Experts believe this year's Amazon rainforest fires could be the worst yet, after deforestation rose 17% on 2020.
What's at Stake
Spanning nine South American countries and 7 million sq km (2.7 million square miles), the Amazon is the world’s largest forest and is home to more than 120 indigenous groups and one in 10 known species. One-fifth of all freshwater on the planet originates in the Amazon Basin. Unparalleled in its biodiversity, the Amazon is also critical to global climate stability.
DEFORESTATION IN THE AMAZON
Humans have razed some 20 percent of the Amazon rainforest over the last 40 years alone, and an additional 20 percent is at risk of being destroyed—a potentially catastrophic loss that would cause this vital ecosystem to unravel. Read our response to the forest fire crisis in the Amazon.
Our Impact
The most important impact of our work in high-risk regions of the Amazon—self-determination—is not quantifiable. However, we continually gauge the success of our approach by measuring both ecosystem health and the economic and social well-being of our partner communities.
A sustainable, thriving forest economy
USD $31 million
in Brazil nuts exported from Madre de Dios, Peru
After working with the Rainforest Alliance for four years, communities in the Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon exported more than 4,000 metric tons of shelled Brazil nuts, representing a value of nearly US $31 million. Read the study
Our reach in South America
18 million acres
under sustainable management in South America
We’re working with forest communities, farmers, governments, and companies to conserve the Amazon Basin and protect its precious biodiversity. Together with our partners, we’ve brought 18 million acres (7.3 million hectares) under sustainable management.
This number includes Rainforest Alliance Certified agricultural land and FSC certified forest land, including land certified by our Brazilian partner, Imaflora. Data accurate as of March 21, 2018.
Our Work
Stopping deforestation in the Amazon requires bold, multi-faceted strategies that center indigenous forest communities and support their self-determination. This approach characterizes our work in the Amazon, where we work with a wide range of communities and partners to cultivate a sustainable forest economy.
Article
The Rainforest Alliance's Work in Peru
Peru: Where indigenous knowledge, climate science, and global markets meet.
Article
A Call to Action To Save the Amazon Rainforest
Together with our allies, we have drafted a call to action to save the world’s largest and most important rainforest.
Article
Restoring an Ecosystem on a Peruvian Coffee Farm
A family transformed their coffee farm into a resilient landscape—and improved their income.
All resources for South America
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Media Coverage
Amazon Rainforest Facing Most Devastating Fires Ever Seen
Experts believe this year’s Amazon rainforest fires could be the worst yet, after deforestation rose 17% on 2020.
Project Profiles
Two New Kleinhans Fellows Will Investigate Forest Governance and Community-Centered Conservation in Latin America
The Rainforest Alliance is pleased to announce two new Kleinhans Fellows for 2021.
Curricula
Guía Educativa del Manejo Forestal Sostenible
Esta guía educativa gratuita ayudara a sus estudiantes a explorar el manejo sostenible de los bosques y su papel en el desarrollo comunitario, usando los ecosistemas únicos de la Península Yucatán,... View more
Article
Who Suffers When Rainforests Burn?
As we head into the 2020 fire season, let’s take stock of the people most affected.
Article
The Rainforest Alliance’s Work in Peru
Peru: Where indigenous knowledge, climate science, and global markets meet.
White Paper
The Rainforest Alliance Banana Program
The Rainforest Alliance has made a significant contribution to a more sustainable banana sector in the last 30 years. This paper describes the Rainforest Alliance banana program and its positive... View more