Celebrating World Rainforest Day

Written By:  Antonio Mantero 

Education Intern 

​Every year, on June 22nd, people from around the world come together to celebrate World Rainforest Day. This special day serves as a reminder of the invaluable role rainforests play in our lives and the urgent need to protect these magnificent ecosystems. Rainforests are often referred to as the “lungs” of our planet because they produce a significant amount of oxygen we breathe and act as crucial carbon sinks. Tropical rainforests are the most biologically diverse terrestrial ecosystems in the world and they only cover ~6% of land on Earth.

Rainforests are home to an astounding array of flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Their lush green canopies, vibrant flowers, and diverse wildlife captivate the imagination. These ecosystems provide habitats for millions of species. Of the more than 10,000 species of birds in the world, 50% are found in tropical rainforests all around the world.1   Their incredible biodiversity supports a delicate balance of life, making them invaluable for the health of our planet.
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You can see many of these species in our Rainforest Building. From reptiles and amphibians, like our emerald tree boa and poison dart frogs, to mammals, like the Brazilian ocelot and black-handed howler monkeys. You can see these and so many other species and it is a small representation of the magnificent biodiversity of these rainforests.

Rainforests also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to regulate Earth’s atmospheric composition. Rainforests act as carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of carbon and helping to stabilize global climate patterns. By protecting rainforests, we can combat climate change and safeguard our future.
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Despite their immense ecological importance, rainforests are under constant threat. Deforestation, primarily driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development, is the leading cause of rainforest destruction. The loss of these precious ecosystems has far-reaching consequences, including habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Indigenous communities who rely on the forest for their livelihoods and cultural preservation are also adversely affected.

Preserving rainforests requires collective action from individuals, governments, and organizations, here are some ways you can contribute:

• Support sustainable agriculture: choose products that are certified as sustainably sourced. These initiatives promote responsible farming practices.
• Support conservation organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with reputable conservation organizations that work to protect rainforests and advocate for sustainable policies.
• Advocate for responsible policies: Encourage governments to implement and enforce strong environmental regulations to combat deforestation and promote sustainable land-use practices.
• Raise awareness: Share your knowledge about the importance of rainforests with friends, family, and your community. Educate others about the need for sustainable practices and the long-term consequences of rainforest destruction.

            I had the wonderful opportunity to go to the Peruvian Amazon in the summer of 2021. For me, it was a life-changing experience. It’s one thing seeing pictures and watching documentaries, it’s entirely different to experience it for yourself. It was humbling to say the least, constantly surrounded by 200-foot trees that could very well be 1,000 years old. Going on walks in the middle of the night through the rainforest was like stepping into a whole different world. From kayaking in piranha infested waters to handling 10-foot anacondas waist-deep in a swamp, it was not just ecotourism, it was in fact conservation. Without these anecdotes or pictures to show the world what is out there, there would be no reason to protect it. While we bring the rainforest to you to show you the amazing species that live there, most of those species are on lists like the Species Survival Plan (SSP) or Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE). We work with programs like SSP and SAFE to manage and conserve these populations under human care to keep them genetically diverse and stable.
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            World rainforest day provides an opportunity to reflect on the significance of these unique ecosystems and to take action to protect them. By acknowledging their value and promoting sustainable practices, we can ensure that future generations can experience the wonders of rainforests and benefit from their immense contributions to our planet. Together, let us celebrate World Rainforest Day and commit to preserving these vital habitats for the wellbeing of our planet and all its inhabitants.

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1https://rainforests.mongabay.com/0411.htm