Current analyses of satellite images show unchecked deforestation and destruction of forest areas in the Amazon region – the lungs of the earth and home to indigenous peoples and an inconceivable natural wealth of plants and fauna. A large part of the land is illegally and legally cleared by fire with the permission of the current Brazilian government so that soya can be grown for the animal feed industry. Some of the wood is processed into building materials such as decking, fencing and other products, and is sold in stores around the world, with a few exceptions. Norway was one of the first countries to take a pioneering role in environmental protection and ban the import and sale of tropical timber.