Rainforest Foundation US
Nearly four decades ago, Sting and Trudie Styler committed themselves to safeguarding the Kayapo communities in Brazil from the dire consequences of deforestation. Currently, the Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS)—a grassroots initiative they established in 1988—continues its advocacy in Brazil and has broadened its mission to support Indigenous populations and rainforests in Peru, Guyana, and Mesoamerica.
A rights-based approach
With around 1.5 million Indigenous peoples residing in the Amazon, RFUS emphasizes not only the ecological integrity of rainforests but also the rights of their inhabitants.
“Our core belief is that supporting Indigenous communities as the main custodians of the rainforest is essential,” states Executive Director Suzanne Pelletier. “This initiative goes beyond mere forest preservation; it’s fundamentally about advocating for their rights, livelihoods, and cultural practices.”
Indigenous-centered policies
Safeguarding Indigenous rights not only contributes to rainforest preservation but also enhances global environmental health amid the climate emergency.
“Deforestation ranks as the second largest contributor to global carbon emissions,” Pelletier explains. “Research shows that forests managed by Indigenous peoples serve as more effective carbon sinks than national parks, and tend to face less deforestation.”
RFUS empowers Indigenous communities through training in territorial monitoring, land management, policy and systemic reforms, land titling, and legal assistance.
The commitment to Indigenous advocacy has been a foundational aspect of RFUS since its establishment. “We were pioneers in merging Indigenous rights with large-scale environmental protection,” Pelletier remarks.
“Last year, we aided over 200 Indigenous communities in reinforcing their governance, administration, and financial capabilities,” she adds. “This integrated approach not only curtails deforestation but also strengthens Indigenous groups in their fight to safeguard their ancestral territories.”
Save the Rainforest Bars
Recognizing the uniqueness of their nourishing superfood bar, co-founders Lauren Feingold and Ashanty Williams aimed to give back to the Amazon rainforest, the origin of many ingredients for their product.
Giving thanks to Mother Earth
When Feingold and Williams embarked on creating their superfood bar, they were adamant about not compromising on the quality of their ingredients.
“Many of our superfood ingredients originate from the Amazon Rainforest. As we learned more about our supply chain, our understanding of the impacts of deforestation on this vital region grew,” Feingold shares.
Feingold acknowledges a business associate for connecting her with an executive director at Rainforest Foundation US. “We were inspired right away by the impactful work RFUS has engaged in to preserve the ancestral lands of the Amazon,” she reflects.
An inspired pairing
For every Save the Rainforest Bars product sold, 5% of the profits are donated to RFUS.
“We are aware that harvesting the benefits of nutrient-rich, functional ingredients can only happen when we protect Mother Earth, the wondrous source of our ingredients,” Feingold emphasizes. “Partnering with such an influential organization has been an honor, as we’ve been able to contribute to preserving the planet’s health and spreading awareness about the significance of safeguarding the rainforest.”
A healthy rainforest yields health ingredients
“The quality of our ingredients distinguishes our bars from the multitude of others available,” states Feingold, a dedicated athlete and chef.
Produced in a raw, paleo-certified facility, with flavors like Mango Cashew, Mexican Chocolate, and Blueberry Matcha, Save the Rainforest Bars offer a delicious and energizing way to enjoy organic rainforest superfoods while actively contributing to the deforestation prevention and advocacy efforts of RFUS.
This article originally appeared in the September-October 2024 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine (US edition).
