Communities Improving Opportunities for Rural Farm & Forest Communities When you buy a bottle of juice, bag of coffee, bar of chocolate, box of tea or bunch of boxes emblazoned with the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal, you're helping to improve the lives of people in rural communities around the world. How so? Because the contents of that package started out on a farm or in a forest. Quite likely, it was located in a community where residents have few options other than farming or forestry, industries that often pay poorly. That's why given their options, people in these areas may turn to illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming and other ways of surviving. But if they earn the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal for sustainability, they often take home a premium, which gives them an incentive to adopt and maintain sustainable methods. At the same time, they are protecting water, wildlife and soils for future generations. Slideshows View photos of Lake Toba farm communities in Indonesia. Learn more about India's certified tea farms. Discover what's happening on certified coffee farms in Vietnam. Helping Mexico's Forest Communities Build a Sustainable Future "These communities often need to adjust their perspective on their forestry work and separate the act of running the community from that of operating a forestry business," reflects regional manager Eva Fernández. Learn more about Fernández's work with communities in Mexico. More Stories Under the Canopy To Get the Deal Done in Copenhagen, Tougher Emissions Targets Needed If we are to avert a climate catastrophe, developed countries must make deep cuts to their greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. According to assessments conducted by Ecofys and Climate Analytics, developed country emissions targets are not just under-ambitious -- they are truly lacking. They are projected at 8 to 12 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 after accounting for forestry credits, rather than the 25 to 40 percent which is likely needed. Where Do We Stand on Biofuels? Unless sustainably produced in the proper locations, biofuels add to the very problem for which they were promoted as a partial solution: global warming. Learn more about the Rainforest Alliance's position on biofuels. Central America Capitalizes on Demand for Sustainable Travel Options Central America is poised to position itself as a sustainable destination in European markets. Learn how. The Rainforest Alliance's holiday auction is open for bidding. Get creative with your gift-giving, avoid holiday shopping crowds and support the Rainforest Alliance's many conservation programs by bidding on items ranging from sustainable vacation getaways in Latin America to luxury accessories. No matter which holiday you celebrate, 'tis the season to give the gift of green. Happy holidays and a peaceful New Year to all! Support the Rainforest Alliance by bidding now!
The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior.
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