Statement of Rare President Caleb McClennen on the launch...

(New York City) - Today during an event hosted by Conservation X Labs at Climate Week New York City, a group of funders and NGOs launched the South America Fire Fund (SAFF), a three-year fund designed to shift the system creating destructive fire, the primary cause of deforestation in South America. During the launch of the SAFF, Rare President Caleb McClennen, PhD released the following statement:

"Fire is the leading cause of deforestation in South America and climate change only exacerbates that risk. The most effective way to reduce the risk posed by fire is to engage and enable the communities on the frontlines to lead in responding to, managing, and ultimately preventing fire from hurting people and nature. Rare is looking forward to bringing our expertise in behavior-centered design, community engagement, and innovative finance to improve fire use and response, as well as build the resilience of communities impacted by fire in the region."

The South America Fire Fund, an initiative to fight destructive wildfires in South America, was developed in partnership with Renaissance Philanthropy and anchored by commitments from The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, as well as the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

(Photo Credit: Credit: Belize Maya Forest Trust)