Deforestation update

Earlier in the month I highlighted the God fueled deforestation in Chaco, and said I'd update with action that could be taken. Not all action has to involve you having to spend money (which is nice, I've barely got any!), just spending a little amount of time can have a big difference! So please read the following, give what you can afford to, even if it's just the time to write to your MP, or to sign a petition.

The Natural History Museum said:

"Thank you very much for making enquiries about supporting the Natural History Museum's research field trip to Paraguay. Our campaign to raise funds for this research was undertaken 2008/2009 so the campaign itself is now complete. However, I am certain it will be possible for you to contribute to the project in some way - be it funding for the trip itself which is coming up any day now or once the scientists return with their findings.

I would be grateful if you could leave this with me whilst I make some further enquiries and get back to you as soon as possible."

I'll let you know what NHM comes back with, WWF said:

"Thank you for your email. It is great to hear that you are keen to help support our work to protect the forests. There are a number of ways in which you can help our work with high value habitats such as the Chaco and Cerrado or forests such as the Amazon.

Firstly you could take action through our soya campaign at
http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/

We also currently have a partnership with Sky in which we have launched a Rainforest Recue appeal. We want to do this by helping to save 1 Billion Amazon rainforest trees in the Brazilian state of Acre - the ultimate goal is to preserve about 3 million hectares from deforestation - an area roughly the size of Belgium.
Donations received will be matched by Sky and will help us protect the forest by tackling deforestation, by working with local communities to look after their forests, encouraging them to conserve trees, rather than chop them down.

Sky Rainforest Rescue has two main elements:

· to help local farmers adopt farming practices that reduce pressure on forestland
· to set up a fund to support local communities - including indigenous peoples, rubber tappers and farmers - to preserve the forest, making it worth more to conserve trees than chop them down

You could also consider the way you live and the food you eat. You may find it interesting to take a look at
http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/food/

To make a donation or for more information please see our website www.wwf.org.uk or contact our Supporter Care team on 01483 426333. I hope this information is helpful, and thank you for your interest in WWF."