Words by Cheyanne Bryan
There are many ways we can care about the environment, and those ways will be different depending on lifestyle, access and finances. In many cases, collaborating with other groups can open opportunities to create widespread impact. We want to acknowledge the groups, individuals and organisations that go above and beyond to ensure the survival of our natural world and biodiversity.
To mark World Earth Day, we look at the work of The Caring Family Foundation (TCFF), which has spearheaded a conservation initiative and made history by working with indigenous communities for their reforestation project based in Brazil.
Currently on track to reach their goal of planting two million trees by the end of 2024, The Caring Family Foundation has currently planted 1.75 million trees - making them the largest UK donor to reforestation in the Amazon.
The campaign saw the foundation working with more than 400 local and indigenous communities to restore the original areas that have been affected by ongoing deforestation and the looming climate crisis. To date, Brazil has lost 20% of its rainforests to deforestation. According to The Nature Conservancy, this makes the country one of the world’s largest contributors to global climate change and greenhouse emissions. The effects of this are also felt by the surrounding communities and the increasing threat to biodiversity and wildlife found in the Amazon.
In a written quote to Smiley News, Maria Valdenie Silva De Souza Nukini, Leader of the Nukini community in Acre, Brazil and President of the Vaka Visu Indigenous Association said: “We, the indigenous population, especially us Nukini, we are actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at environmental restoration and sustainability…”
She continues, “TCFF is empowering us by giving us the tools to generate income. It is important because we are being granted recognition, respect, and participation in meetings and events. With TCFF’S support, we can amplify our voices and strengthen our culture, customs, and traditions.”
As well as working with indigenous folk, the partnership is also with Annabel’s Private Members Club. The club has a campaign called ‘'Annabel's for the Amazon' which educates its members on the significance and necessity of tackling the climate emergency while we can work on establishing a social responsibility habit.
Beyond environmental conservation, The Caring Family Foundation has a strong mission to end world hunger and harm. They have developed various initiatives to enable women and children to gain access to meals and offer avenues for them to receive assistance and further support.
To learn more about the work of The Caring Family Foundation, go to their website here.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
TreeSisters. This is a social change and reforestation charity that places tropical reforestation into everyone’s hands. Learn more here.
Eden Restoration Projects. This is a charity that works with local communities on a range of reforestation and conservation projects all over the world. Find out more here.
One Tree Planted. This is a non-profit that plants trees all over the world, with one dollar donation equals to one tree planted. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Climate Action, Life On Land, Partnerships For The Goals.
