| 
Here's the latest news from The Rainforest Foundation about our campaigns, projects and events.
Top Stories
Pressure builds on World Bank to save Congo rainforest
'Pygmy' peoples described the misery and poverty that comes with rainforest destruction during a live video conference with World Bank President James Wolfensohn organised by The Rainforest Foundation. The 'Pygmys' urged Mr. Wolfensohn to halt plans that could unleash a wave of destruction on the
rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [...more] |
|
Run for the Rainforest on World Run Day
Runners all over the world will put themselves through their paces in aid of charity on 7th November as 40 runs take place in 20 countries for World Run Day. In London, thousands will head to Victoria Park in Hackney to 'Run for the Rainforest.' [...more]
|
REGISTER NOW!
|
|
'Pygmy' abuse report sparks government attention
A report detailing atrocities suffered by 'Pygmys' in the Republic of Congo published by The Rainforest Foundation ('Congo pygmies suffer daily atrocities' - Summer 2004) prompted a response by Congo's Minister of Justice and Human Rights. The Congolese Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH), our partner organisation and authors of the report, have been invited to contribute to the drafting of a law on 'Pygmy' rights. "This is a breakthrough in the protection of minority rights," said OCDH director Roger Bouka Owoko.
|
|
Campaign News
Certifications challenged
The Rainforest Foundation's campaign for the reform of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) gained further strength when leading environmental groups in Germany and South Africa challenged its practices. German conservation groups called the FSC's proposed new system for eco-labelling wood "unworkable" and potentially "misleading" to the public. South African groups are urging the FSC to suspend the certification of industrial wood plantations calling it "dishonest and fraudulent" to certify environmentally and socially destructive timber plantations as "responsibly managed forests." [
more]
|
Project News
Ashaninka protest against land claim delays
Frustrated by bureaucratic obstacles in securing their lands, Ashaninka peoples recently blocked main roads in the Selva Central region of Peru. Two large communal reserves secured last year by The Rainforest Foundation's partner organisation in Peru, ACPC, are now on hold. [...more]
|
|
|
Events
The Art of Wildlife
The paintings and sculptures from some of the world's most eminent wildlife artists are featured in an exhibition 18th-23rd October at the Air Gallery, London. Sales of work from the free exhibition will benefit The Foundation. [online gallery]
|
Alan Ainslie
|
Climb every mountain
Steven Tandy and his seven-year-old son Cameron of West Sussex braved gale force winds, freezing temperatures, driving rain and zero visibility during the Three Peaks Challenge 18th-19th September in aid of The Rainforest Foundation. The challenge involves scaling the UK's three highest peaks -- Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England) and Snowdon (Wales) in 24 hours. "It really was a battle," said Steven. "But all in all it was absolutely brilliant and for a good cause." |

Stephen & Cameron
on the peak of Ben Nevis |
| His son Cameron, a wilderness lover, had climbed all the UK mountains over 3,000 feet by the age of six. By finishing the Three Peaks, he became the third youngest person to complete this Herculean feat. "He's a star," said his father. "I'm really proud of him." The pair raised over £500 for The Rainforest Foundation.
|
Canopy Season at the Eden Project
The Rainforest Foundation UK is participating in Canopy Season at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Boasting the largest rainforest "in captivity", the Eden Project is celebrating the fascinating and hidden world of the treetops until 31 October. Rainforest Foundation director Simon Counsell presented a keynote address focusing on indigenous people and the rainforest canopy during opening ceremonies. Visit the Eden Project website to find out more and look out for The Rainforest Foundation display in the Dome Tent. |
|
Tune in
Simon Counsell also joins a heated television debate on forestry and wildlife in Africa during a BBC World Earth Report due to be broadcast on Saturday 25th September at 17.30 and Sunday 26 September at 08.30 on digital TV. Old Growth and Gorillas brings together high level participants from Non-Governmantal Organisation's and timber companies for the debate held in the House of Commons.
...and finally
Thanks for listening!
Thank you to everyone who responded to the BBC Radio 4 broadcast by Sting on behalf of The Rainforest Foundation in June. The appeal rasied over £12,000. |
Forests in Focus is designed to update you on the latest news and campaigns from the Rainforest Foundation. If you have feedback on the current newsletter or suggestions on how we might improve it, please email Rosemary Brown.
The Rainforest Foundation is a registered charity (801436) working to support indigenous people and traditional populations of the world's rainforests to protect their environment and fulfil their rights to land and livelihood.
Please forward this to interested friends, family or colleagues.
To subscribe to, or unsubscribe from, any future emails, including our newsletter and regular updates, or simply to change your address, email Rosemary Brown with the request (e.g 'subscribe') in the subject header.
|