The tropical rainforest is a thermometer of the state of
the planet. More than half of the terrestrial plant and
animal species live there. It is “the main biological
library of the earth.” Most of the information in this
library is not even known to science. The forests also
contain and store enormous amounts of carbon. The
yearly destruction of the tropical forests results in
emissions of more CO
2
than all cars in the world. The
library burns.
This is why the state of the rainforest concerns the
whole world. Norwegians and people in other non-
tropical countries may choose to live as if this did not
concern them – but only for a while. As expressed by
King Harald of Norway “If the rainforests disappear,
they will not come back. Then the world will be an
altered place to live.”
For the peoples who have lived in and of the rainforests
for hundreds or thousands of years the destruction of
the rainforest is already a matter of life or death. This
publication is dedicated to them.
Rainforest Foundation Norway supports indigenous peoples and traditional populations
of the world’s rainforests in their efforts to protect their environment and secure their
customary land rights. RFN was established in 1989, and today we work with local
environmental, indigenous and human rights organisations in 11 rainforest countries in
the Amazon region, Central Africa, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. RFN is an independent
foundation, and part of the international Rainforest Foundation network, with sister
organisations in the United Kingdom and the USA.
GRID-Arendal aims to create environmental knowledge enabling positive change. This
is achieved by organizing and transforming available environmental data into credible,
science-based information products, delivered through innovative communication
tools and capacity-building services targeting relevant stakeholders. GRID-Arendal
also collaborates with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supporting
informed decision making and awareness-raising through: Environmental information
management and assessment; Capacity building services; and Outreach and
communication tools, methodologies and products.
For enquiries, contact:
Rainforest Foundation Norway
Mariboes gate 8, 0183 Oslo
Tel. (+47) 23 10 95 00
