Communication
One of the most essential parts of saving the world's rainforests is keeping an open line of communication between
all parties. Communication from all parties, including indigenous peoples, local populations, business interests,
governments, scientists, and conservationists, is key to understanding how to best approach balancing conservation
with development. The information gained from such conferences can be used to help devise a plan that will be acceptable
to all parties. No group should be excluded or misrepresented and every effort should be made to keep conferences
open and non-threatening. Conferences should meet regularly and have some legislative muscle so that decisions
can be implemented. So far no such ideal conference has taken place, but in all fairness the whole rainforest conservation
issue is relatively recent as a worldwide concept.
The conferences that have met to date have brought up important issues, but their decisions tend to lack power
and usually go unimplemented. The largest environmental conference took place in Rio de Janerio in 1992 and was
host to some 100 heads of state, the largest gathering of such officials ever.
Since Rio, there have been countless small conferences which have discussed environmental issues. In June of 1995
the World Commission on Forests and Sustainable Development (WCFSD) met in Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), aiming
to raise the level of understanding of rainforests' duel role in preserving natural environment and contributing
to sustainable development. The conference recognized the need for policy reform together with renewed efforts
to enforce existing regulations to stop deforestation. It promised more local community involvement in forest conservation
and management and placed special emphasis on reconciling conflicts between factions with different views on how
forest use. The conference discussed better definition of land titles for local communities and various financial
mechanisms for ensuring more equal distribution of forests' benefits and revenues. This conference serves as an
example of what conservation conferences propose and how little things actually change afterwards.
Education
Education is one of the most important ingredients to saving the rainforests. Unfortunately, education is not a
high priority in many countries with tropical rainforest. When there are schools, conservation subjects are rarely
taught.
Education can teach the next generation lessons not learned in the past: that rainforests are worth saving. With
this information, children will be more aware the problems they may face in the future when they become leaders.
"There Are No Lemurs in
America?"
What the individual can do
NGOs promote the role of the ordinary individual in conservation efforts. Recent surveys have suggested that the
American public is interested in conservation efforts both on a local level and an international level. A 1999
poll conducted by the Mellman Group Inc. found that the majority of those questioned nationwide favored a proposal
to protect all roadless areas of at least 1000 acres in national forests. So the will exists, it is only a matter
of taking action.
Purchasing and consumption
People in developed countries can stimulate the unsustainable harvesting of tropical timbers by demanding such
wood products. Try to buy wood products that come from sustainably managed stocks (having a legitimate seal of
approval) or non-rainforest woods. Though not as much of a problem now, in the 1980s people in developed countries
indirectly may have contributed to rainforest destruction by demanding cheap beef products (the "US-Central
American connection") and livestock feed (the "Europe-Southeast Asia connection") in form of cassava
grown on former forest lands. Be ecologically aware when you purchase products.
Support sustainably harvested forest products like nuts and natural dyes and the organizations that provide these
goods. Without consumer demand, these products will not be supplied.
Always try to reduce power and water usage. American use more resources per capita than any other group of people
on earth. Much of the electricity we use is fueled by the combustion of fossil fuels which add to global warming.
Recycle and reuse as many materials as possible.
Information
Many conservation and consumer groups maintain that the lack of information is one of the greatest hindrances to
eco-friendly consumption. Stay informed and be aware of new developments in conservation methods, along with campaigns
against forest destroyers, and newly threatened areas. Numerous resources exist on the internet and in print.
Travel
If you have the ability to travel abroad, practice eco-tourism and only support environmentally friendly travel
in environmentally sensitive areas. Just because a tour is advertised as "ecotourism" it does not mean
that it is environmentally sound. Ask around and try to find those operators who are legitimate. When traveling,
try to be a responsible tourist and respect local customs.
Discourage the killing of endangered animals and rainforest species by refusing to buy products made up of or containing
such parts. Remind locals that it is illegal to kill such animals and say that you would rather see the colorful
macaws flying in the sky than having their feathers on your souvenir.
Action
Write to your government representatives and let them know how your feel about environmental issues. Express your
concern for the future of tropical rainforests.
Join a biodiversity conservation group or rainforest organization and support campaigns and boycotts against companies
responsible for reckless deforestation. If you resolve to never purchase goods from one of these firms, the company
loses tens of thousands of dollars of potential revenues over the course of a life time.
Small Steps to Reduce Energy Consumption
