Leveraging Conservation Partnerships: What is Real Rainforest Protection?

Now is such an opportunistic time in history to “make a difference” by joining together in key environmental actions. Why wait? I have learned from the Marriott Corporation and am personally glad to help a major environmental project – the Juma Amazonas Brazilian Reserve; one of 14 huge reserves in the Amazon. The plan is surely a “wow.”

It all began back in 2008, when Marriott went forth in protecting 1.4 million acres of arguably the world’s most important rainforest. I learned of the plan from Bill Marriott himself at WTTC Dubai and Brazil. They have 3,500 hotels globally and have a multitude of internal and external efforts to address environmental and social impacts.

Interesting. My husband and I have a foundation, focused on sustainable land use and US/International relations. We saw Juma as a perfect platform for aligning USA local-global efforts and for others to strengthen Marriott’s efforts. Indeed it was possible.

The TRIP Foundation – Juma Learning Center now teaches sustainable agriculture IPA principles within 30 remote communities and will conclude its work in 2010. Who would have thought our decision to engage could actually help avoid deforestation, reduce greenhouse gases, and help 400 families learn new ways of rainforest farming, well over 2,400 miles away?

The Juma Reserve is the first in Brazil to receive REDD designation (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) and has Gold status under the Climate Community and Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA). It is designated to have approved carbon offsets credited by the VCS by year-end 2010. My view, it is a leading example of real protection.

Real partnerships protect places. Our kudos to Arne Sorenson and Mari Snyder of Marriott – for their belief in partnerships protecting places and their ability to move “talk” into “action.” Their infrastructure made an ideal setting for needed education.

Real protection also involves… governmental and scientific analysis, trusted partner(s), long-term outlook and action, social responsibility ethics, solid international relations, and “belief” that we can do it. Together, we can make a difference.

To conclude – as a developed nation, do we have the “right ingredients” to enact global change? How can we leverage action to help emerging and developing countries?