Around the world, there are millions of people living in rainforests whose livelihoods and cultures depend on their natural environment. In many cases, the basic rights of these people are threatened or undermined by forest destruction, land theft and resource exploitation. The Rainforest Foundation believes that the long-term protection of rainforests and the rights of indigenous communities to land, life and livelihoods, are inextricably linked.

We therefore focus on initiatives that assist indigenous forest peoples in fulfilling their own needs. These can range from projects that promote their legal land rights, to programmes promoting community forestry, agricultural self-sufficiency or teacher training. All projects supported by the Foundation are undertaken collaboratively with local indigenous peoples or non-governmental organisations.