2021: world loses 11.1 million hectares of tropical forest
The world lost 11.1 million hectares of tropical forest in 2021, with particularly alarming developments in Brazil and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
More than expected: 73,300 tree species on Earth
A new study concludes that an estimated 73,300 tree species exist on Earth, with 9,200 of them still undiscovered by science.
A man-made disaster: mega-plantations in the rainforests of Sumatra
Mega-plantations are consuming millions of acres of forest and destroying the livelihoods of smallholders. A brief look at the reality of "Food Estates" in North Sumatra.
A green sea of ferns, mosses, vines and ancient trees. Iridescent butterflies and colorful birds. Flowers in every hue of the rainbow. The “green lung” is a natural wonder of the world. Find out more about the world’s most diverse, fascinating and threatened ecosystem.
Climate and the rainforest
Rainforests are tightly intertwined with the climate: while forests are suffering from global warming, they are also the key to climate protection.
We’re working around the world, supporting our partners on the ground in tropical countries. Find out more about where we’re involved and what we’re doing.
- Donation Alerts
Brazil: Stop Bolsonaro's new assault on the Amazon rainforest!
Please help avert a new assault on the indigenous people and their protected areas in the Amazon. Say NO to mining and hydroelectric power plants in the rainforest!
Ecuador: The Sápara people reclaim 251,503 hectares of rainforest
With the support of Rainforest Rescue, the indigenous Sápara people of Ecuador have regained ownership of their rainforest after months of legal battles.
Moorim paper company destroys pristine forests in Papua, Indonesia
Papua, a paradise for biodiversity and indigenous culture, is being devastated for paper. An investigation details the destruction of pristine forests in Papua, Indonesia.
Development banks shirk responsibility for victims of land grabbing and violence
DEG has sold its shares in the Congolese plantation company PHC, leaving local people vulnerable to the whims of the new investors.
Paraguay: give the Manjui people their land NOW!
The survival of the indigenous Manjui in Paraguay is at stake: Although the state acquired 38,406 hectares of land for them in 1998, it was never put in their name.
Ecuador: Constitutional Court backs indigenous people in fight against gold mining
Illegal gold mining concessions in the territory of the indigenous A'i Cofán must revoked. The Constitutional Court upheld the complaints of the indigenous people.
A victory for land rights: Penyang village prevails in court
An encouraging precedent: Mr. Hiden from Penyang in Borneo prevailed against a palm oil company. According to the court ruling, the company must return the stolen land.
Namibia: Canadian oil company reportedly destroys pristine bushland
ReconAfrica, a Canadian oil company, is reported to have destroyed bushland in Namibia. The company has announced plans to drill three to six additional test wells in 2022.
72,643 signatures delivered to UN over Africa deals with Bolloré
It was a wake-up call for three UN agencies: On Monday, Rainforest Rescue and the Oakland Institute sent them a petition with 72,643 signatures.
Defenders of Kinipan Forest in Borneo taken to court
The village of Kinipan in the mountains of Borneo has become a symbol of the dispute over forest rights. Now their village chief is on trial.
Maasai fears of eviction are growing
In Tanzania, the situation for the pastoralist Maasai people is coming to a head: Plans by the authorities to evict tens of thousands of people are taking shape.
Ecuador: Pipeline rupture causes oil spill in rainforest
The OCP pipeline was built with a million-euro loan from Westdeutsche Landesbank. Indigenous organizations complain about the pollution of rivers in the Amazon region.