Every rainforest protected, every student inspired, every scientific discovery, and every community strengthened begins with people who believe that positive change is possible.
As we reach the halfway point of 2026, we want to take a moment to celebrate what our community has accomplished together.
Thanks to your generosity, Rainforest Partnership has continued advancing conservation through science, education, Indigenous partnerships, and global awareness. Here are some of this year's biggest milestones.
A Global Stage for Forest Stories
This May, Films for the Forest celebrated its 15th anniversary with its biggest event to date.
For the first time, the festival was hosted in its own dedicated venue in Austin, Texas, while simultaneously livestreaming to audiences around the world.
The numbers tell the story:
- 70 film submissions
- 25 countries represented
- Full live audience
- Global online streaming
- Educational recordings now being used throughout the year
This year's theme, More Than Trees, reminded audiences that forests are deeply connected to biodiversity, climate, culture, and human well-being.
One of the evening's highlights featured our lead scientist, Dr. Pablo Venegas, sharing firsthand stories from his field research in Peru, bringing rainforest science directly to the public.
World Rainforest Day Reaches Millions
June marked the 10th anniversary of World Rainforest Day, and together we achieved our broadest international reach yet.
Highlights from this year's campaign include:
- 143 published news stories
- Coverage across 29 countries
- Media appearing in 13 languages
- International features from major outlets including Mongabay, NDTV, Kompas, The Economic Times, and many others
Communities around the world also celebrated in unique ways—from Toronto's CN Tower lighting up green, to conservation events in China, international musical collaborations supporting the Amazon, and awareness campaigns across Europe and Asia.
Each story helps bring rainforest conservation into conversations around the world and reminds people that protecting forests benefits everyone.
New Scientific Discoveries in Peru
Our field research continues to expand our understanding of one of Earth's richest ecosystems.
During a month-long expedition inside Cerros de Amotape National Park in northern Peru, our scientific team documented remarkable biodiversity.
The expedition recorded:
- 40 reptile species
- 19 amphibian species
- 18 species documented in Peru for the very first time
These discoveries provide valuable information for Peru's protected area managers while contributing to future scientific publications and the first comprehensive field guide dedicated to the park's amphibians and reptiles.
Every discovery strengthens conservation efforts by helping scientists better understand—and ultimately better protect—these extraordinary ecosystems.
Investing in the Next Generation
Education remains one of the most powerful tools for long-term conservation.
Students participating in our Sani Isla Youth Program continue learning forestry, permaculture, environmental stewardship, traditional knowledge, and sustainable living.
One of this year's biggest achievements was bringing reliable internet access to the community, opening new educational opportunities and connecting students with resources previously beyond their reach.
Visiting professors from the United States praised both the quality of the program and its exciting potential for future growth.
The community's next priorities include a motorized canoe for student transportation, tablet computers, and additional equipment for outdoor education.
Empowering Women Through Sustainable Livelihoods
Conservation succeeds when communities thrive.
Our women's initiative in Ecuador continues helping families improve food security while creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Today:
- 80 women actively participate in the project
- Fish farming operations continue independently
- Communities are producing their own fish feed
- New opportunities are emerging through cocoa cultivation, honey production, native fruit tree restoration, and artisan products
Perhaps the greatest success is that the communities now manage much of the project themselves—building long-term resilience and local leadership.
Expanding Opportunities to Give
Supporting rainforest conservation has never been easier.
Rainforest Partnership now accepts donations through more than 25 giving platforms, including Donor Advised Funds, cryptocurrency, employee giving programs, corporate matching gifts, in-kind donations, and traditional online giving.
We're especially excited about our new Giving Circle on Grapevine, allowing friends, families, and organizations to pool donations and collectively choose which rainforest initiative they want to support.
Every contribution helps protect forests, support communities, and advance scientific research.
Looking Ahead
While we're proud of what has been accomplished so far this year, the work is far from finished.
Rainforests continue to face unprecedented challenges, but so do the people working every day to protect them.
Together, we can continue discovering biodiversity, supporting Indigenous communities, inspiring millions through storytelling, and building a healthier future for our planet.
Thank you for making this work possible.
Support Rainforest Partnership's Work
If you'd like to learn more about any of these projects—or simply share why rainforest conservation matters to you—I would love to hear from you.
Please feel free to call me anytime at (917) 242-5244.
The work continues because the need continues, and together we are making a lasting difference.
