Leading Causes and Solutions

What are some leading causes of rainforest destruction?

Around the world, people are clearing land to grow crops. While people need to grow food, in many countries, there are no laws to prevent people from entering a forest, cutting it down, burning the dry vegetation, and planting seeds. Because most of a rainforest's nutrients are found in its diverse flora, the soils that support so much biodiversity are actually quite thin and poor. The farmers can grow crops in the ashes of burned forests for a few years, but eventually, the nutrient-poor soils give out, and the colonists must move farther into the forest and start over. The abandoned lands are often used by ranchers to graze livestock. On average, six acres of pastureland in the tropics are needed to feed just one cow. People who need wood for fuel also cause deforestation. When timber companies cut down valuable hardwoods in a forest in an irresponsible way, the process usually destroys all surrounding vegetation and jeopardizes the wildlife that depended on that lost vegetation. Illegal logging is also a problem. Development projects like dams, new settlements, highways and large-scale mining and petroleum projects are also leading causes of deforestation.

What are some solutions to rainforest destruction?

The Rainforest Alliance helps companies that depend on forest resources run their businesses in ways that are safer for the forests and better for the workers. We work to make sure farmers and foresters are following good practices through on-site investigation and certification; promoting government policies that support the good work these companies are doing; and teaching industry and consumers about how we all can help conserve natural resources. That way we can still have our chocolate and keep the forests intact too!