Evaluation and Research

Conservation Benefits

In more than 70 countries around the world, the Rainforest Alliance is collaborating with farmers, foresters, tourism operators, workers, business leaders, NGOs, governments, scientists and local communities to develop and implement standards that are socially and environmentally responsible, as well as economically viable. We are creatively and systematically helping to overhaul the way that crops and timber are produced, and tourism is managed, so that the resources we depend on today will be here far into the future. Our holistic approach to sustainability benefits...

The Environment

A 2008 Rainforest Alliance study found that FSC-certified areas of Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve saw less deforestation and fewer wildfires than other areas within the reserve.

Forests are sponges for carbon dioxide and Rainforest Alliance Certified™ operations conserve these valuable carbon dioxide sinks.
Certified farms and forests protect wildlife habitat by curbing deforestation, protecting riverbanks from erosion and ensuring that critical ecosystems and habitats, such as wetlands and riparian zones, are protected. They also employ soil conservation practices -- such as planting, building trails and harvesting along contours and maintaining ground cover -- to reduce erosion.
By composting and recycling waste when possible, businesses that work with the Rainforest Alliance reduce the amount of waste that they generate.
Farms and tourism operations that collaborate with us learn to monitor and minimize their water and energy consumption.
By prohibiting the use of the most dangerous pesticides, strictly monitoring all argochemical use and requiring mechanical and biological pest controls where possible, certified farms help to minimize threats to the environment.

Communities

A 2009 Rainforest Alliance report showed that tourism operations that completed our best management practices program demonstrated impressive progress in the area of "sociocultural improvement."

Employees on Rainforest Alliance Certified farms and forests are treated equitably and given access to healthcare and housing, and schooling for their children. Workers are trained in safety procedures and provided with appropriate protective gear.
Tourism businesses are encouraged to protect their community's socio-cultural heritage and to contribute to local development by hiring local staff and participating in community improvement initiatives.
Rainforest Alliance certification ensures that the rights of indigenous people are recognized and respected.
By teaching farmers, foresters and hoteliers to operate sustainably and protect their natural resources, we spread awareness of the need for conservation. And by bringing environmental education to students in the United States and elsewhere, we are inspiring a new generation of conservationists.

The Bottom Line

Chiquita reports that its company-owned farms reduced costs by 12 percent and increased yield by 27 percent after becoming Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Many farm and forestry operations that work with the Rainforest Alliance report improved profitability and competitiveness, and produce higher quality goods.
The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal of approval gives farmers and foresters more leverage at the time of sale. This product differentiation can command premium prices.
Tourism operations that work with the Rainforest Alliance appeal to travelers committed to environmental stewardship.
The certification process helps farmers and foresters organize, plan, schedule improvements, implement better practices, identify problems, monitor progress and increase worker efficiency and production.
Farmers, foresters and tourism operators who receive training from the Rainforest Alliance retain skilled workers and report increased employee satisfaction.

Read case studies about our work and see what farmers, foresters and tourism operators say about their experiences with the Rainforest Alliance.