The forests of the Carpathians (Romania) and the Peruvian Amazon (Madre de Dios) are critical ecosystems for climate change mitigation, water regulation, and biodiversity, and are fundamental for rural livelihoods. Deforestation and illegal logging have intensified forest degradation, affecting both wildlife and local communities, as highlighted by UNODC (2023), which emphasizes the direct connection between forest loss, food security, and the sustainability of natural resources. Additionally, provide information on deforestation rates, percentage of forest cover loss, and affected area. This study conducts a comparative assessment of both regions through analysis of recent scientific literature (FAO, 2022; Global Forest Watch, 2024; etc.) and satellite data from 2001 to 2024. The results reveal similar patterns of habitat fragmentation, reduction in carbon stocks, and loss of forest cover, driven by agricultural expansion, illegal timber exploitation, and weaknesses in environmental governance. It is crucial to recognize and protect the last remaining "lungs" of Europe and the Americas. Deforestation not only affects local climate, agriculture, and biodiversity, but also intensifies climate change and alters rainfall patterns, impacting other regions of the worldIt is concluded that forest degradation not only threatens biodiversity and ecosystem services but also undermines agricultural productivity, soil fertility, and water availability for local communities. This analysis underscores the need for integrated strategies that combine conservation, community-based management, and international cooperation to ensure the ecological and social resilience of these regions.

Deforestation, illegal logging, biodiversity, ecological sustainability, agricultural sustainability, Carpathians, Amazon

environmental engineering

Presentation: poster