Peruvian Gold Mining Rush Brings Social And Environmental Stresses To Amazon

MADRE DE DIOS REGION, PERU - NOVEMBER 16: Fire burns in a deforested section along the Interoceanic Highway in the Amazon lowlands on November 16, 2013 in Madre de Dios region, Peru. Fires often are set to clear land for farming. The biologically diverse Madre de Dios ('Mother of God') region has seen deforestation from gold mining in the area triple since 2008, when gold prices spiked during global economic turmoil. In addition, deforestation along the recently constructed highway has occurred due to logging and farming as the highway has opened access to previously remote areas. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)