I have not run a half marathon since I was in my twenties...I am now more than twice the age I was when I last ran a half marathon!

I have decided to change that in order to support a project called Treesistance, run by the Dutch charity, Sinchi Foundation, which provides support to indigenous people to protect the Amazon rainforest from illegal logging.

On 4th February 2024, I will be running the Warwick Half Marathon, hoping to raise some money for this excellent cause. Donations of any amount are hugely appreciated.

The funds raised will directly support the forest guardians from the Maró Indigenous Territory. These brave individuals risk their lives to patrol and protect the rainforest on behalf of us all.

The Treesistance model for stopping forest crime and deforestation in the Amazon has been peer-reviewed and featured in the latest UN report on Forest & Fauna (2021). It is based on three pillars: the demarcation of territories and land rights claims, the creation of teams of Forest Guardians to protect their territories, and the development of trusted relationships with law enforcement to ensure prompt and effective action is taken.

Below are some photos of recent operations which successfully removed illegal logging concessions:

By collaborating with communities on the ground, we can all help protect the Amazon rainforest and secure a sustainable future for our planet.

For further information on this project, please visit www.treesistance.com