Canada & the United States

A Cleaner, Greener Economy in Appalachia

What's at Stake

With some 1.6 billion acres (650 million hectares) of forests, Canada and the United States are the world's first and second largest producers of forest products. Agricultural conversion, irresponsible timber extraction, and fire are major threats to these important landscapes, which are vital biodiversity corridors. We are working to spread sustainable forestry throughout timber-rich regions of Canada and the United States through certification and forest-carbon project validation and verification. These are powerful tools to defend forests against threats like fires and irresponsible timber extraction.

1 Million Aboriginal People in Canada's Boreal Forests

Respect for the nearly one million Aboriginal people who live in Canada's boreal forests is a critical consideration in our sustainability certification work in the region. The Aboriginal people's livelihoods and traditions depend on the health of the forests and their rights to self-determination.

15,000 Animal Species in the Southern Appalachians

The Appalachian forests located in the Southeastern United States provide habitat for 15,000 different wildlife species, including migratory birds, black bears, and the greatest variety of salamander species in the world. The health of these habitats has ripple effects throughout the continent and must be carefully balanced with the livelihoods of landowners and forest communities.

Our Work

The Rainforest Alliance works with companies, landowners, forest communities, and partner organizations to advance sustainable forest management throughout the biodiversity-rich forest landscapes of Canada and the United States.

Purple rhododendron blooming in the Roan Mountain Highlands

Sustainable Forest Management

The Rainforest Alliance is a partner in the Appalachian Woodlands Alliance, which includes businesses, foresters, and landowners working to advance sustainable forestry.

Totem pole at Queen Charlotte school, British Columbia, Canada

The Haida Model of Forestry

Canada's indigenous Haida Nation practices traditional forest management, so its forestry company easily met the rigorous standard for Rainforest Alliance/FSC® certification.

Conserving Cerulean Warbler Habitat Throughout Its Migratory Route

We’re helping conserve its habitats through sustainable forestry and climate-smart coffee farming.

Learn more about how we are working to achieve our mission.

View our approach

Our Impact

We are working to spread sustainable forestry throughout timber-rich regions of Canada and the United States through certification and forest-carbon project validation and verification. These are powerful tools to defend forests against threats like fires and irresponsible timber extraction.

54.5 million acres

of forestland under sustainable management

54.5 Million Acres of Sustainably Managed Forests

Via forest management certification, approximately 54.5 million acres (22 million hectares) of forestland in the United States and Canada are sustainably managed. The results are healthier forests, intact wildlife corridors, higher water quality, and fewer CO₂ emissions.

See More Impacts

Learn more ways we are achieving real results.

View our impact dashboard

Get Involved

Join us to help rebalance the earth.

Deforestation in El Nido, Palawan - Philippines

Fight Deforestation, Fight Climate Change

Some 45 million acres (18 million hectares) of forests worldwide are lost every year. Deforestation and forest degradation account for about 10 percent of global greenhouse emissions.

American Redstart Warbler (Setophaga ruticilla) in early spring

Help Save Migratory Bird Habitats

Migratory birds play a critical role in maintaining our planet's health. But forest fragmentation and habitat loss are resulting in declining populations.

Help conserve forests and restore balance to our planet

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Canada & the United States

A Cleaner, Greener Economy in Appalachia

What's at Stake

1 Million Aboriginal People in Canada's Boreal Forests

15,000 Animal Species in the Southern Appalachians