Indigenous peoples have an unsurpassed connection to the Earth’s forests. They manage at least one quarter of the world’s lands, home to approximately 80 percent of our planet’s biodiversity. Even with their often-limited access to financial resources or legal support, Indigenous peoples have proven to be the best guardians of the world’s forests.
Climate change and inequality are inextricably bound, and we need to recognize that who owns, controls, and benefits from natural resources determines the future of the land—and the communities who call it home.
Giving indigenous communities legal title to their land has been shown to be more effective at protecting forests than declaring them national parks.
Peru: Where indigenous knowledge, climate science, and global markets meet.... Continue Reading
Sustainably harvested wood is at the heart of this new business run by indigenous Maya women.... Continue Reading
The Rainforest Alliance has dedicated more than three decades to amplifying the voices of farmers and forest communities, improving livelihoods, protecting biodiversity, and helping people mitigate and adapt to climate change in bold and effective ways. In partnership with these communities, as well as companies large and small, the Rainforest Alliance works to affect change […]
In the Mesoamerican region, the Rainforest Alliance develops projects that promote the production and sale of sustainable products from the forest and agricultural activities, integrating men and women into productive activities for the generation of economic, social, and environmental benefits. Its main objective is to increase the competitiveness, sustainability, and access to markets of agricultural […]