Rainforest Trust purchases and protects the most threatened tropical forests, saving endangered wildlife through partnerships and community engagement.

So far, we have protected more than 45 million acres by establishing protected areas in partnership with local organizations and engaged communities across more than 72 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

The best way to protect rainforests

We are confident that the simplest and most cost-effective solution to prevent deforestation is to create legally-recognized protected areas where forests and their species can continue contributing to the health of the global ecosystem.

Our unique, cost-effective conservation model has been implemented successfully for over 30 years.

Through highly effective partnerships, we ensure sustainable results necessary for the long-term protection of tropical ecosystems and the wildlife they hold. Our reserves are exemplary models of international conservation. Rainforest Trust identifies critical sites that provide a permanent refuge for endangered species, but that face immediate and direct threats typically from loggers, miners or ranchers.

We work with local communities to protect wild lands

We establish strategic partnerships with local communities and committed conservationists, providing technical capacity and support while respecting and embracing local knowledge and land stewardship that is key to achieving long-term land management and species protection.

Protection requires swift action, and we work with our partners to develop scientifically-based conservation plans that are not only timely, but also resilient and sustainable. Our partners work closely with their national governments and local communities to formally establish reserves protecting the land.

These protected areas are established through direct land purchase; designation in cooperation with governments and communities; and community-managed areas that secure communal lands occupied by indigenous groups which depend on the land for their survival.

Our solution works: 99% of the forest in our reserves has remained standing post-protection.