Protecting Lands - Sustaining Lives


The goal of Rainforest Awareness Month is to draw attention to the issues surrounding indigenous peoples and rainforest protection. Get involved here.




VIDEO: Maya Land Rights: The Conejo and Santa Cruz Lawsuits

This documentary chronicles the historic land rights case of the Maya of Southern Belize. It was directed by Gage & Gage Productions and produced in association with The University of Arizona 's Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program (IPLP). Watch the film.



UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to focus on Climate Change

Indigenous leaders from all over the world will be gathering in New York from April 21st to May 2nd for the Seventh Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Jim Anaya, former chair of RF US, will also address the Forum in his new role as incoming Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Issues. Read more.



URGENT ACTION ALERT: Tension in Raposa Serra do Sol

Since April 15, 2005, when Raposa Serra do Sol (RSS) was ratified, indigenous communities have been waiting for the government to remove non-indigenous occupants, chief among them a small handful of powerful and politically-connected rice growers.
Click here to read more and to join in the international email campaign.



VIDEO: Davi Kopenawa Yanomami Speaks Out

Davi Kopenawa Yanomami, president of Hutukara spoke to Rainforest Foundation US about the government’s proposed plans to allow mining within demarcated indigenous territory despite opposition from the communities. Read more.




Illegal Loggers Threaten Isolated Indigenous Group In Ecuador

In early February, several members of the isolated Tageri-Taromenae group were murdered by loggers who were illegally operating in their territory. Read more.



Deforestation Rates Rise in Brazil

In late January, the Brazilian government released data on deforestation in the Amazon between August and December 2007. With the rising prices of cattle, soy, and other commodities, the deforestation rates are soaring once again. Read more.



NYC Parks Dept. to Stop Using Rainforest Woods

In a recent decision, NYC Parks has committed to stop using tropical hardwoods for benches. Congratulations to our colleagues at Rainforest Relief for all their work on this campaign, and for bringing local action to bear on rainforest destruction. Read more.




Indigenous Jewelry For Sale

We are very excited to offer the opportunity to support indigenous women of Roraima(OMIR)through the purchase of traditional necklaces and woven seed bracelets.