Thriving Communities, Healthy Landscapes
We're helping more than two million farmers embrace more sustainable growing practices that can help build resilience to climate change and boost yields.... Continue Reading
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What's at Stake
Across the tropics, farming and forest communities face a daily struggle to cover life’s basic needs. Breaking the cycle of rural poverty—and tackling the ensuing impacts for people and nature—is critical for a more sustainable future for us all.
RURAL POVERTY, DEFORESTATION, AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Rural poverty is at the root of many of our most pressing global challenges, from child labor and poor working conditions to deforestation for agricultural expansion. Economic desperation exacerbates these complex issues, which are deeply embedded in global supply chains. The result is a vicious cycle of environmental destruction and human suffering.
Our Impact
Our work to cultivate rural prosperity brings real, measurable benefits for farmers, forest communities and Indigenous peoples around the world.
Building a sustainable forest economy
US$69.7 million
earned by our Maya Biosphere Reserve community partners from 2013-2021*
The Rainforest Alliance has been working with the community forestry concessions in Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve since 1999—helping to develop thriving forest enterprises based on the responsible harvesting and processing of non-timber forest products (such as nuts and palm fronds), in addition to timber for export, according to the rigorous standard of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
*2013-2021 earnings from 100+ small and medium-sized forest-based businesses in the community concessions of Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve.
Improving farmer incomes
40% higher cocoa income
on West African small-scale certified farms*
In 70 countries, farmers are trained in more sustainable practices that boost climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and promote worker wellbeing—while also helping to increase productivity and improve their incomes. Learn more
*Three studies published in 2018-2020 reveal that income from cocoa production is 40% higher on average on Rainforest Alliance and UTZ Certified farms in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, compared to non-certified farms:
Our Work: Livelihoods
The Rainforest Alliance partners with frontline communities to build thriving rural economies rooted in more sustainable growing practices and forest stewardship. We also promote responsible business practices to ensure that companies recognize and reward sustainability transformation—in the field as well as the boardroom.
Our Work to Improve Rural Livelihoods
To improve rural livelihoods, we foster deep collaboration between farmers, civil society organizations, companies, and governments.... Continue Reading
Our Work with the Global Living Wage Coalition
The Rainforest Alliance believes that workers around the world should be paid enough money to provide a decent life for themselves and their families.... Continue Reading
Innovative Ways to Enhance Living Income for Cocoa Farmers
At the Rainforest Alliance, we believe in a shared responsibility approach that encourages companies to do their part in ensuring a living income for farmers. This is the basis of our initiatives, the Living Income Module and the Living Income Fund.... Continue Reading
All resources for Livelihoods
Our Response to the Proposed EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence
We welcome the European Commission's proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence and recommend ways to make it even more impactful. ... Continue Reading
Why We Advocate for Mandatory Due Diligence Legislation
Mandatory due diligence legislation can ensure that companies identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for potential risks and negative impacts that their practices may have on human rights and the environment. ... Continue Reading
Natural Climate Solutions: Tackling the Dual Threats of Climate Change and Rural Poverty
Our future climate stability depends on achieving net-zero emissions as quickly as possible, and natural climate solutions are essential to reaching that goal. The Rainforest Alliance is positioned for impact in this space—working across 70 countries and global supply chains in many of the most critically important natural landscapes throughout Latin America, Africa, and Asia. […]
Project Profile: Strengthening Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Guatemala
We are partnering with the Government of Guatemala to help increase capacity to adapt to climate risks and improve the livelihoods of those who live in vulnerable communities.... Continue Reading
Partnerships for Impact: Collaborating with JDE Peet’s to Improve Farmer Livelihoods
When addressing the complex challenges facing farmers, the Rainforest Alliance uses a context-specific approach for identifying and remediating critical supply chain risks. Through a collaborative partnership, like the Common Grounds program we developed with JDE Peet’s, we can help your company achieve its sustainability goals.... Continue Reading
What Can World Leaders Do to Make COP26 Deforestation Pledge a Success?
Global leaders who have pledged to halt deforestation by 2030 must move quickly to strengthen forest protection laws, line up funding, and include Indigenous people in conservation efforts to have the best chance of success.