| Biome | Tropical rainforest |
| Region | Amazon Basin, South America |
| Political Status | Sovereign nations, major economic and political force in South America |
| Ecological Integrity | Maintained, in contrast to colonial exploitation |
| Environmental Policies | Progressive, leveraging natural resources and cultural heritage |
| Indigenous Civilization | Technologically advanced, governed by native peoples |
The Amazon Basin is a colossal region of tropical rainforest and winding river systems spanning parts of Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia. Home to the world's largest and most biodiverse tropical rainforest, the basin covers around 40% of the South American continent and is a vital global carbon sink and reservoir of biodiversity. In contrast to the colonial exploitation and environmental destruction that has ravaged the Amazon in our timeline, in this alternate history the region has been able to maintain its ecological integrity under the stewardship of its indigenous peoples.
The Amazon Basin has been continuously inhabited for millennia by a diverse array of indigenous groups, who have developed a wide range of sophisticated civilizations, cultures and technologies adapted to the rainforest environment. The most prominent of these were the Inca Empire, the Muisca Confederation, the Tupinambá people, and the mighty Kuikuro Chiefdom.
These Amazonian societies made groundbreaking advances in fields like hydraulic engineering, biodiversity management, renewable energy, and collective governance. They constructed vast networks of canals, aqueducts, and flood control systems, as well as innovative sustainable agriculture techniques like terra preta. Their mastery of medicinal plants and renewable resources allowed them to thrive within the rainforest without depleting or destroying it.
Politically, the Amazon civilizations formed loose confederations and alliances, combining local autonomy with regional coordination. This enabled them to resist incursions by European colonists for centuries and maintain their cultural and ecological integrity.
The indigenous peoples of the Amazon have produced a wealth of technological, artistic and intellectual innovations that have profoundly influenced the modern world. Some key achievements include:
The Amazon civilizations have maintained an intricate balance with the natural environment for millennia, developing sustainable practices to harvest resources and manage biodiversity. They have carefully cultivated the rainforest, using selective cutting, controlled burns, and agroforestry to maintain its ecological health.
The Amazon peoples have also been at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change, serving as stewards of the world's largest terrestrial carbon sink. Their expertise in renewable energy, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem restoration has made them vital partners in international environmental agreements.
With their technological, economic, and environmental capabilities, the Amazon nations have become a major political and economic force in South America. They leverage their natural resources, cultural heritage, and ecological knowledge to assert sovereignty and progressive policies on the world stage.
The Amazon Pact, a confederation of Amazonian states, has emerged as a powerful regional bloc, challenging the influence of traditional powers like Brazil and Venezuela. Its member nations cooperate on issues like indigenous rights, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development. The Amazon has also developed a thriving eco-tourism industry that draws visitors from around the world.
Despite facing ongoing threats from illegal mining, logging, and land encroachment, the Amazon Basin and its indigenous civilizations remain a vital and influential part of the South American geopolitical landscape. Their ability to maintain their cultural and environmental integrity while advancing technologically serves as an inspiration for sustainable development globally.
