10.15.2009

Stop Deforestation -- Stop Climate Change!

Shrinking arctic ice. Increased tropical cyclone activity. Severe droughts. Scientists say we’re already beginning to experience the effects of climate change -- but it’s not too late to change the course. For more than 20 years, the Rainforest Alliance has been working to curb deforestation, responsible for 20 percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions. That’s more than the emissions from trains, planes and automobiles combined.

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9.4.2009

Forest Conservation: 2,000 Years and Counting

A new study published in the July issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science reveals that the Maya practiced, and reaped the benefits of, responsible forestry. In fact, researchers found that abandoning responsible forest management practices was to the detriment of the entire culture -- and may have led to its downfall. In light of this eye-opening report, we spoke with Guatemala-based Rainforest Alliance TREES coordinator Omar Samayoa.

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8.14.2009

In Memory of Les Paul: The Man Behind the Legendary Guitar

Yesterday, Les Paul, the man who made much of modern music possible, passed away at the age of 94. While we applaud him for revolutionizing the music industry, the Rainforest Alliance honors his memory for an additional reason: he was a codesigner of -- and the inspiration for -- the Les Paul SmartWood Standard.

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2.15.2008

Walter Smith Reports from Oceania -- Part II

Walter Smith, lead auditor and senior technical specialist for the Rainforest Alliance's SmartWood program, continues to recount the details of his recent trip to Papua New Guinea for the annual audit of a Japanese forestry company.

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2.8.2008

Walter Smith Reports from Oceania -- Part I

Walter Smith is the lead auditor and senior technical specialist for the Rainforest Alliance's SmartWood program. His demanding position takes him to an array of stunning -- and sometimes remote -- locations. Lucky for us, Walter often sends back fascinating, wacky and truly eye-opening travelogues. Here, he describes the bumpy start of his trip to Papua, New Guinea where he audited a Japanese forestry company.

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