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Did you know that Indonesia’s rainforests alone contain 11% of the world’s plant species, 10% of its mammal species, and 16% of its bird species? Rainforests are a bona fide treasure trove of biodiversity and world hub for some of the most unique living specimens on the planet. And what better way to celebrate them than through World Rainforest Week?
This year, World Rainforest Week is from October 8 – October 12.
No matter where you are on this planet, each breath we take is connected to these ecosystems—by serving as one of our key defenses against global warming by storing massive amounts of carbon. Over 40% of the world’s oxygen is produced from the rainforests. Rainforests are the lungs of our planet.
We need to take concerted action to ensure that the future of our rainforests is not only acting as a natural buffer for climate change—but thriving as the home to millions of people, plants, mammals, and birds alike.
Here are 5 ways that you can join us right now in celebrating World Rainforest Week!
1. Fall in Love with the Rainforest
By learning more about the unparalleled splendor of rainforests, you will not only be able to educate yourself more but you’ll be also able to share this important knowledge with others. Like RAN on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to keep up with the latest on rainforest news. Also, you can like our other active Facebook page We Love Indonesia’s Forests!
2. Support Rainforest Safe Books and Paper
Pulp from cleared rainforests is made into cheap copy paper, books, tissue, toilet paper, and even luxury shopping bags that are then sold to consumers in the United States, Europe, and Asia. It doesn’t have to be this way — we can take a stand. Top U.S. publishers are demanding rainforest safe paper, and need our help. Here is a guide to rainforest-safe publishers and books.
3. Be a Rainforest Hero
Check out RainforestHeroes.com with the youth in your life (or just take a trip over yourself!) to learn more about rainforests and their awe-inspiring inhabitants.
4. RAN’s Protect An Acre
Donate to RAN’s Protect-an-Acre fund. PAA is a small grants program which contributes directly to forest communities struggling to protect their rainforest homelands and the natural-resource base on which these communities rely. You can read some of our older blog posts about some of the small grant recipients:
- KI Nation Paddles 300 km to Protect their Wild Watershed
- Deep in the Amazon, A Story is Waiting to be Told
- Bringing a Competitive Spirit to Rainforest Protection
5. Sleuth out Rainforest-Safe Books
Sleuth out Rainforest-Safe Books at your local bookstore with our free, easy-to-download Sleuth toolkit.
What are other ways YOU will celebrate World Rainforest Week?