Some indigenous communities are also raising cattle and participating in the gold rush. To argue that indigenous peoples should not be free to emulate economic activities around them would deny them the right to control their futures. In spite of the growing momentum to set aside parks and reserves in Amazonia, such efforts alone are unlikely to save much of the remaining forest. Only the military or private landholders are currently capable of effectively policing large tracts of forest in the region. Respect for military muscle in conservation matters in developing countries is tacitly recognized in Guatemala, where some army conscripts spend the first few months of their service as armed guards in national parks.
Legislation alone is unlikely to safeguard Amazonian forests.
First, most reserves and parks in Amazonia have been invaded by loggers, miners, cattle ranchers, or squatters. Enforcement of park and reserve boundaries is difficult given the vast areas and limited manpower. Colombia's Indian reserves appear to be less affected by such illegal incursions, but development pressures are less pronounced in the Colombian Amazon. Second, no agreement has emerged among biologists about priority areas for conservation. Compromises will have to be made between a desire to conserve unique ecosystems and the need to develop resources.