientists, this book is based on extensive field study in recent years. The threats to the Amazon rain forests are discussed in detail (particularly mining and agriculture). But the authors suggest that the future for the Amazonian ecosystems and its peoples may be brighter than is often assumed. They argue that much of the environmental damage is limited to particular zones, and that if the right development strategies are pursued (for example, agroforestry) stress on the remaining wilderness will be alleviated.