The Rainforest Foundation was founded in 1988 by belgian filmmaker Jean-Pierre Dutilleux, musician Sting and his wife Trudie Styler in response to the request of Kayapo tribe leader Raoni; its first initiative was a campaign of support for the Kayapo Indians and their rights to their own land in the Brazilian Amazonas. This resulted in 1993 in the legal recognition and demarcation of an area of more than 17,000 square miles as the Menkragnoti Indigenous Area.

Following this important success, the Foundation expanded its scope to the whole world's rainforests and diversified its programme of project support. From 1993 onwards, support was given to projects in other parts of Brazil and Latin America, as well as in Africa and Southeast Asia.

The Foundation supports a number of activities to garner support for its cause, including the Triple marathon.

Its 2006 "review" shows a total 2006 income of £1,185,906 and total 2006 expenses of £1,081,184, which included £832,104 on projects and campaigns; £214,042 on Information, Education and Fundraising and £25,215 on Management and Administration.

In addition to the Rainforest Foundation UK, there are also Foundation’s in the USA , Norway , and Japan.

Footnotes