Protecting tropical forests

From pygmy hippos and Western chimpanzees, to helmeted hornbills and Storm’s storks, tropical forests are home to a vast array of species and support the livelihoods of millions of people. The RSPB has been working to conserve these vital habitats for almost 30 years, by tackling the drivers of deforestation.

Together with our local and international partners, we manage 500,000 hectares of forest in a way that delivers nature conservation while supporting local people to live and work in harmony with the natural environment. The projects we are involved with also play an important role in mitigating climate change, by avoiding deforestation, and therefore preventing the release of carbon stored in forests.

Our work is focused in two main areas: the Greater Gola Landscape, which straddles Sierra Leone and Liberia, and Harapan Rainforest in Sumatra, Indonesia.

Whether you choose to buy forest-friendly chocolate, become a Rainforest Guardian, or take action to reduce and offset your carbon footprint, there are several ways you can help to preserve these vital habitats.

The farming of cocoa is one of the leading causes of deforestation in West Africa, but when grown in the right way, cocoa can be a force for good. Produced in the UK by craft chocolatier Chocolarder, our chocolate bar is made using forest-friendly cocoa – and it tastes fantastic too!

Not only will buying carbon credits from the Gola rainforest help to tackle your own carbon footprint, you’ll also be supporting forest wildlife and local communities.