TNRP Launches Thriving Forests Project with Ashden to Safeguard Global Rainforests

15/11/2024

In a powerful step toward forest restoration and protection, The Nature Recovery Project (TNRP) and climate charity Ashden have launched Thriving Forests, a transformative initiative to protect one million hectares of tropical rainforest across Africa, Asia, and South America. These forests, critical for storing carbon and housing 50% of the world’s species, are vital in the fight against climate change.

Thriving Forests supports local organisations within vulnerable forest communities, giving grants, technical guidance, and peer-learning resources to help communities establish sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives such as agroforestry, eco-tourism, and non-timber forestry empower residents, especially Indigenous communities, to resist environmentally damaging activities like mining and logging while generating income.

Photograph of people standing in a forest
Photograph of a person in a forest
Photograph of a hands holding shea tree nuts

The participating organisations include:

AFRICA

  • Forêt Pour le Développement Intégral, Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch
  • Tropical Forest and Rural Development, Cameroon
  • Nsombou Abalghe-Dzal Association, Gabon
  • CERAF-NORD, Cameroon
  • Mbou Mon Tour, Democratic Republic of Congo

SOUTH AMERICA

  • ECA Amarakaeri, Peru

ASIA

  • Alam Sehat Lestari, Indonesia

Ashden CEO Ashok Sinha said: “Forest are on the frontline of our defence against climate change. We know that forest communities have the knowledge and motivation to protect their land, but often lack the resources and connections to do so. That’s why Thriving Forests will support outstanding organisations that work together with local people, growing their incomes and helping them protect these vital ecosystems on behalf of all of us.”

TNRP’s Thriving Forests aligns with its mission to protect biodiversity and restore ecosystems. With the aim of changing traditional conservation approaches, this project focuses on empowering communities who depend on and are stewards of the land, fostering a brighter future for forests and people alike.