Sewage pollution in Lake Valencia, oil pollution in Lake Maracaibo, deforestation, soil degradation, urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean coast, and threats to the rainforest ecosystem from irresponsible mining operations are the key environmental issues in Venezuela.

There are three main areas in Venezuela: the Llanos grasslands, Canaima National Park, and the Southern Carribean Basin. Main threats to the Llanos are extensive cattle ranching, agricultural expansion, logging, oil and gas exploration, invasive grass species, and the use of agrochemicals (which can contribute to the decline of several species, including migratory songbirds from North America that winter in the Llanos). Canaima National Park is home to half of the Caroní River watershed which fuels the Guri hydroelectric dam ─ one of world's largest and generates power for most of Venezuela's industry. The number of people living near Canaima is increasing rapidly and this creates problems with park resources because game species, fish and agricultural land are disappearing. Also, an increase in tourism is putting pressure on Venezuela's ecologically-sensitive areas. The Southern Caribbean Basin includes coral reefs, sandy ocean floors, and sea grasses. Many of the species that reside in these areas are endangered. The degradation of Venezuela's ecosystems is also impacting human populations, such as local fishing communities.

Related Links

• CIA World Factbook
• The Nature Conservancy
• National Geographic