Save the Rainforest

by Lorie Witkop
The Challenge

Your help is needed now, more than ever, to help save the rainforest. Despite increased awareness of the rain forest's plight in the past few decades, the rainforest biome is still in danger. A few startling rainforest facts illustrate the problem:

  • Every second, rainforest destruction takes away an area the size of a football field.
  • Every hour, 500,000 trees are cut in the world's rain forests.
  • Every year, 20,000 to 100,000 species of rainforest animals become extinct.
  • In 30 years, it's possible that 20% of all species on the planet could be destroyed if more efforts are not made to save the rainforest.

The rainforest biome contains over half of the earth's plant and animal species. Rain forests have already given the world avocados, bananas, and cashews, as well as the components for drugs that treat leukemia, arthritis and hypertension. What other life-changing discoveries could be waiting in the depths of the Amazon rainforest? Unfortunately, the world will never know if rainforest destruction continues unchecked. With the help of a steady stream of volunteers, vital research, conservation and reforestation projects make sure that humanity never has to face the prospect of life without tropical rainforests.

How to Make a Difference
  • United Planet offers several vacations that allow you to help save the rain forest in Costa Rica. If you're interested in the plight of rainforest animals, you can assist "Amigos de las Aves" in protecting endangered macaws. Other projects work to preserve the rainforest biome through education and direct action. Participants can stay in the tropical rainforest from one to twelve weeks, although some projects require minimum stays for the greatest impact. Program costs vary depending upon the length of a volunteer's stay and range from $1,395 to $3,595, although $100 of that price is refunded when you fill out a project evaluation form after your rain forest experience. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation.
  • While Save The Rainforest, Inc. primarily focuses on eco-tourism in the tropical rainforest for school groups, they also provide volunteer opportunities at all of their research stations. Participants can expect to assist with plant conservation, research projects and educational efforts, all vital steps in halting rainforest destruction. The cost is $400 per month for room and board, and volunteers must secure their own airfare.
  • Working with i-to-i, volunteers can provide vital labor for established organizations fighting rainforest destruction in Ecuador. Volunteers stay for two to twelve weeks at a cost of £895 for the first two weeks and £150 for each additional week. Airfare is not included.

Good fitness is typically necessary for any project dedicated to saving the rainforest because of the hands-on nature of the work and the potential for extreme weather in the Amazon rainforest. Other than that, an interest in preventing rainforest destruction and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and pitch in are the only requirements.