Land of myths and plunder, the Amazon is the Earth's largest tropical forest, and holds 20 percent of all plant and animal species. Flowing in the mighty Amazon River is 18 percent of all freshwater entering the oceans worldwide. In addition to the region's rich biodiversity are riches in minerals and fossil fuels.

The Amazon is home to dozens of indigenous cultures, with an array of languages and traditions, as well as other extractive communities and even large cities. Agricultural expansion, mining and mega-dams are a threat to the forest and its peoples. If current rates of deforestation continue, by 2050 the Amazon will have lost more than 30 percent of its forests, and the planet will suffer the climate changing consequences.