RAINFOREST FOUNDATION INC

We are protecting the rainforests on Peru's northern border. These are some of the most biodiverse and pristine rainforests in Peru; however, they face increased threats from drug trafficking, illegal logging and mining.

We are forming a corridor of over 30 indigenous communities fighting against deforestation by training indigenous monitors in each community to use GPS systems, smart phones and othe rmapping technologies, as well as strengthening any monitoring programs they already have in place.

Communities will be able to take action to prevent or mitigate ongoing threats to their rainforests. Each community then selects the best way to address each threat they identify--by, for example, forming community-led interventions or notifying national environmental prosecutors.

In 2008, Panama passed Law 72, allowing indigenous groups to claim collective lands, which had long been a demand of the indigenous movement. In 2012, two Wounaan communities gained formal recognition of their lands through this new law. Together with the Wounaan and Embera, we’re now pushing for the remaining 20+ collective lands in the Darien to obtain titles, and for these communities to sustainably manage their lands. We see this as a critical opportunity for advancing indigenous rights, as well as environmental protection in the biologically important Darién region.

Over the next few years, RF-US will be working with the Embera and Wounaan to gain recognition of all of the remaining communities that still need titles in the Darién. As they gain titles, we’ll also be working with them to establish participatory land management plans, so they can sustainably manage their lands into the future. All of these efforts are underpinned by community and organizational capacity building. As a result, we hope to secure nearly 1 million acres of tropical forest, to be owned and managed by the Embera and Wounaan, who call the area home. This program is supported by the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, the Rainforest Fund, and the Climate and Land Use Alliance.

Indigenous communities that make up the majority of the population in Guyana’s rainforest. By enhancing their capacity and active engagement, we can influence Guyanese decision makers with authority over issues related to land tenure, forest management and climate change financing.

The program focuses on bringing together an independent alliance of civil society and indigenous peoples’ organizations, in order to collectively advocate for inclusion of stronger safeguards for rights and more effective participation. In addition, we research and publicly disseminate updated information from the field, which can be used by government and international agencies in shaping climate change and rainforest protection programs. We also provide communities with basic tools and know-how to participate in decisions relating to climate change and rainforest protection. Finally, we provide information and training on issues of sustainable livelihood and relevant technology projects.