How can we save rainforests?

In order to save the rainforest, many of the most popular solutions include education and reforestation. However, at Wildlife Alliance, we believe that in addition to these initiatives which are crucial for long-term behavior change and mitigating the effects of already lost forest cover, the primary step to protecting the rainforest needs to be effective law enforcement. Our dedicated rangers stop illegal loggers in their tracks and deter forest crimes, leaving the rainforest intact for future generations.

Law Enforcement

Effective and systematic law enforcement is essential to keep the Cardamom Rainforest safe and maintain its high level of biodiversity. Without Wildlife Alliance’s continued support, the Southern Cardamom tropical rainforest is at risk of clear-cutting to convert the land for agriculture or to be sold to other industries. Wildlife Alliance’s approach has proven successful in maintaining continuous rainforest cover in the Cardamom Mountains, has achieved zero elephant poaching since 2006, and has resulted in the recovery of populations of ungulates and small-medium carnivores. Read more

Environmental Education

Wildlife Alliance created Cambodia’s only mobile environmental education unit, the Kouprey Express (KE), in 2005. The KE does not just raise awareness or educate people on the value of conservation and biodiversity protection; it fosters positive behavioral changes towards environmental sustainability and actively encourages children and adults to be front line defenders of their natural resources. Read more

Reforestation

One of the most effective and natural ways to combat climate change is to maintain forest cover. While our law enforcement program is preventing future deforestation, we are also reforesting area that have already been cleared within the protected area. Recent studies have shown that restoring forests has the potential to offset huge amounts of greenhouse gas emissions and slow the effects of climate change. Read more