Spring 2007 Report

Saving the world’s rain forests is something everyone can take part in. Since 1992, caring individuals have been making a positive difference in these fragile regions through the Arbor Day Foundation’s Rain Forest Rescue® Program.

Thanks to the Foundation’s members and friends, cooperative work with The Nature Conservancy to conserve endangered land in the Maya Forest has been possible.

Since the founding of Rain Forest Rescue, more than two billion square feet of land has been preserved, and we continue to make positive impacts in the area…for the people who call it their home, for the precious birds and animals that live there, for the diverse species of plants and trees, and for the health of our planet.

Maya Forest

This vast forest is second in size to the Amazon, covering over 13 million acres in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Conservation brings hope to this delicate region to ensure it remains as large in size and vibrant in life as it is now. Hope of sustainability lies in conserving the forest as an entire ecological system, which means various methods of conservation are needed and have already been put into action by the efforts of concerned world citizens like our members.

Plan for Conservation

The generous support of Arbor Day Foundation members has helped create a regional plan to reach the Forest's conservation goals. This plan will maintain biodiversity and protect the fragile areas of the Maya Forest deemed most in need of aid. Together, we have already made a remarkable difference in the area by implementing various efforts, including:

• Providing education and support to Mayan community members on sustainable farming and ranching activities
• Planning efficient use of the land
• Creating nature-based tourism projects
• Managing sustainable timber
• Developing conservation finance plans
• Protecting more acres in the region while supporting the wildlife

These significant strides have had a tremendous impact on the quality of life in the Maya Forest.