Forests
The Amazon is on fire: 5 things you need to know
The Amazon is on fire. Here are 5 things you need to know.
1 in 4 people depend directly on forests for their livelihoods.
Forests make life possible
As many as 120 prescription drugs worldwide derive directly from plants found in forests.
Deforestation accounts for 11 percent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
What we do
The challenge
The world has lost nearly half its forests for agriculture, development or resource extraction. Yet the value of the benefits that standing forests provide is immense: Tropical forests alone account for at least 30 percent of the global mitigation action needed to halt climate change. Yet this value remains largely invisible.
The vision
Conservation International strives to protect tropical forests around the world, working directly with the communities who live in, and depend on, these forests. Through science, policy and partnerships, we work to show that forests are worth more standing than cut down.
Help Protect Forests
People need forests. Protect an acre for $25, and you help create a healthier, more productive planet for nature and for people.
How we work
Conservation International uses a science-based approach to prioritize the most important forests and the benefits they provide; to quantify the value of those benefits for decision-makers; to protect them sustainably for the long term; and to monitor their ongoing protection and health.
© Benjamin Drummond
Prioritize
Conservation International teams with local partners, communities and experts to identify and map the world’s “natural capital” — the ecosystems that provide the most benefits to humanity. The world’s forests are key stores of this natural capital, as they regulate climate, harbor biodiversity and regulate water flows.
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© Adrián Portugal
Value
Knowing the economic value of the benefits that forests provide can make forests’ contribution to livelihoods and economies visible, enabling smarter decisions. Conservation International has developed innovative ways to quantify the value of forests so that countries and companies can measure their impact — and reliance — on forests.
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© Charlie Shoemaker
Protect
Conservation International employs an array of tools and approaches to create long-term protections for forest ecosystems and the benefits they provide, including livelihoods and community well-being.
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© Benjamin Drummond
Monitor
Around the world, Conservation International monitors forests to both ensure their health and to ensure the long-term success of our work. Monitoring serves as an early-warning system for destructive trends and helps us target conservation efforts.
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News from the CI Blog
Forests
What on Earth is 'reforestation'?
In this installment of “What on Earth?” we explore the “reforestation” — what it is, why it’s important, and how it can help stop climate change.
Forests
Deforestation in the Amazon, fuel-efficient futures and shark by-catch: 3 stories you may have missed
In case you missed it: Deforestation rates in the Amazon exponentially increasing, four major automakers signed a deal with California to increase fuel-efficiency standards and sharks have little refuge from the dangers of bycatch.
Forests
EU bid to halt imported deforestation 'moot without investment'
In a new communication, the European Union announced steps it will take to promote global reforestation efforts and end deforestation related to EU imports of agricultural commodities.
Forests
‘Ecological SWAT team’ documents treasures from a lost city
A team of scientists completed a biological survey of the “White City” of Honduras, a recently discovered set of ancient ruins deep within the Mosquitia rainforest.
Forests
How an unheralded US law could help protect Africa’s forests
The head of Conservation International's Africa field division has a suggestion for the continent’s decision-makers: redirect some of your debt to the United States into conserving nature.
Offset Your Carbon Footprint
You can assess your household’s annual carbon footprint — or a single trip or event — and offset your impact.© Trond Larsen
‘I’ve seen just about everything.’
The Redwood speaks for all trees. Why are they disappearing?© Gary Weathers
Spread the Word
Tell the world that protecting valuable forests is vital to human well-being.© William Crosse
Stay Informed
Stay up to date on our work protecting the most critical forest around the globe.
