R&S Group “Movilízate por la Selva”

It is an honor for our R&S Group to be one of the first to participate in the Roots and Shoots Spain blog y we would like to take the opportunity to wish the blog and all the followers the best of luck!

Distributed among Barcelona, Madrid, Álava, Cantabria and A Coruña, we are currently a group of members (all volunteers). We are working to beat the successful results of the 2010 campaign from the IJGE “Movilízate por la selva” (that’s where we got our name) with a the help of a computer, an Internet connection and lots of enthusiasm.

We handle the design aspects of the promotional material, update the web page, translate texts, maintain contact with donors, thank participates through the Chimpamigos program, etc. And you too can help us in many different ways exceed the 6,500 cell phones that were collected for recycling in 2010. You can simply send us an e-mail and we’d be happy to help you find the best way to participate that fits into your own schedule and interests.

The funds received, thanks to the recycling of these cell phones, is destined to support projects for the development of communities in the Congo area, educational programs and conservation in the Republic of Congo (for example the Chimpanzee Rescue Center Tchimpounga.

Visit our web page to learn more about the campaign (www.movilizateporlaselva.org) or contact us directly (info@movilizateporlaselva.org).

Help us make a difference!

HAPPY 2011! International Year of Forests

Did you know that forests are home to 80% of the biodiversity found on land?

And that 1.6 billion people earn their livelihoods from forests?

Foto por Manuel Mata Oliver

www.manumafotografía.es

This is why the United Nations has declared this year the International Year of Forests and they hope to raise awareness of the conservation and sustainable management and development of the “lungs” of our magnificent planet.

Everyone here at Jane Goodall's Roots&Shoots Spain knows that the key to protecting animals (like the chimpanzees ;-) is in protecting their habitats. So here are some ideas so you can be a part of forest conservation around the world:

• Use notebooks made of recycled paper and write on both sides of the paper before putting it into the recycling bin.
• Search for eco-labels from sustainably managed forests when buying furniture, paper or wood.
• Try being a vegetarian at least one day a week. According to the UN the meat industry is one of the leading causes of forest destruction and loss of biodiversity in the world.
• Visit a forest. Experience biodiversity and breath in the fresh air of you closest ecosystem.
• Share with your community just how important forests are. You can set up a recycling campaign, book exchange, organize a guided visit to your closest forest and MUCH MORE!

Have ideas for activities to protect and preserve forests?

Has your R&S Group done something in the past to help protect Gombe or other forests?

Share it with us! We want to know more!

R&S Groups from around the globe help Tchimpounga

Perhaps you've heard of Tchimpounga, a chimpanzee rehabilitation center in the Republic of Congo in western Africa. Or maybe you've heard of the program Chimpamigos where you can adopt one of the adorable baby chimps they take care of there like this one:

Almost 150 chimpanzees live at Tchimpounga, many of them arrived as babies after being confiscated from hunters, traffickers or people that held them as pets. Here's a video from Tchimpounga TV:

But the big news is that many R&S groups have used their talent, creativity and energy to raise more than 40,000€. Here are only a few of the examples of the events and activities that have been held to raise funds for Tchimpounga....

Two R&S members sold vegetables and flowers from their own garden at a local farmers' market.

One school group held a storytelling event at the local public library where they read books about animals and played games with younger children.

Another couple of R&S members set-up a pet show at their neighborhood park where pets competed for prizes in many different categories.

So much creativity!

So much energy!

And all for a good cause.

If you want to share your ideas, experiences or activities that your R&S group is doing, HERE'S YOUR PLACE!

We're joining the blogosphere!

We're here for everyone!...For those of you who have already formed your own Roots & Shoots groups and for those of you who want to learn more about this enormous network of young people dedicated to being part of a better world.

Giant Peace Dove

This is your space to share, learn and participate!