Communities

Indonesian Community Conserves Ancestral Forests, Turns a Healthy Profit

Indonesian villagers tend plots of land planted with crops, teak and mahogany. Because they manage their forest gardens responsibly, they've earned FSC certification. That means that Crate & Barrel stores can legally import furniture made with the Indonesian wood and guarantee to their customers that its manufacture supports a healthy environment.

Learn how certification is paying off for a community on Java.

New Possibilities for Guatemala's Forest Communities

Growing up in Guatemala, on the outskirts of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, José Román Carrera watched much of his forest home be turned into ranchland for cattle. For much of the past nineteen years, he has been helping local communities to conserve the forest and benefit from protecting its resources.

Read more about Carrera's commitment to protecting the Maya Biosphere Reserve.

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More Stories Under the Canopy

Community-Run Tourism Businesses Offer a Conservation Key

Hotels and eco-lodges can provide forest communities with environmentally sustainable options. The Rainforest Alliance helps community-run enterprises like the Napo Wildlife Center, Titi Conservation Alliance, Sani Lodge and others make the most of their businesses -- environmentally, economically and socially.

Learn about community tourism in both Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Creating Eco-Friendly Classrooms

Even small improvements in schools can make a big difference to the environment. Parents, teachers and students can help make classrooms environmentally friendly.

Certified Palm Fronds Find Church Converts

The overharvesting of xate palm is threatening the stability of Central America's forests. Find out what the Rainforest Alliance, United States churches and the University of Minnesota are doing to help.

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The Understory

Javan rhinoceroses are perhaps the most endangered of all animals. Scientists estimate that fewer than 60 of them survive in the wild. By supporting responsible forestry and farming, you can help to conserve habitat for endangered wildlife around the globe.

Learn more about the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros.

Rainforest Alliance members can enjoy a seven-night, first-class cruise to the Galapagos aboard a 20-passenger yacht operated by Ecoventura, a SmartVoyager certified company. Discount rates range from $2,525 to $3,075 (per person, double occupancy and include cabin accommodation, all meals, guided excursions, snorkel equipment, wet suits and kayaks) -- a savings of $500 per person. Offer is good for select departures through March 21, 2010. For more information, contact the Galapagos Network at (800) 633-7972 or info@galapagosnetwork.com.

Be part of the solution -- look for the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal in supermarkets, bookstores, coffee shops and more. Products bearing the seal contain ingredients or materials from responsibly-managed farms and forests that protect the environment and ensure the well-being of workers and their communities. Look for the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal on Back to Nature's Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Chocolate Delight Granola.