The world�s rainforests are being destroyed at an increasingly rapid rate. To put it into context, an area the size of a football pitch disappears every second - that�s over 58 million square miles of forest lost every year. Even more alarming is the fact that we�ve already cleared away 50% of what we once had.Deforestation is the number one cause of species extinction globally, and the second leading cause of CO2 emissions. And if it continues at its current rate, the earth�s forests could vanish completely within the next 100 years.By shifting economics to ensure that trees are worth more alive than dead, we are helping communities protect their forests for the long-term benefit of us all. And with over 200 millions tons of carbon stored within our conservation area, protecting it has never been more critical. The project�s impact is vast � here�s how your funding is helping�Protecting the rights of Amazonian peopleThe project is working to provide legal land-use permits that will result in official land titles for those villages that actively participate in forest protection. Through funds raised, the project can continue to improve food security through agroforestry techniques, while introducing sustainable livelihood alternatives to local communities. With over 56,000 hectares of land dedicated to these inhabitants, it is expected that each family will receive approximately 140 hectares, and each town will have its own land donated to it.Supporting Economic DevelopmentIn partnership with local NGOs, the project will provide capacity building to local families to develop and submit business plans (individually or in groups) to apply for funding to start small sustainable businesses � those that take advantage of non-timber products in the project area, such as the highly valuable Acai fruit. We are also building local capabilities in the use of agroforestry techniques, to diversify and secure food consumption, while achieving a sustainable production of cassava � used in farinha production.