If a Tree Falls...
A New Community Project effort to protect and restore forests in the Amazon, Sudan and Guatemala

Forests are a vital part of life on earth! They are home to native peoples and millions of species of plants and animals, they regulate climate and rainfall, stop soil erosion, provide medicinal plants, and are places of wonder and wildness in a world where little of either remain. Yet for all their value, we are losing 25 million acres of forests every year to farming, ranching, oil production, wood harvesting, and policies of the powerful and desperation of the poor.

NCP is trying to do its part to restore and preserve forests in the Amazon, Sudan and Guatemala, and welcomes the support of individuals, schools and congregations. Check out these projects!

Amazon — going, going…not if we can help it!

$23,000 Challenge The Ecuadorian Amazon is one of the most biodiverse places on earth—but wtih an annual deforestation rate of four percent, it won't be around long unless we act quickly. NCP has just agreed to purchase and preserve a 137-acre parcel of forest adjacent to the Cuyabeno Ecological Reserve in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Here's what our partner had to say about it after a visit:

The land is a dream come true. Three streams and the Rio Aguas Negras cross the property. There is primary forest and unbelievable flora and fauna, park director Borbor and Delio (the Siona leader who guides our trips) is impressed as to its potential and natural beauty. Located at the headwaters of the Amazon River basin, this parcel controls one of the two main tributaries which form the Cuyabeno River and subsequently the Cuyabeno Reproduction Lakes. These later flow into the Aguarico, then the Napo, forming the Amazon itself. It is the opportunity of a lifetime. -- Pieter Brouwer, of NCP partner SELVA

$23,000 is a lot of money! But at $200 an acre—or $20 per 1/10 th acre—it doesn't seem so bad. Save the rainforest now or send your donation by mail. We need to raise the total amount by Earth Day 2009. Can you help us?! Every contributor receives a cool certificate!

Help!!

$23,000 is a lot of money! But at $200 an acre—or $20 per 1/10 th acre—it doesn't seem so bad. Save the rainforest now! We have a year to raise the full amount! Help out by using the Donate Now button on this page or send your gift to NCP by mail.

Sudan — trees of peace

Preaching the gospel of trees… Paskwale Ben is a Sudanese man on a mission—to plant thousands of trees in his war-ravaged land. Not a bad idea anywhere, but especially here, since the UN says that until Sudan replants its trees and restores its environment, there will not be peace—as a ruined ecosystem breeds conflict over remaining resources.

Help!!

NCP supports Paskwale by providing tools, seeds, transportation to deliver the seedlings, and modest pay for his workers. Our annual assistance for this and other projects in Sudan is around $6000. Plant trees now!

$10—plants 100 seedlings
$30—provides a worker's stipend for a month
Any amount—pays for tools, water pumps, fencing

Guatemala — moon-walking on earth

Taking matters into their own hands Guatemala has some of the most severe deforestation in Central America —in many places it resembles a moonscape. Poverty is a primary cause, with poor people needing land to feed their families, since the good land in the valleys is owned by the rich and by multi-nationals. Yet it is these same poor people who see the effect of deforestation on the climate and on their own health, and the need for restoring the earth by replanting barren hillsides.

Help!!

NCP provides start-up funds for nurseries in the Huehuetenango area of Guatemala. Our annual assistance is around $5000. Plant trees now!

$10—plants 100 seedlings
Any amount—pays for tools, fencing, nursery workers

Promotional/backround readings

New! If a Tree Falls ... powerpoint promo

Donate today!