Rainforest Foundation US
Nearly four decades ago, Sting and Trudie Styler committed to safeguarding the Kayapo Indigenous community in Brazil from the dire consequences of deforestation. Today, Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS)—a grassroots organization they co-founded in 1988—continues this vital mission in Brazil while also extending its efforts to preserve Indigenous communities and rainforests in Peru, Guyana, and Mesoamerica.
A Rights-Based Strategy
With around 1.5 million Indigenous individuals residing in the Amazon, RFUS emphasizes the preservation of rainforests alongside the rights of their inhabitants.
“Empowering Indigenous peoples as the key protectors of the rainforest is central to our mission,” states Executive Director Suzanne Pelletier. “This initiative transcends mere forest conservation; it’s about advocating for their rights, livelihoods, and cultural practices.”
Policies Centered on Indigenous Communities
Upholding the rights of Indigenous peoples offers a multitude of advantages—not only enhancing the health of rainforests but also benefiting the planet amid a climate emergency.
“Deforestation ranks as the second primary contributor to global carbon emissions,” notes Pelletier. “Research indicates that forests overseen by Indigenous peoples serve as more effective carbon sinks compared to national parks and are subjected to less deforestation than areas not managed by Indigenous communities.”
RFUS equips Indigenous communities with essential training for territorial oversight, land stewardship, policy reform, land titling, and legal support.
The advocacy for Indigenous rights has been integral to RFUS since its formation. Pelletier asserts, “We were among the early organizations to fuse the protection of Indigenous rights with environmental conservation on a broad scale.”
“Last year, we aided over 200 Indigenous communities in enhancing their governance, administration, and financial capacities,” Pelletier elaborates. “This dual approach not only mitigates deforestation but also empowers Indigenous peoples to effectively steward and safeguard their ancestral territories.”
Save the Rainforest Bars
Recognizing they had crafted a unique product in the form of a nourishing superfood bar, co-founders Lauren Feingold and Ashanty Williams sought to give back to the Amazon rainforest, the very source of the ingredients that make their product special.
Expressing Gratitude to Mother Earth
When Feingold and Williams opted to create their own superfood bar, maintaining high-quality ingredients was non-negotiable.
“A significant portion of our superfoods are sourced from the Amazon Rainforest. With time, we became increasingly aware of our supply chain,” Feingold explains. “We educated ourselves about the Amazon region and its challenges due to deforestation.”
Feingold credits a business associate for connecting her with an executive at Rainforest Foundation US. “We were instantly moved by the impactful work RFUS has accomplished and continues to pursue in protecting the Amazon Rainforest’s ancestral lands,” she adds.
An Inspiring Collaboration
Every time a Save the Rainforest Bars product is purchased, 5% of the profits are donated to RFUS.
“We recognize that the benefits of consuming nutrient-dense, functional ingredients can only occur through the protection of Mother Earth, the magical source of our incredible ingredients,” Feingold states. “It’s truly a privilege to partner with such a significant organization that allows us to contribute to the health of the planet by donating a portion of our bar sales and raising awareness about the necessity of saving the rainforest.”
A Nourishing Rainforest Produces Healthy Ingredients
“What distinguishes our bars from others available in the market are our ingredients,” asserts Feingold, who identifies as an athlete and chef.
Produced in a raw, paleo facility, flavors such as Mango Cashew, Mexican Chocolate, and Blueberry Matcha make Save the Rainforest Bars an enticing way to enjoy organic rainforest superfoods while supporting the rights-based activism aimed at combating deforestation led by RFUS.
This article was originally featured in the September-October 2024 issue of up7op magazine (US edition).
