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Climate & Nature Positive Peru_ Green Initiative + BAM REDD+

Climate & Nature Positive Peru: How Amazon Communities Are Leading a Global Transformation

Peru is becoming one of Latin America’s most inspiring examples of Climate & Nature Positive action—and the world is taking notice.In the Amazon region of Madre de Dios, a quiet but powerful transformation is underway: families, community organizations and responsible companies are proving that forest protection, economic opportunity and climate resilience can work hand in hand. At the center of this movement are two critical initiatives: Bosques Amazónicos (BAM) and the REDD+ Castañeros project, both of which support forest-dependent communities while strengthening conservation outcomes across the region. Recently, the Green Initiative highlighted Peru’s leadership and the role of these partners in advancing high-integrity climate action. Forest Friends is proud to amplify this work and share why it matters for the future of global restoration efforts. 👉 Read the full feature by Green Initiative Why Peru Matters for the Climate & Nature Agenda Peru is home to some of the planet’s most biodiverse and climate-critical ecosystems. The Amazon forests of Madre de Dios store enormous amounts of carbon, regulate rainfall across South America, and sustain thousands of families who depend on Brazil nut (castaña) harvesting, agroforestry and community forest management. Yet these same forests face pressures from illegal logging, land conversion, mining and climate impacts.The REDD+ Castañeros initiative and the long-term conservation programs led by BAM show that local livelihoods and forest conservation are not opposing forces—they reinforce each other. The Role of the Castañeros: Guardians of the Forest The castañeros (Brazil nut harvesters) are essential to the Amazon’s health. Their economic activity depends on intact forests, making them natural allies in conservation efforts. The REDD+ Castañeros project strengthens: Long-term forest protection Sustainable harvesting practices Financial stability for families Community governance and land management Monitoring systems that prevent deforestation When communities thrive, forests thrive.When forests thrive, the climate stabilizes.This is the nature-positive cycle Peru is helping to lead. Where Climate and Community Meet: BAM’s Contribution Bosques Amazónicos (BAM) has become one of Peru’s most respected actors in nature-based climate solutions.Their work combines scientific rigor, community engagement and strong monitoring systems—ensuring that carbon mitigation and biodiversity protection are both measurable and credible. BAM’s initiatives support: Forest carbon projects with global recognition Restoration of degraded areas Strengthening local associations Market access for sustainable forest products High-integrity climate methodologies These solutions are not theoretical—they generate real economic, environmental and social benefits. A Model for Climate & Nature Positive Development The collaboration highlighted by Green Initiative demonstrates a practical framework for regenerative development: 1. Community first Empowering families who live in and depend on the forest ensures conservation is locally rooted and long-lasting. 2. Science and monitoring Credible data, auditability and reliable methodologies create trust and attract sustainable investment. 3. Territorial governance Clear rules, community associations and multilevel coordination ensure collective stewardship. 4. Regeneration as a development strategy Nature-based solutions support local economies while restoring ecosystem health. Peru shows that Climate Positive and Nature Positive pathways are possible, scalable and impactful when communities and science move together. A Photographic Story by Walter H. Wust A Call for Global Collaboration The Amazon is a planetary asset, and Peru’s leadership demonstrates what is achievable when restoration, transparency and community empowerment guide decision-making. At Forest Friends, we believe this model offers key lessons for other regions seeking to restore ecosystems, protect biodiversity and ensure nature-based livelihoods.We also celebrate the work of organizations—like BAM and the castañeros associations—that make forest protection a daily, lived commitment. 👉 To explore the full story of Peru’s Climate & Nature Positive leadership, read the Green Initiative article. Together, we can scale the efforts that protect forests, support communities and build a regenerative future for all. The Future Is Regenerative Every hectare restored stores new carbon, shelters wildlife, and gives future generations a chance to thrive. At Forest Friends, we plant hope — one tree at a time. 🌿 Join the Movement🌱 Plant a Tree Today I Want To Support Now

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Forests at the Crossroads: How We Can Revive the World’s Natural Carbon Guardians

Forests are the planet’s lungs, absorbing a quarter of all human carbon emissions. Yet new data shows this forest carbon sink is shrinking due to fires and deforestation. At Forest Friends, we believe restoration, protection, and community action can help forests breathe again — and secure a climate-positive future for people and planet. A Wake-Up Call from Nature Forests don’t just store carbon — they create rain, shelter biodiversity, and keep our climate stable. But the World Resources Institute warns that the Earth’s forest carbon sink is under threat. As fires intensify and deforestation spreads, forests are absorbing less carbon than ever before. Still, the story doesn’t end there. Nature has shown time and again that when we protect and restore forests, they recover — stronger, more diverse, and more resilient. What’s Shrinking the World’s Forest Carbon Sink For decades, forests absorbed around 25% of human CO₂ emissions each year. But WRI (World Resources Institute) data shows that gap is closing. Key causes: Fires: Longer, hotter fire seasons in boreal and tropical regions release massive carbon emissions and damage soil health. Deforestation: Agriculture, mining, and logging are driving large-scale forest loss, especially in tropical regions like the Amazon. Degradation: Fragmented or degraded forests store less carbon and are more vulnerable to climate extremes. As the global forest carbon sink weakens, humanity risks losing one of its best natural defenses against climate change. Why Forest Restoration Brings Hope Healthy forests act as powerful carbon sinks, absorbing and storing CO₂ in trees and soil. When degraded forests are restored, this natural cycle revives. Restoration brings multiple benefits: Carbon capture and climate regulation Biodiversity recovery and habitat creation Improved soil and water cycles Stronger livelihoods for forest-dependent communities At Forest Friends, we see restoration not as a task — but as an opportunity to heal both ecosystems and our relationship with nature. From Crisis to Action: What You Can Do Protecting and restoring forests is a global mission made of local actions. Here are ways anyone can help rebuild the world’s carbon guardians: Support verified reforestation projects – Every tree counts when planted in the right place with native species. Protect existing forests – Old-growth forests hold the most carbon and the richest biodiversity. Choose deforestation-free products – Support supply chains that respect nature. Promote fire-resilient landscapes – Encourage early detection, prevention, and community fire management. Share the story – Awareness spreads faster than fire — and so does hope. Kuoda Travel WorldXChange Tulu Travel Swetours CEPA Reconnecting with the Forest Our relationship with forests must go beyond carbon — it’s emotional, cultural, and spiritual. When we understand that the health of forests mirrors our own, regeneration becomes a shared purpose. Forest Friends invites everyone — individuals, schools, and companies — to join this movement for restoration and reconnection. The Future Is Regenerative Yes, the global forest carbon sink is shrinking. But by restoring forests, we can reverse the trend.Every hectare restored stores new carbon, shelters wildlife, and gives future generations a chance to thrive. At Forest Friends, we plant hope — one tree at a time. 🌿 Join the Movement🌱 Plant a Tree Today I Want To Support Now

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Final Days of Our Earth Day Campaign: Plant a Tree, Leave a Legacy

Leave a Comment / Climate Action and Ecosystem Restoration, Knowledge Hub / Forest Friends

Earth Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a global reminder that the future of our planet depends on the actions we take today. At Forest Friends, we believe in turning that awareness into action. That’s why we launched our Earth Day campaign with a powerful promise: for every tree you plant, we’ll plant one more. And now, as the campaign nears its end on April 30, this is your final chance to double your impact and be part of something truly meaningful. Yes, I Want To Support Why This Campaign Matters Reforestation isn’t just about trees. It’s about restoring ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and helping communities around the world build climate resilience. Through Forest Friends, your trees are planted in areas that need it most—like the Amazon rainforest in Peru, where deforestation threatens native species, or the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Every tree planted contributes to cleaner air, healthier soils, and a more stable climate. But perhaps most importantly, each tree represents hope—for our planet and future generations. Yes, I Want To Support Double the Trees, Double the Impact Through April 30, when you plant one tree, we’ll plant one more—at no extra cost to you. This “Buy One, Gift One” (BOGO) model allows us to amplify the impact of each action. Whether you’re planting one tree or 100, your choice sends a clear message: nature matters. Yes, I Want To Support Where Your Trees Go 🌳 Peru – Amazon BasinHelp restore degraded rainforest zones and protect indigenous flora and fauna. 🌿 Costa Rica – Osa PeninsulaSupport reforestation efforts in one of the world’s most vital biodiversity hotspots. All plantings are monitored by our trusted partners and include GPS coordinates so you can follow your trees’ journey. Inkaterra Association Saimiri Foundation Yes, I Want To Support How You Can Join Getting involved is simple. In just a few clicks, you can choose your tree, pick your region, and make a lasting impact. Whether you’re supporting as an individual, honoring someone you love, or contributing on behalf of a company, you’re helping shape a climate-positive future. Yes, I Want To Support ⏳ Final Days to Act The campaign ends April 30 at 11:59 PM. Don’t miss this chance to make your Earth Day count. 👉 Support Now and Plant a Tree Together, we grow forests—and hope.

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