Who are the Ancient Forest Guardians?

Ancient Forest Guardians are a group of highly respected, publicly known people from around the world dedicated to saving the last remaining ancient forests on earth from destruction. They care passionately for the environment.

Members of the Ancient Forest Guardians are from all walks of life, known and respected internationally or nationally. For example, politicians, financiers, scientists, classical musicians, composers, pop and rock artists, writers, actors and actresses (TV/film/stage), painters and sculptors, journalists, activists (for human rights, peace, etc.), conservationists and biologists.

Download the current list of Ancient Forest Guardians.

How can the Ancient Forest Guardians help save the world's last remaining ancient forests? There are two levels of participation that can be taken:
1. Signing on to Greenpeace's demands. Ancient Forest Guardians will endorse the demands of the Greenpeace forest campaign and sign the official signature document (pdf). These demands will be directed to over 180 governments attending the Ancient Forest Summit (Convention on Biological Diversity or CBD) taking place in Den Haag, the Netherlands in April 2001:	Download the pdf
Calling governments of the world to SAVE the last ancient forests, now: "Act to stop the destruction, help pay for their protection.''

Greenpeace will use the Ancient Forest Guardians members list (ie. signatories to the demands,) in public campaigning and in negotiations with politicians, to demonstrate the high level of international public concern.

2. Becoming an Ambassador.

Ancient Forest Guardians can become more proactive and act as ambassadors for the cause of ancient forest protection. They can go a step further and highlight the sense of urgency of the world's disappearing ancient forests in their public life and work sphere. For example, journalists could write articles, singers could write songs, artists could dedicate paintings and actors could give interviews. They would have the opportunity to participate in non-violent direct actions and visit a Greenpeace ship when engaged in campaign activities.

Note: Greenpeace would help develop ideas for participation for Ancient Forest Guardians interested in taking a proactive position.

Why focus on the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD)?

The single most important international treaty in the world making legally binding decisions that address forests is the ''Convention of Biological Diversity'' (CBD). Support is required by the world's leading public figures to stir up the public and inspire politicians to finally put an end to the continuing, merciless rate of forest destruction.

Take action now and nominate a respected member of your country to become an Ancient Forest Guardian by emailing guestforest@ams.greenpeace.org.

For further information please contact:
Nynke Brett
Ancient Forest Guardian Co-ordinator
Greenpeace International
Tel: #31 20 523 6261
E-mail: nbrett@ams.greenpeace.org