GUARDIANS 2024 APPEAL
TIPPING POINT OR TURNING POINT?

“Maybe when we draw the last river, maybe when we cut the last tree, maybe then we will realise the importance of nature. The importance of the forest.”

Txai Suruí, Indigenous and environmental youth activist, member of WWF-Brazil’s board of trustees 

Since the late 1990s, the Amazon has experienced at least four major droughts and last year’s was the worst on record.

Latest figures show that at least 330 river dolphins died in 2023 in the state of Amazonas with a loss of 15% of the population in Lake Tefé alone. In some parts of the river, temperatures reached 41°C, and it’s thought that heat stress caused the dolphins to stop eating, preventing them from regulating their body temperatures.  

As degradation continues and the effects of climate change increase, we’re seeing more signs that the Amazon is struggling. The tipping point could be closer than we think.

The Amazon is facing destruction, disconnection, and degradation on a scale we’ve never seen before, and which could threaten its very survival.  

By supporting crucial work to achieve three big wins, WWF Guardians can help change what could be a potentially catastrophic tipping point into a transformational turning point – protecting the Amazon’s people, wildlife, and our planet. 

There’s a very real risk that if the Amazon loses 20% of its total tree cover, it will stop being able to sustain itself. Instead, it could become a heavily degraded ecosystem that will be unable to recover. 

We’ve already lost around 17% of Amazon tree cover, and we’re seeing other damaging factors pushing the Amazon further towards the point of no return. 

We’re prioritising three ‘big wins’ that can help secure the Amazon’s future: halting deforestation, ending illegal gold mining, and conserving 80% of the Amazon’s forests, wetlands, and rivers by 2030.  

We know these targets are ambitious, but they are crucial. And with your support, we’re confident we can achieve them.

“If we work together, we can still save the Amazon. If we can maintain a functioning Amazon rainforest, we've got a chance of avoiding dangerous climate change. If we don’t, it's game over. So, the choice is ours.” 

Mike Barrett, Executive Director of Science and Conservation, WWF-UK 

1. HALTING DEFORESTATION 

The factors driving deforestation in the Amazon are complex, so we’re taking many different approaches – from supporting greener finance schemes to helping ranchers adopt more sustainable practices that leave trees standing.   

Helping businesses go greener 

Over the last decade, many companies have made commitments to take deforestation and land conversion out of their supply chains. We’re giving them the tools to turn commitment into action. 

Raising consumer awareness 

The private sector responds to consumer demand, so we’re also helping to raise public awareness of the links between the products they buy and deforestation. In doing this, we hope to strengthen demand for forest-friendly food.

Improving farming practices 

With our support, ranchers such as Mauro Hilares are embracing regenerative farming techniques that reduce deforestation.

Mauro lives in Madre de Dios, Peru, where cattle ranching is one of the main forms of agriculture. Deforestation here is rife, largely due to intensive grazing practices that strip the soil of nutrients so more areas of forest need to be cleared for pasture. In Madre de Dios alone, over 500 sq km of forest have been converted – destroying and fragmenting wildlife habitats and threatening jaguars and other species. 

Together with our partners, Alliance for Regenerative Livestock in the Peruvian Amazon and UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transition, we’re offering training and technical support to help ranchers restore and protect soil health. That way, existing pastureland can continue to be grazed, reducing the need to destroy forested areas. Over 250 ranchers have received training so far, including men, women and children. 

“Regenerative farming has really changed my life. The programme gave me lots of motivation to continue with conservation, because by restoring the environment I think we are going to save our world” 

Mauro Hilares, cattle rancher

2. ENDING ILLEGAL GOLD MINING

The use of mercury in gold mining poses a significant threat to aquatic life and public health. We’re working to keep rivers healthy, protect local communities and key species such as river dolphins, and push for strong legislation to ensure gold is sustainably sourced. 

In Brazil’s Tapajós region, we’re working with our partners and local communities to address the impacts of illegal mining & support local communities

Leila Borari lives in Alter do Chão on the banks of the Tapajós river. Cradling her daughter Rawena, she sadly explains how she suffered a miscarriage after eating fish contaminated with mercury, and how her husband also has mercury poisoning. 

Determined to change things, Leila joined with other Indigenous women to form the Suraras of Tapajós group. Together, they work to oppose violence and racism against Indigenous women, promote acceptance and self-esteem, and contribute to the economic and political empowerment of their communities.  

As well as developing sustainable tourism, the group is mobilising against land grabbing, deforestation and illegal mining along the banks of the Tapajós. Like them, we’ll continue to challenge the issues that threaten the Amazon, including ongoing collaboration with Indigenous leaders on ways to reduce the impacts of mining.  

"My message is not for future generations, but for the current generation: the responsibility to stop the degradation of the Amazon is ours. We are the ones who must fight for the sustainability of the forest. We must commit ourselves and be kind to those who give us everything" 

Leila Borari 

3. CONSERVING 80% OF THE AMAZON

The presence of jaguars and river dolphins reflects the overall health of the ecosystem. We’re working with Indigenous peoples and local communities to help protect vital habitats, support sustainable livelihoods and reduce human-wildlife.

Deep in the forest, Manuel Salvatierra skilfully climbs a towering palm tree, up to heights shared with macaws and monkeys. Sliding back down, he cradles a bunch of deep violet berries: “My little açais,” he breathes. 

Manuel is one of the many producers we’re working with who have a close relationship with the Amazon rainforest. He knows the trees are vital not only for the survival of jaguars and other wildlife, but also for local communities like his, who depend on the forest’s fruits, nuts and other natural resources for their livelihoods. 

Between January and March, communities harvest Brazil nuts. But yields depend on reliable rainfall and can vary dramatically each year. From April, their focus shifts to açai berries – consumed by Indigenous peoples for generations, and now in global demand as a health food. 

The fact that açais have greater climate resistance is crucially important in our warming world. But the berries need to be processed quickly or they will spoil. To speed things up, we’ve helped build an açai processing plant, which not only offers convenience but boosts the value of the berries. 

“The plant is the best thing about our community,” says Manuel. “It benefits us all.”