WLT (World Land Trust)
Nearly 400,000 acres of tropical forests, wetlands and grasslands have been purchased and are being protected, and over 2-million acres more are being protected for conservation. WLT always works in partnership with local Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) in whom the ownership is vested; WLT works with them to protect and manage the land for conservation.
These are Real Acres in Real Places: you can find them on maps and you can even visit them.
The Mission of the World Land Trust is to:
• protect and sustainably manage natural ecosystems of the World. To conserve their biodiversity with emphasis on threatened habitats and endangered species
• develop partnerships with local individuals, communities and organisations to engage support and commitment among the people who live in project areas
• raise awareness in the UK, and elsewhere, of the need for conservation to improve understanding and generate support through education, information and fundraising.
How does WLT decide on which land to save?
When selecting new projects, a number of specific criteria are evaluated to ensure that it falls within the WLT’s mission, and practical considerations are also taken into account. The most important aspect of any WLT project is its Conservation Value: what is the biodiversity within the proposed project area? What is the level of threat of individual species? The size of the reserve, and whether it connects with other wildlife reserves to create a greater network of protected areas, is a priority also. Would training for local people, and sustainability programmes, contribute to the long-term protection of the reserve? Other criteria, such as the location, the likelihood of success and the absence of adequate funding from other sources, are also very important, and WLT always considers suggestions from supporters and the potential for fundraising.
The WLT’s Buy an Acre Fund is currently supporting 4 urgent projects in South America and 3 in Asia and Africa.
For example...
The ATLANTIC RAINFOREST PROJECTS IN BRAZIL, ARGENTINA & PARAGUAY:
The Atlantic Rainforest is internationally recognised as one of the highest priorities for conservation. Although less than 7% survives, it is estimated to have up to 8,000 endemic plant species and 600 endemic species of terrestrial vertebrates. The Atlantic Rainforest extends along the Atlantic coast of Brazil from Rio Grande do Norte state in the north to Rio Grande do Sul state in the south, and inland as far as Paraguay and Misiones Province in Argentina. WLT is involved in saving the last pockets of Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil (working with REGUA), Misiones (working with Frontera Verde) and Paraguay (at San Rafael) working with Guyra Paraguay.
A donation of just £25 for Half an Acre or £50 for One Acre to the above project ensures the purchase and its protection in perpetuity.
The World Land Trust is a registered charity;
its Patrons are Sir David Attenborough OM CH FRS and David Gower OBE
Charity Registration No. 1001291
www.worldlandtrust.org