People worldwide are attacked and killed for protecting forests from being logged. Human Rights Watch saves forests and protects their defenders. They shed light on human rights abuses and pressures governments to enforce legislation and policies to stop these destructive practices through investigations, exposing abuses linked to deforestation, and campaigning for change.
Globally we deforest around 10 million hectares per year, roughly the size of Portugal, and most of this deforestation occurs in the tropics. This has severe effects for our climate, biodiversity and forest-dependent communities. The overexploitation and unsustainable use needs to be urgently addressed to protect our forests. Milkywire supports organizations that fight to stop deforestation and overexploitation of forests to secure local livelihoods and wildlife habitats.
Stop deforestation and overexploitation
Suriname
Suriname stands as the only nation maintaining over 90% of its original forest, a remarkable environmental feat. To preserve this legacy, new legislation is being crafted to declare millions of hectares as protected areas. However, these forests currently face unprecedented threats, including agriculture, mining, and road development. Addressing this, Re:wild, in collaboration with the Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) and the newly formed local NGO Wildlife and People, is empowering South Suriname's Indigenous communities, particularly the Trio people, to protect their ancestral lands.
Stop deforestation and overexploitation
Rwanda
This initiative is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of Rwanda's natural wetlands. Understanding that human-related threats, often stemming from poverty, livelihood challenges, and lack of awareness, alongside competition between humans and animals for habitat, drive these issues, the project adopts a community-driven strategy that also aims to enhance local livelihoods.
Stop deforestation and overexploitation
Colombia + 2 countries
Amazon Frontlines empowers Indigenous communities to safeguard their ancestral lands and combat the escalating threats posed by resource extraction. They are spearheading a movement to preserve the world's most biodiverse rainforests while advancing thriving, resilient Indigenous communities.