Rainforest Conservation, Arne Sorenson (President) Robin Tauck, Mari Snyder (VP)
New Sustainable Agriculture Learning Center - Brazil 2010
An Outcry for Conservation in Brazil's Amazon Rainforest
The destruction of the Amazon Rainforest is one of the most prominent issues threatening the environment today. Within Brazil’s largest state of Amazonas, deforestation coupled with unsustainable farming practices will deplete 30 percent of the forest by 2050. The tremendous land use pressure facing the Amazonian rainforest demands urgent and global support. The Marriott Corporation has stepped up in a four-year plan; and inspires other travel executives to support the cause; with financial grants or support for actionable results.
Robin Tauck Supports Environmental Education
Tauck Romano Innovative Philanthropy (TRIP) has fully funded the development of The Sustainable Agriculture Learning Center with a grant of $50,000. During 2010, a new Learning Center will introduce sustainable permaculture and agroforesty to more than 100 residents living within The Juma Reserve, an area within the Amazon Rainforest about 100 km south of Manaus. Teaching the Juma community agricultural techniques for organic food production through interdependent and sustainable systems, it will also provide a “Center” for the local community to continue quality environmental education. The Learning Center will directly influence 400 families within the Juma, encouraging Juma citizens to train and support their neighbor’s sustainable efforts; and to continually educate youth.
Why the Sustainable Agriculture Learning Center is Critical
Currently, soils are rapidly being depleted of nutrients resulting in progressively negative crop yields. “Slash-and-burn” methods now deforest the rainforest and release CO2 into the atmosphere -- and the practice must be stopped. The Juma/TRIP Learning Center will eliminate some of these environmentally destructive practices through its introduction of permaculture; ecologically sound agriculture techniques based on traditional methods enriched with new scientific and technical knowledge. They are proven to reduce dependency on individual and seasonal crops often affected by natural occurrences. They promote a viable alternative source of income for the marketing of surpluses, and encourage the consumption of organic products that are increasingly diverse in nutrients.
By September 2010, the Juma Reserve will have a more sustainable community development model which will improve the quality of the communities’ heath, welfare and organization. This will reap rewards for generations to come and will take years of monitoring. The project is overseen by FAS-Amazonas located in Manaus and Sao Paulo.
Five Phases in 2010 - Education & Training and New Laboratory
Beginning in 2010, the TRIP Foundation and FAS embark in a series of 5 phases that will be professionally monitored and culminate in a Laboratory and Demonstration Unit for ongoing education and effective change. In 2008, the Marriott Corporation embarked on a 4-year plan to protect 1.4 million acres of Juma’s endangered forest; this grant helps to realize the vision!
Phase I (March 2010): Grant provides for over 70 leaders and farmers from 30 communities to be trained in Permaculture in Manaus, Brazil.
Phase II (April): Local courses - Dept of Conservation & Sustainability in Juma.
Phase III (May): Build Demonstration Unit, near to the J.W. Marriott Jr. School.
Phase IV (July): Construction of a Permaculture Laboratory. Donor visits.
Phase V (September): Continuous monitoring of farming success -- continued education and support, over expansive community locations in the Reserve.
A Conservational Call to the Travel Industry:
Robin Tauck urges industry leaders to consider collaboration in support of conservation efforts. There are so many opportunities to jointly support initiatives, as demonstrated by discussions between Robin Tauck and Ed Fuller, Managing Director of International Lodging for Marriott, and Mari Snyder, Vice President, Social Responsibility. The World Travel and Tourism Council has recognized Marriott’s initiative, with President Jean-Claude Baumgarten proclaiming it to be one of the leading examples of “Best Practices” for sustainable tourism and a winner of 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.
About Tauck Romano Innovative Philanthropy (TRIP):
The TRIP Foundation Mission is to support innovative or newly established programs in Sustainable Land Use and US/International Relations, by building and sustaining positive change through education, leadership, cross-cultural understanding and teamwork. Founded in 2007, this private family foundation believes there exists positive strength in diversity, and cultural value in an increasingly interdependent world. The 501c3 is located in Weston Connecticut.
For more information please visit www.RobinTauck.com, (203)227-0677 or contact Beth Young (BethYoung@RobinTauck.com) / Communications / TRIP Foundation