MONITOR ORNAMENTAL EXPORTS

Sustainable wild-harvesting protects the Amazon - Hand-catching cardinal tetras provides locals with a livelihood that depends on keeping the rainforest intact rather than destroying it for cattle or timber.

Industrial competition is disrupting local economies - The traditional Brazilian monopoly on the cardinal tetra market is facing severe pressure from global commercial breeding facilities that can produce fish more cheaply.

Economic incentives drive environmental stewardship - Initiatives like Project Piaba promote the ornamental fish trade as a vital tool for preventing deforestation in the Rio Negro region.