Saving the Rainforests (page 2 of 3)

The farms are a perfect way for people to start an ecologically sustainable business. There is no need for a large area of land, it is low tech and inexpensive and completely benevolent ecologically. All that it is required to begin are local plants for food, a shed for the chrysalis and caterpillars, and a large frame with netting for the butterfly exhibit .The amount of work required for the butterfly exhibit depends on the use and wishes of the owner. Some are beautiful elaborate gardens with waterfalls while others are simple frames with a net thrown over top.

The farm can make money in 3 basic ways, as a tourist attraction, sales of chrysalides and sales of preserved butterflies (sold to artists and collectors for mounted displays). Often local people can make more money butterfly farming than they would at less environmentally friendly work.

Today butterfly farms are popping up everywhere in the tropics and butterfly houses are being established all over the world which helps drive demand .In Papau New Guinea, the government considers insects a renewable resource and they have a government department dedicated to the development of insect exports. Although competition has actually decreased the price of pupae, the surge in demand has kept butterfly farming a worthwhile venture for those involved. It is hoped that the growth in butterfly farming will allow the people who need it the most to continue to prosper

A second important and even bigger role for the butterfly lies in it's enormous popularity. Attendance at butterfly houses throughout North America and Europe is already in the millions. Fascination with butterflies is sparking interest in other rain forest insects plants and animals. Visitors learn about the importance of protecting rain forests and facts regarding the pace of destruction. Hopefully people will be inspired to act, whether it means just taking a vacation at an eco-lodge or sharing important information that could inspire others to act.

It's amazing how rich rainforests are in bio-diversity both temperate and tropical. They have vast potential for medicinal plants, and support large numbers of fruits, animals, and plant species. There is much that we understand about rainforests but that knowledge is a tiny fraction of what remains to be discovered. The truth is, we are just beginning to learn about their seemingly magical nature. More......