The impacts of deforestation in the Amazon on malaria transmission

DUBLIN 8, Ireland - Oct. 1, 2014 - PRLog -- Irish eco-business Celestial Green Ventures has released their most recent study entitled “Study on the Impacts of Deforestation on Malaria Transmission.”

According to the research, malaria is the most prevalent vector-borne disease (caused by pathogens and parasites in human populations) and is accountable for the highest global mortality rate of any tropical disease. In 2010, there were around 580,000 malaria cases reported in the Amazon basin, with 281,586 of these being in Brazil. CGV’s Environmental Analyst, and author of the study, Leah Gainey considers these numbers to be crucial when regarding their Trocano Araretama REDD+ Project.

“As the Trocano Araretama Conservation Project comprises 1.3 million hectares of the Brazilian Amazon, this high incidence of malaria is of significant relevance to the 10,700 residents of the project area,” she explains.

The study examines the connection between deforestation and the spread of malaria, whilst also detailing several tactics to reduce the risk of transmission. It states that the main vector of malaria transmission in the Brazilian Amazon is the mosquito Anopheles darlingi, and that these mosquitoes have been found to have a biting rate 278 times higher in deforested areas than intact forest according to one study. The reason being that deforestation eliminates A. darlingi’s competition, drives away other prey species (leaving only humans) and creates new, suitable habitats for the mosquito.

In order to reduce the risk of transmission, the study outlines a comprehensive strategy to mitigate malaria in the Trocano Araretama area, which includes the provision of reliable mosquito nets, undertaking residual spraying of insecticides, and creating an awareness campaign.

The full study can be downloaded from the CGV’s website here (http://www.celestialgreenventures.com/wp-content/uploads/...).

About Celestial Green Ventures

Celestial Green Ventures (CGV) develops REDD+ projects that protect areas of rainforest at risk of deforestation, in the Amazonia region of Brazil.  By carrying out these avoided deforestation projects, Celestial Green Ventures is able to generate carbon benefits, which have also a positive impact on the communities and biodiversity within the project areas.

To find out more, please visit: http://www.celestialgreenventures.com/