With so many global charities supporting the climate, we are proud and grateful to see several publications recognize Rainforest Foundation US on their “Best Charities” lists, because in doing so, they are implicitly recognizing the incredible work being carried out by our indigenous partners—the rainforests’ best protectors.
Marie Claire said earlier this year our programs were “groundbreaking.” Gizmodo heralded us for our work “with Indigenous communities on the front lines.” And The Roundup called us “a leading charity fighting climate change.”
Each year, we work hard to earn and keep the trust of our donors, and to ensure that the bulk of our funding goes directly into our programs, which support our indigenous partners. This, combined with high levels of financial transparency, has helped us keep our top four-star rating for years with Charity Navigator—the gold standard of charity assessment.
Rainforest communities are some of the most marginalized people in the world, and yet they are defending—often thanklessly and at great risk—one of the world’s most precious resources: the forests that need to stay standing to blunt the impact of the climate crisis. We are honored to be able to continue to support our partners, and their incredibly important work for the planet.
In her latest article, Akola Thompson, advocacy coordinator at Guyana’s South Rupununi District Council, delves into the impacts of carbon offsetting on the Indigenous peoples of Guyana. She highlights the government’s persistent refusal to acknowledge Indigenous communities’ claims to their customary lands.
Guyana has added almost all its forests to the carbon market, signing a $750 million carbon credit deal with petroleum company Hess Corporation, of which 15% will go to Indigenous communities. However, climate experts and Indigenous leaders are questioning the scheme’s accuracy in measuring carbon emissions and whether communities were properly consulted.
In this newsletter, you will learn about why our work—protecting rainforest in partnership with Indigenous peoples—is crucial in combating climate change, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Additionally, we provide updates about our work in Guyana, Brazil, and Panama.
Rainforest Foundation US is tackling the major challenges of our day: deforestation, the climate crisis, and human rights violations. Your donation moves us one step closer to creating a more sustainable and just future.
Didier Devers
Chief of Party – USAID Guatemala
gro.y1685337388nffr@1685337388sreve1685337388dd1685337388
Didier has been coordinating the USAID-funded B’atz project since joining Rainforest Foundation US in April 2022. He holds a Master’s in Applied Anthropology and a Bachelor’s in Geography. Before joining the organization, Didier worked for 12 years in Central and South America on issues of transparency, legality, governance, and managing stakeholders’ processes in the environmental sector. Prior to that he worked on similar issues in Central Africa. He speaks French, Spanish, and English, and is based in Guatemala.
