Rainforest Foundation US
Nearly four decades ago, Sting and Trudie Styler committed to safeguarding the Kayapo community in Brazil against the dire consequences of deforestation. Today, the Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS)—the grassroots organization they launched in 1988—continues its mission in Brazil and is expanding its efforts to protect Indigenous populations and rainforests in Peru, Guyana, and Mesoamerica.
A Rights-Centered Mission
With approximately 1.5 million Indigenous individuals residing in the Amazon rainforest, RFUS emphasizes the importance of both rainforest conservation and the protection of the rights of its inhabitants.
“Our mission centers on empowering Indigenous peoples as primary custodians of the rainforest,” asserts Executive Director Suzanne Pelletier. “This effort transcends mere forest conservation; it also encompasses the preservation of their rights, livelihoods, and cultural practices.”
Indigenous-Focused Strategies
Defending Indigenous rights yields significant advantages—not only for rainforest ecosystems but also for global environmental health amid a climate emergency.
“Deforestation ranks as the second-largest contributor to carbon emissions globally,” explains Pelletier. “Research shows that forests managed by Indigenous populations function as superior carbon sinks compared to national parks and experience lower rates of deforestation.”
RFUS empowers Indigenous communities by providing training in territorial monitoring, land management, policy advocacy, land titling, and legal support.
Advocacy for Indigenous rights has been a core principle for RFUS since its founding. “We were pioneers in merging Indigenous rights with environmental protection initiatives on a broad scale,” Pelletier reflects.
“Last year, we assisted over 200 Indigenous communities in bolstering their governance, administration, and financial structures,” Pelletier adds. “This integrated strategy not only mitigates deforestation but also empowers Indigenous populations to effectively oversee and safeguard their ancestral territories.”
Save the Rainforest Bars
Realizing that they had created a distinctive product in the form of a nourishing superfood bar, co-founders Lauren Feingold and Ashanty Williams sought ways to give back to the Amazon rainforest, the origin of many of the bar’s nutrient-rich components.
Honoring Mother Earth
When Feingold and Williams set out to create their own superfood bar, maintaining high-quality ingredients was a non-negotiable priority.
“A substantial portion of our superfoods originate from the Amazon Rainforest. As we learned more about our supply chain, we became increasingly aware of the Amazon’s vulnerability to deforestation,” Feingold reveals.
Feingold attributes her introduction to an executive director at Rainforest Foundation US to a business associate. “We were deeply moved by the impactful work RFUS has achieved and continues to pursue to defend the ancestral territories of the Amazon Rainforest,” she shares.
An Inspiring Collaboration
For every purchase of Save the Rainforest Bars, 5% of the profits are donated to RFUS.
“We recognize that the merit of consuming nutrient-rich, functional foods hinges on our commitment to protecting Mother Earth, the wondrous source of our ingredients,” states Feingold. “Partnering with such a significant organization has been a privilege, allowing us to contribute to the health of our planet through donations from our sales and by raising awareness about the imperative of rainforest conservation.”
The Synergy of Health and Sustainability
“What differentiates our bars from the competition is the quality of our ingredients,” asserts Feingold, who identifies as both an athlete and a chef.
Crafted in a raw, paleo facility, with varieties such as Mango Cashew, Mexican Chocolate, and Blueberry Matcha, Save the Rainforest Bars offer a delicious and energizing option to experience organic rainforest superfoods while supporting RFUS’s efforts in combating deforestation and advocating for Indigenous rights.
This article originally appeared in the September-October 2024 edition of Intomodel magazine (US edition).
