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As we ascended the peak we were presented with continuous breathtaking views. The forest is surrounded by one of Brazil’s largest cities, Rio De Janeiro. Although it was a rather cloudy day you can still make out the enormous city bellow. It was a staggering experience to be surrounded by both the natural and urban worlds; their proximity to each other was astounding. Since it is a protected National Park, there is no threat of deforestation from big corporations or government. Yet, there is a rather surprising threat to the perimeter of the forest, the favelas. Favelas are Brazilian slums that are usually located on the periphery of all the big cities. The expansion of the favelas is encroaching onto forest territory and becoming a risk to the order of the park. “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” ~ William Shakespeare |
Tijuca Forest National Park |