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Commonwealth NGOs
related to forestry | | |
 Rainforest Concern
HQ situated in U.K.
Website: www.rainforestconcern.org
Type of NGO: NGO,
Interest in Forestry: central
Contact method: email : info@rainforestconcern.org
Description:
Rainforest Concern is a Registered Charity in the UK, established to protect threatened natural habitats
and the biodiversity they contain, together with the indigenous people who still depend on them
for survival.
The world's tropical rainforests are the richest and most diverse habitats on earth. They represent
a vast reservoir of knowledge and contain a wealth of ecosystems and wildlife, with many species still
undiscovered.
Rainforest Concern was established in 1993 to protect threatened natural habitats, the biodiversity
they contain and the indigenous people who still depend on them for their survival. At present the
organisation has 19 conservation projects in 12 countries: Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Romania,
Suriname, Costa Rica, Panama, India, Sri Lanka and Uganda. We work closely with local
conservation organisations in these countries to protect rainforests.
Central to Rainforest Concern’s philosophy is the establishment of strong partnerships with small yet
dynamic organisations in the countries where it operates. Such long-term partnerships have
repeatedly shown to result in the continued success of projects.
What we do
Our conservation work falls into four categories:
* Direct conservation involving the protection and management of forested land
to create protected reserves. This sometimes includes the purchase of land, usually in the name of the
local NGO or
the local communities. Particular emphasis is placed on the creation of forest ‘corridors’ that connect
existing protected areas thereby avoiding the risk of fragmentation. This greatly assists the
effectiveness of these reserves by enabling species to move freely from one to another. Reforestation
of cleared areas of forest with native tree species also falls into this category.
* Programmes of alternative income generation, health and education are developed
with the local communities living near the projects. These are designed to reduce the negative human
impact on
forests arising through, for example, cattle ranching and subsistence farming. Examples of these projects
include sustainable small-scale horticulture (for example cultivation of shade grown coffee), the
production of handicrafts and responsible ecotourism.
* Research in biodiversity is encouraged. Scientists and students from national
and international universities have undertaken and continue to undertake research at several of our
projects.
* We also have well established volunteer programmes. These include groups of
gap year students as well as mature volunteers who work on projects that include tree planting, trail
maintenance
and data collection.
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