Rainforest Alliance Joins GAHP as a Council Member to Strengthen Global Efforts in Pollution Reduction and Environmental Health

The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) is pleased to welcome the Rainforest Alliance as its newest Council Member, strengthening efforts to address pollution and environmental health. The Rainforest Alliance is dedicated to creating a more sustainable world by protecting nature and improving the lives of farmers and forest communities.

By joining GAHP, the Rainforest Alliance aims to contribute to global efforts in pollution reduction and sustainable land use, particularly in pesticide phase-out, advocacy, and policy influence. This collaboration will help scale impact-driven solutions that benefit both people and ecosystems.

Why Rainforest Alliance Joined GAHP

The Rainforest Alliance believes that achieving long-lasting and sustainable change in pesticide phase-out requires a comprehensive advocacy strategy. This includes:

• Strengthening policy, regulation, public awareness and behavioral change to promote safer agricultural practices.

• Promotion of available alternatives to support the transition away from hazardous practices.

• Financial support and mitigation of resistance to change among stakeholders.

By joining GAHP, the Rainforest Alliance seeks to leverage GAHP’s expertise in these areas while contributing case studies and field data to highlight crops and geographies where action is urgently needed.

How Rainforest Alliance Will Contribute to GAHP’s Mission

The Rainforest Alliance’s approach to pesticide reduction aligns closely with GAHP’s mission of improving health by addressing pollution. As part of its commitment, the organization prohibits the use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) as defined by FAO and WHO guidelines, ensuring that farmers phase out the most toxic substances from their agricultural practices. To support this transition, a phase-out period is implemented for newly restricted pesticides, allowing farmers time to identify and adopt safer alternatives.

Beyond prohibitions, the Rainforest Alliance promotes Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a science-based approach that focuses on preventive measures, ecosystem resilience, and biological or mechanical pest control methods, resorting to chemical interventions only when necessary. The organization’s long-term vision extends beyond short-term pesticide reduction, aiming to establish sustainable agricultural practices that strengthen entire ecosystems. By encouraging farming methods that support ecosystem self-regulation, the Rainforest Alliance is working toward a future where agricultural systems no longer depend on chemical interventions to thrive.

Ongoing Efforts in Pollution Reduction and Sustainability

The Rainforest Alliance has undertaken key initiatives to combat pollution and promote sustainability across different regions. In Kenya, the organization has collaborated with 1,500 members of the Kibugu Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Embu County, Mount Kenya, to introduce clean energy solutions. These efforts aim to reduce hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), lower energy costs which help increase disposable income, mitigate deforestation, ultimately improving both human and environmental health.

In Vietnam, the Rainforest Alliance has partnered with GAHP to conduct a three-year study on pesticide use and alternatives in coffee, pepper, and tea farms. Many farmers in Vietnam rely heavily on fertilizers and pesticides to boost productivity, which often leads to low ecological diversity on farms. The study focuses on assessing the current state of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) adoption, understanding the environmental and human health impacts of pesticide use, and identifying viable alternatives. Additionally, it examines barriers to adopting these alternatives and aims to disseminate findings into policymaking to create an enabling environment for wider IPM adoption.

The Future of the GAHP-Rainforest Alliance Partnership

The Rainforest Alliance and GAHP share a common goal of improving environmental conditions to safeguard both human and ecological health. Through this partnership, the organizations aim to advance global pollution reduction efforts by launching international awareness campaigns that highlight the connection between agriculture, pollution, and public health. They will also work together to advocate for stronger policies at both national and global levels, supporting sustainable land use and pollution controls.

Additionally, the partnership seeks to develop educational initiatives that help farmers and communities reduce reliance on harmful pesticides and adopt alternative farming techniques. In high-risk areas, community-driven initiatives will be implemented to reduce pollution exposure and support the restoration of degraded environments. Furthermore, the organizations plan to engage corporate partners to encourage the adoption of stronger anti-pollution and sustainability policies.

"We are delighted to join GAHP and firmly believe this partnership could elevate global efforts in environmental health and pollution control, driving meaningful, measurable impact across communities and ecosystems."

— Juliana Jaramillo, Lead, Agricultural Production Systems, Rainforest Alliance

Juliana Jaramillo, Lead, Agricultural Production Systems, Rainforest Alliance

With this collaboration, GAHP and the Rainforest Alliance will continue to advance solutions that support cleaner environments, safer agricultural practices, and healthier communities worldwide.