Our Mission to Protect the World’s Forests
We are working in 60+ countries to build sustainable, rural economies—a proven strategy to keep our forests standing.
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What's at Stake
Forests are critical to every living thing on Earth. Not only do they give us clean air, shelter, and rain, they house 80 percent of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. Alarmingly, humans have destroyed half of the world’s tropical forests and driven extinction rates up thousands of times higher than what is natural.
Climate & Nature
Forests are a powerful natural climate solution. As trees grow, they absorb and store carbon emissions, while releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Conserving forests could cut an estimated 7 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide each year—the equivalent of getting rid of every car on the planet.
Our Impact
Protecting forests and biodiversity is at the very heart of the Rainforest Alliance’s mission. We have developed wide-ranging, innovative strategies to conserve and restore nature—all while improving the livelihoods of people who live from the land.
Strong Forests
0.4% deforestation rate
in the forest concessions of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, Guatemala*
In Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve, twelve community forestry concessions safeguard around 417,269 hectares of the largest and most important tropical forest north of the Amazon. These community-run concessions boast a near-zero deforestation rate—a remarkable feat given that adjacent areas suffer some of the highest deforestation rates in the Americas.
*Community forestry concessions in Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve have demonstrated a near-zero deforestation rate, since data collection began in 2000. Data accurate as of December 2019.
Thriving Biodiversity
45,000 trees
80 elephant-friendly farms*
From 2020 through 2021, farmers we work with in the buffer zone of Indonesia’s Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park planted 45,000 trees in the area directly bordering the park. In addition, we identified 80 farms that sit in a wildlife corridor used by the critically endangered Sumatran elephant. We supported these farmers in planting species that suit the elephants’ diet.
*Data accurate as of December 2022
Our Work: Forests & Biodiversity
Together with forest and farming communities, Indigenous leaders, companies, governments, and global citizens, the Rainforest Alliance works in 58 countries to promote more sustainable land management practices while cultivating thriving rural economies—the most widely proven strategy to restore biodiversity and keep our tropical forests standing.
The World’s Best Forest Guardians: Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous peoples and local communities have an unsurpassed connection to the Earth's forests.
Community: The Secret to Stopping Deforestation in Guatemala
The forest concessions of the Maya Biosphere Reserve have boasted a near-zero deforestation rate for 20 years.
Indonesian Coffee Farmers Help Conserve Biodiversity in Iconic National Park
We're training coffee farmers in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park buffer zone to help them conserve biodiversity and improve their livelihoods.
All resources for Forests & Biodiversity
Rainforest Alliance Certification: A Crucial Step to EUDR Compliance
The race is on to meet the requirements of the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) by December 30, 2025—and certified coffee and cocoa companies can consider the Rainforest Alliance as your relay partner in the sprint.
How the Rainforest Alliance Supports EUDR Compliance from Farm to Retailer
Find out how our systems and offerings are primed to help certified cocoa and coffee supply chain partners show compliance with EUDR requirements.... Continue Reading
Unlocking Tropical Timber Trade: Insights from the Selva Maya Trade Mission 2024
The Selva Maya Tropical Timber Trade Mission 2024 report details a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at promoting the international trade of sustainably sourced tropical timber from forest communities in Mexico and Guatemala. Building on the 2023 mission, the 2024 edition deepened collaboration between community forest enterprises, timber traders, NGOs, and government bodies. It highlights key activities, […]
In Cameroon, Forests and Communities Need Each Other
The iconic tropical forests of Cameroon’s Western Highlands and South Region are disappearing. To combat this, we set our sights on three interconnected solutions: community-led landscape management, sustainable agriculture and local business, and strengthened rights for women and youth.... Continue Reading
What is Sustainable Agriculture?
Definitions differ, but at its heart, sustainable agriculture is about meeting the needs of the present, without sacrificing those of tomorrow—it’s farming that is environmentally sound, socially responsible, and profitable for farmers.... Continue Reading
Amazon Bioeconomy Marketplace Initiative
In partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Rainforest Alliance is implementing the first phase of IDB’s Amazon Bioeconomy Marketplace (ABM) initiative to improve socioeconomic conditions, fight climate change, and help restore ecosystems in the Amazon by supporting the identification and growth of export-oriented sustainable bio-businesses. Through training and technical assistance activities on sustainability […]