Peruvian Gold Mining Rush Brings Social And Environmental Stresses To Amazon

MADRE DE DIOS REGION, PERU - NOVEMBER 16: A man and boy ride a motorcycle in a deforested section along the Interoceanic Highway in the Amazon lowlands on November 16, 2013 in Madre de Dios region, Peru. 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, farming and settlements as the highway has opened access to previously remote areas. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)