RIO DE JANEIRO: In an inspiring example of wealth being used for good, Swedish billionaire businessman Johan Eliasch took Amazon rainforest conservation into his own hands—literally. While social media joked about billionaires like Jeff Bezos buying the Amazon, Eliasch actually did something close to it.
Back in 2005, Eliasch purchased around 400,000 acres of lush Amazon rainforest from a Brazilian logging firm, Gethal Amazonas. The deal, which also included a plywood factory, was reportedly worth about £8 million—roughly $11 million today. His mission? To preserve the forest and stop deforestation in one of the world’s most precious ecosystems.
Eliasch promptly closed the plant, halting further logging operations and preserving the land for future generations. While this led to job losses for around 1,000 workers, he stated they were provided with fair severance. His move, though bold, highlighted the growing role private individuals can play in environmental stewardship.
Despite some initial scepticism from Brazilian officials wary of foreign land ownership, Eliasch maintained his commitment to conservation. He estimated that his actions helped avoid the release of up to 80 million tonnes of carbon dioxide—a significant figure in the fight against climate change.
Though only a portion of the land titles were formally registered due to local red tape, the impact of Eliasch’s effort remains noteworthy. He stepped in where policy often falls short, using personal wealth to make a real environmental difference.
While some questioned the broader implications of foreign ownership, Eliasch’s case stands out as a rare example of direct action. His initiative not only protected vital rainforest land but also sparked a global conversation about the power of individual responsibility.
In short, yes—a Swedish billionaire really did buy a piece of the Amazon rainforest. And he did it to save it.
