Article Source: The Christian Science Monitor

Written by - Sara Miller Llana - November 12th, 2008

A new Brazilian program, run by a private foundation, illustrates a new way of thinking about saving forests - the economy drives conservation.

Costa do Arara, Brazil - Deep in the Amazonian rainforest, communities like this one, where 300 families spread out along the banks of the river in wooden huts on stilts, have been at the center of the world's greatest environmental debate: how to save the Amazon. But these communities, and their local officials, have long been left out of negotiations.

Now, leaders in Brazil's state of Amazonas are starting an incentive program that pays residents not to cut down trees.

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