How Does "Buying" Rainforest Land Help Save It?

Question

I mean, there aren't people sitting there guarding, so won't lumber companies just come tear it down anyway? So what difference does it make? I'm ALL for saving the rainforest, like you wouldn't believe, I was just wondering..

Answer 1

This is what I've always wondered about this also.

Lumbering takes place throughout the rainforest regardless of land ownership

according to the nature conservancy this is what your money is used for-

How will my donation to adopt land be used?

Adopt an Acre® funds are used primarily to protect and restore land. Because these acres often require stewardship and management, a portion of the funds may also be used for the following types of activities:

Hiring, training and equipping park rangers.

Conducting environmental education programs for people living in and around the area.

Developing environmentally sound uses for rainforest lands.

Building ranger stations and other conservation facilities.

Other related program costs.

Answer 2

From a naturalist point of view its hard to guard it twenty four seven, but most money donated is put in good places. The biggest is buying land so it wont be cut down and be preserved for future generations. The Rain Forest is a different issue they are trying to get the bigger, older tress, which they can get more money per board. Some countries are trying to advance technological and have a better economy for their country.

The United States might not have all the old growth as back in the Independence years, but there are much more trees then in  the voyageur days of expansion!

Answer 3

Strategies that involve buying land fail because poaching of timber goes on.

When an organization rents forested land, the owner (landlord) undertakes to keep the land in forest and to cut only to an approved harvest plan.

It is critical to have trees being harvested as they reach maturity. Once they pass maturity the amount of CO2 consumed drops, the amount of CO2 emitted as decomposition sets in rises.

Young healthy stands of trees accomplish most.