South America has plenty of resources they possess such as oil, gas, and certain foods/plants. In my opinion this questions can be looked at in two different lights. On one hand South America being in its own independent state should be able to make their own decisions on how to run and protect there resources and environment and should not be told by outsiders on how to control their goods. However, on the other hand some of these resources are very beneficial to other countries and areas where these goods cannot be grown or supplied. Exports of flowers and coffee are huge imports for the US as well as some medications. So this truly could go in either direction...however, since South America's exports affect so many areas I would say it may be best to lend a helping hand as if things are not protected they could be gone forever.