¡Bienvenidos!

We are so happy you are here. We know many of you want to make a difference in the world- to do your part in the climate crisis. We know that saving the Amazon Rainforest is a vital priority in regulating global climate. The Amazon has been called ‘The Lungs and Heartbeat of the Planet’ for good reason. You can make a difference right now by donating to our work OR by planning a conscious journey that impacts the conservation work to protect this magnificent resource and thereby help guarantee a future for us all.

Further into our site we will share all about our impact travel project that empowers the local communities we love and serve while preserving the Amazon alongside our inspiring seed projects and initiatives already in play to fulfill our mission.

So, take your shoes off and stay a while. I wish we could give you a cup of tea while we share the story of our work and introduce you to the Moseten and Tsimane people; our dear friends, our collaborators and our inspiration for more than 20 years.

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We are
Children
of the Rainforest,

a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fully tax deductible organization. We strive to empower the Moseten and Tsimane people of the Pilón Lajas Reserve as they safeguard their wisdom and cultural heritage while working with people like you to preserve the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest for generations to come.

This holistic work has been a journey of the heart led by the wants, needs and autonomy of the indigenous tribes in Bolivia. This work has been the journey of the heart for Jack Allen, our founder and the individual who in his 70s chose to dedicate his time to the people of the Amazon and the preservation of their way of life and environment. This work has since become a journey of the heart for many all over the world who see the big picture and what is at stake for us all if we don’t come together to do what we can for the people, for the planet.

Your Return of Investment?

The continuation of life as we know it, to renew what was and regenerate what can be and may that good work renew and replenish your own inner wellspring for being vital and at source in your own life.

We gather resources and global support, share the stories that honor and celebrate traditional ways of life and amplify the voices of those who steward the Amazon. This fosters a sense of cultural identity and pride among the younger generations as they connect in a new way to their old ways while striving to rise above generational trauma, colonization, the effects of climate change, poverty, discrimination and so much more.

By listening to their lived experiences we have been able to champion community-led change and community-driven solutions to complex challenges as we all confront the deep adaptations necessary for the present moment in which we all live.

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Did you
Know?

Did you Know?

These indigenous cultures carry 4,000-year-old knowledge about subsistence life practices which includes a diet that supports extremely healthy brain and heart function. Statistics show that if they survive the odds against them early in life and make it past 40, they are likely to live to a very old age without heart disease, dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Amazing right?

The Villages that
impact the world

The Villages that impact
the world

The Tsimane and Moseten (pronounced “Ch-ih-mah-neh” and “Mah-sih-ten”)The Tsimane and Moseten tribes live in South America, Bolivia on 400,000 hectares, or 988,422.526 acres in the Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1977. This is a HUGE amount of wild jungle in the Amazon that has been recognized as vital to the world: an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.

A precious paradise, the Reserve and Indigenous territory is bordered by the Madidi National Park and interwoven by the alluvial valley surrounding the sparkling Quiquibay and Beni rivers that mesh with other great tributaries to funnel into the southern headwaters of the mighty Amazon.

Here, the 8 Indigenous communities we serve strive to keep their traditional languages, myths, stories and cultural traditions while modernity brings new influences, opportunities and challenges. With resilience tempered by thousands of years, the Moseten and Tsimane have a unique, sustainable culture seamlessly interwoven with the biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest and the ever-changing confluence of its myriad rivers.

Villages

Hectares

Acres

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Help these tribes maintain their millenium-old culture, rise to modern challenges and remain as protectors of their significant stretch of the Amazon: larger than some states in the USA!

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Despite the cultural and ecological richness of the Pilón Lajas Reserve, the indigenous communities in the area face significant challenges.

Access to Emergency Care

The Comunidades, or villages, lack access to essential and emergency services during crises. When accidents occur, there is little to no early intervention, a high risk of infection, and a tragic utterly preventable early childhood/young adult mortality rate.

Educational Resources

The educational system for the communities is inconsistent and based on a colonial educational model that erodes their sense of dignity and discourages the development of self-reliance and independence rather than encouraging innovative or creative thought. We need creative thinkers to lead the world to the innovations needed for sustainable economic development, resilience and the conservation needed on an Amazonian scale for the good of us all.

Instead, after 6th grade, the children must attend school in the nearest town, a 10 or more-hour boat ride away from their family of origin and community. These young people go without access to other adult support, housing and sometimes food—a sacrifice made because of the value the Moseten and Tsimane place on education despite the system's many drawbacks. We know that so much more is possible.

Climate Crisis

Deforestation and increasing global temperatures are altering atmospheric circulation patterns throughout the planet. This is disrupting the natural rain cycle, adversely affecting and endangering the fragile ecosystems of the Amazon Rainforest.

They now experience months of extreme heat and devastating drought throughout the entire region, which necessitates irrigation, building new wells and seeking ways to conserve water through renewable energy sources. Water is the key to life and the solutions to securing access to this precious resource are necessary for the survival of these communities and it is directly proportional to life as we know it.

If we save the Rainforest . . . we save ourselves.

OUR "WHY"

Despite the cultural and ecological richness of the Pilon Lajas Reserve, the indigenous communities in the area face significant challenges. The nearest city is a 6-19 hour boat ride away depending on the season and the height of the river. This is the only way to access medical care or education past elementary school which divides young children and youths from their family and villages of origin without access to other adult support, housing and sometimes food- a sacrifice made because of the value the Moseten and Tsimane place on education!

The Villages or Comunidades lack access to essential and emergency services during crises and when accidents occur which together lead to a high risk of disease and a truly tragic childhood mortality rate. In spite of these and many other challenges, there is abundant joy, laughter and a steadfast enduring loyalty and love of family and of children to be experienced among the people of Pilón Lajas. These indigenous cultures carry 4,000 year old knowledge about subsistence life practices that includes a diet that supports extremely healthy brain and heart function. Statistics show, if they survive the odds against them early in life and make it past 40, they are likely to live to very old age without heart disease, dementia or ahlzeimers. But how many of their friends and family did they have to say goodbye to prematurely along the way?

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works to address these problems and support the sovereignty of the Moseten and Tsimane people of the Amazon.

We work to develop essential infrastructure, create projects that support resilience and regenerative systems, provide clean drinking water, offer emergency aid during crises, support economic development and promote inspired education that celebrates Amazonian culture, traditions, and sustainability practices. Below are a few statistics showing what we’ve accomplished.

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