Rain Forest Rescue

Donate Today »

Our Rain Forests Are In Trouble.

The goal of Rain Forest Rescue is to save the remaining rain forest through sustainable alternatives to current agricultural practices, remote sensing to identify illegal activity, and work with tropical governments to set aside rain forest preserves. You can support our efforts by donating, and encourage preservation with your everyday choices.

The problem

Rain forests are surprisingly fragile ecosystems. Unsustainable agriculture, illegal logging, fires, and cattle farming have transformed large areas of fertile rain forest into bare, unusable soil.

Poverty in tropical areas also contributes to the rain forest's destruction. The impoverished people living in these areas often fall back on slash-and-burn agriculture and illegal logging to survive. If we want to protect the rainforest, we must also protect our fellow humans.

A caption would go here. Might need to find a better image for this space.

Our solutions

Introducing Sustainable Practices

We partner with the Nature Conservancy and local conservation groups as we educate and encourage local residents to use sustainable practices. Micro-credit loans are provided to those who seek to start forest-friendly businesses.

Combating Illegal Activity

In the Maya Biosphere Reserve, we use remote sensing to find out where illegal logging and fires are occurring. Using such technology, we hope to find effective ways to end these destructive activities.

Protecting Remaining Rainforest

We helped the governments of Guatemala and Belize create the 600,000-acre bi-national Maya Mountains Protected Area. We hope this will preserve both the ecological integrity of the rainforest and the cultural heritage of its people.

What Can You Do?

  1. Contribute to Rainforest Rescue.

    Donate only $10, and we will preserve 2500 ft3 of threatened rainforest. You will ensure that the plants and animals in this area will continue to have a home.

  2. Ask before you buy.

    Ask for sustainable products, especially when buying wood products, nuts, fruits, and beef. As an educated consumer, you'll support producers who care about the rainforest's future.

  3. Drink Shade-Grown Coffee.

    Try some of Arbor Day's gourmet coffee and support this sustainable practice.

  4. Get your local media on board.

    Encourage your local TV station to run The Arbor Day Foundation's Rain Forest Rescue public service announcements.

  5. Visit a rain forest.

    Traveling to a rainforest during your vacation can be a powerful tool in convincing developing countries that their rainforests are economically and ecologically valuable.

Donate Today »