March 29, 2018

Sustainable Development in the Awajún

Cool Earth’s rainforest-saving partnerships across the globe directly contribute to two of the 17 Sustainable Development goals set by the United Nations. The goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all.

By working with local people in areas at risk of deforestation, Cool Earth is helping to further the goals for Climate Action and Life on Land. But the Awajún partnership is a great example of how Cool Earth’s supporters are empowering communities to do so much more.

CLIMATE ACTION

Goal 13 is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact. Keeping trees standing is the cheapest and simplest way to mitigate climate change. And Cool Earth has the secret to how to keep them standing. We work with local people who want to keep their forest intact, aligning their interests with the interests of the planet.

The forest in the Awajún is safely harbouring 14,329,280 tonnes of carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. That’s equivalent to around 3 million cars being driven for one year.

Children holding up letters spelling BIODIVERSIDAD

LIFE ON LAND

Goal 15 is to sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

This goal is key to Cool Earth mission. In the Awajún and across the globe, our partner communities are keeping their forest standing and the incredible biodiversity they contain intact.

The Awajún forest shelters 7,186 species of animals, 15 of them endangered. It’s part of the largest and most diverse rainforest on earth, the Amazon, and Cool Earth’s Awajún partners and supporters are protecting 55,113 acres of it.

Satisfied-looking Awajun Man in Cool Earth's Peru Partnership

BUT THAT’S NOT THE BEST BIT

Contributing to two of these ambitious goals is great news but the truth is, Cool Earth’s supporters are doing something far more impressive. By working with local communities and putting the resources in their hands to build better lives, Cool Earth’s work in the Awajún and elsewhere contributes to nearly all of the sustainable development goals.

SIX WAYS THE AWAJÚN IS CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Gelson Ampam - Local Facilitator (Consultant)

No poverty Like many rainforest communities, the Awajún were under pressure to sell to loggers because they were poor. Cool Earth funds have helped create sustainable livelihoods to alleviate crippling poverty.

Eating fish for lunch in Cool Earth's Awajun partnership

Zero Hunger Rainforest soil is surprisingly thin and protein is hard to come by without resorting to hunting. The Awajún have invested in sustainable growing techniques and fish farms to make sure their families are strong enough to defend their forest.

Quality Education Often, one of the first things Cool Earth partner communities invest in is educational materials. When Cool Earth first started work with the Awajún, they used funds to buy solar lamps so children could complete homework in the dark evenings.

awajun women in front of rainforest river

Gender Equality As in all Cool Earth partnerships, we ask that women have an equal say in how funds are spent. In the Awajún, women in the AMARNO women’s craft cooperative said they felt empowered by working with Cool Earth.

Fish Farming in Cool Earth's Awajun Amazon partnership

Decent Work & Economic Growth The majority of Cool Earth funds goes on improving livelihoods that outprice forest destruction. In the Awajún the focus has been on growing cacao and rice, developing an artisans cooperative, and running a fish breeding centre.

Reduced Inequalities By giving a helping hand to the Awajún, Cool Earth’s supporters are reducing inequality in a country where the difference between rich and poor is stark.

Goal 17: partnerships for the goals

In some ways, the final goal is the most important. The UN calls for strengthened global partnerships in order the implement these goals.

Cool Earth is all about partnerships: With local communities like the Awajún protecting their forest. With smart NGOs delivering specific projects that communities want to invest in. And with committed donors and supporters, who believed in the Cool Earth model from day one.

Together, you’re building a better, fairer, and a more sustainable planet.

Thank you.