LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — (Marketwire) — 08/16/11 — As donations to Sky Rainforest Rescue reach over GBP 1 million, we can report that around 150 families are now being helped to farm their land sustainably and nearly 40 new rubber processing units have been built.
Sky Rainforest Rescue has raised a total of GBP 1,218,225. This includes 13,824 direct debit donors for the appeal and 2,871 sponsor an acre direct debit donors.
All of this means that the people of Acre have alternative ways of making a living without damaging the rainforest, helping protect the incredible species that live there. And in the past year deforestation in the state of Acre was less than half a km2.
On a recent trip to the Sky Rainforest Rescue project area in Acre, Bond girl Gemma Arterton, met some of the people who are benefitting from the campaign. Gemma witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of deforestation in this fragile ecosystem. But she also had the chance to meet the people whose actions are helping to protect the rainforest, with support from WWF and Sky.
According to Gemma, –meeting the families was the best part of the trip.– She added: “It–s such a complex task that WWF and Sky are tackling. It–s gradually improving people–s lives by helping them in quite simple ways.”
Robin Clegg, WWF–s Senior Press Officer who went on the trip with Gemma, said: –families who joined the voluntary land certification scheme are now starting to receive their bonus payments.–
Sky Rainforest Rescue have helped complete nearly 40 rubber tapping units, they are now producing higher quality rubber, which the tappers will be able to sell at a higher price. Work is also ongoing to secure long-term contracts for the rubber communities, which will help ensure a steady source of income for its tappers.
To find out more about the work Sky Rainforest Rescue is doing to help visit the website.
Contacts:
Media contact details:
Victoria Etaghene
0207 705 3000