The World Bank has presented the Proposed Environmental and Social Framework for consultation. A new, revised set of standards seek to "ensure the delivery of an environmental and social framework which is more efficient and comprehensive," however, Rainforest Fund sees significant flaws in the proposed draft. It includes watered down standards making it easier for states to ignore the rights of indigenous peoples. … [Read more...] about Rainforest Fund Comments to the World Bank on the Revised Economic and Social Framework
indigenous & tribal populations
There’s money in them trees…or is there? Taking a look at the economics of deforestation
Research shows that while deforestation can lead to an initial boom in a country's GDP, over time, the boom leads to a bust and for the indigenous people whose land was taken over are no better off then before their forests were destroyed. … [Read more...] about There’s money in them trees…or is there? Taking a look at the economics of deforestation
A spirit of reverence: The human right to clean water
Rainforests are among the wettest places on our planet, getting between 8 to 14 feet of rainfall each year. For comparison, New York gets less than four feet of rain a year and London gets about 2.5 feet. Tropical rainforests are often found in the watersheds of mighty rivers such as the Amazon, the Congo and the Mekong. … [Read more...] about A spirit of reverence: The human right to clean water
A Note from RFUND’s Executive Director on Free, Prior and Informed Consent
Free, prior and informed consent can be understood as one of the main achievements of the indigenous movement, overcoming the old mentality that considered indigenous peoples as unable to decide their own future. … [Read more...] about A Note from RFUND’s Executive Director on Free, Prior and Informed Consent
EXTRACTIVE RESERVES: SUSTAINABLE HARVESTING OF RAINFOREST RESOURCES
Imagine you are on a river boat, meandering down the Amazon. The August sky looms dark and grey overhead, the cool river breeze a welcome respite from the vapid humidity. The silver river glides by as the air is shattered by the sonorous cries of howler monkeys. Then, suddenly, you hear it: the sharp, staccato sound of sharpened metal on aged wood. Someone is cutting down a tree. … [Read more...] about EXTRACTIVE RESERVES: SUSTAINABLE HARVESTING OF RAINFOREST RESOURCES
Supporting Community Led Environmental Monitoring in the Wake of An Oil Spill
Rainforest Fund partner organization ClearWater and Indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon are working hard in the wake of the latest oil spill to ensure that families have clean water. … [Read more...] about Supporting Community Led Environmental Monitoring in the Wake of An Oil Spill
More than the trees: Empowering indigenous people to protect their rainforest homes
How much would you pay for 9 million hectares – that’s an area larger than Scotland or about the size of the US state of Indiana – of unspoiled old-growth tropical rainforest? No, I am not trying to swindle you or sell virgin rainforest lands, but this is now a question the world has to grapple with. According to the Financial Times, Mr. Bavon N’sa Mputu Elima, the Minister of Environment for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a presentation to the UK House of Parliament, explained that … [Read more...] about More than the trees: Empowering indigenous people to protect their rainforest homes
Visiting Homes for ClearWater
ClearWater, Rainforest Fund's partner in Ecuador, documents the process of community visits throughout the region and the importance these visits have on the movement for clean water and indigenous rights. This post originates on ClearWater's blog: http://www.giveclearwater.org/2014/02/visiting-homes-clearwater/ … [Read more...] about Visiting Homes for ClearWater
Ecuador and Morocco endure similar effects from Extractive Industries
The similarities between indigenous people and villagers in the mountains of Morocco signal deep-rooted problems within the operations of extractive industries. … [Read more...] about Ecuador and Morocco endure similar effects from Extractive Industries
Seeds of Empowerment
In 2014, RFUND is once again partnering with longtime friend COMMUNIDAD VIVA of Bolivia in support of women artisans who sustain themselves and their communities by weaving bags, tablecloths and other goods from the native Bromelia hieronymi (garabata). … [Read more...] about Seeds of Empowerment
