Rainforest Foundation US
Nearly four decades ago, Sting and Trudie Styler committed to safeguarding the Kayapo community in Brazil against the detrimental impacts of deforestation. Currently, Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS)—a grassroots initiative established by them in 1988—continues its mission in Brazil while also working to safeguard Indigenous communities and rainforests in Peru, Guyana, and Mesoamerica.
A rights-based approach
With about 1.5 million Indigenous individuals residing in the Amazon rainforest, RFUS emphasizes the importance of rainforest conservation alongside the rights of its inhabitants.
“Empowering Indigenous communities as the primary defenders of the rainforest is essential to our mission,” states Executive Director Suzanne Pelletier. “This initiative goes beyond mere forest preservation; it encompasses advocating for their rights, livelihoods, and cultural practices.”
Indigenous-centered policies
Safeguarding Indigenous rights not only enhances rainforest health, but also supports the planet’s well-being amid a climate crisis.
“Deforestation ranks as the second largest cause of carbon emissions globally,” notes Pelletier. “Research indicates that forests overseen by Indigenous peoples serve as superior carbon sinks compared to even national parks, and they face lower rates of deforestation than non-Indigenous-managed lands.”
RFUS champions and strengthens Indigenous communities through training in land management, policy, and legal matters, alongside assisting with land title acquisition.
Advocating for Indigenous rights has been a fundamental principle of RFUS from the beginning. “We were among the first organizations to blend Indigenous rights with environmental conservation on a wider scale,” Pelletier observes.
“In the past year alone, we aided over 200 Indigenous communities in enhancing their governance, administration, and financial capabilities,” Pelletier adds. “This holistic strategy not only curbs deforestation but also empowers Indigenous communities to effectively oversee and safeguard their traditional lands.”
Save the Rainforest Bars
Recognizing that they had crafted a unique product in the form of a nourishing superfood bar, co-founders Lauren Feingold and Ashanty Williams were determined to give back to the Amazon rainforest, from which the bar derives many of its nutrient-rich components.
Giving thanks to Mother Earth
When Feingold and Williams set out to create their own superfood bar, they were resolute about not compromising on the quality of the ingredients.
“A significant portion of our superfoods is sourced from the Amazon Rainforest. Over time, we became increasingly aware of our supply chain,” Feingold remarks. “We began to understand more about the Amazon region and its challenges with deforestation.”
Feingold acknowledges a business associate for connecting her with an executive director at Rainforest Foundation US. “We were immediately moved by the impactful work that RFUS has been undertaking and continues to pursue to safeguard the ancestral territories of the Amazon Rainforest,” she shares.
An inspired pairing
With each purchase of Save the Rainforest Bars, 5% of profits are contributed to RFUS.
“We recognize that the advantages of consuming nutrient-rich, functional ingredients can only be reaped by protecting Mother Earth, the wondrous source of our treasured ingredients,” states Feingold. “Partnering with such a vital organization that enables us to contribute, however modestly, to the earth’s health through our donations and raising awareness about the need to protect the rainforest has been a true honor.”
A healthy rainforest yields health ingredients
“The uniqueness of our ingredients is what differentiates our bars from others available in the market,” comments Feingold, who is both an athlete and a chef.
Produced in a raw, paleo facility and featuring flavors like Mango Cashew, Mexican Chocolate, and Blueberry Matcha, Save the Rainforest Bars offer a delicious, energizing way to enjoy organic rainforest superfoods while supporting the vital work of RFUS in combating deforestation and promoting Indigenous rights.
This article was initially featured in the September-October 2024 edition of up7op magazine (US edition).
