Rainforest Trust Has Protected 70 Million Acres
The organization reached the conservation milestone following the establishment of a new wildlife reserve in Bolivia.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Environmental
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Rainforest Trust has officially surpassed 70 million acres of protected land worldwide. The group reached this total after securing the legal designation of the nearly 715,000-acre Agua Dulce Municipal Wildlife Reserve in Baures, Bolivia.
Why it matters
The project serves the broader effort to safeguard critical biodiversity and contributes to the global goal of conserving 30% of the planet by 2030. These conservation efforts aim to provide a safe haven for hundreds of animal species.
The new reserve in Bolivia spans 715,000 acres and supports 11 distinct vegetation types. It hosts 70 mammal species, 489 bird species, 47 reptile and amphibian species, and 55 fish species.
The players
Rainforest Trust
Headquartered in Warrenton, Virginia, this organization works with local partners and Indigenous Peoples to establish protected habitats worldwide.
The details
Rainforest Trust provided the technical and financial support necessary to secure legal protected status for the land in Bolivia. The organization achieves its conservation goals by working directly with local partners, Indigenous Peoples, and area communities.
Timeline
Rainforest Trust was founded in 1988.
The organization reached 60 million protected acres in February 2026.
The 70 million acre milestone was surpassed on October 7, 2026.
The global deadline to conserve 30% of the planet is 2030.
The Big Picture
The establishment of the Agua Dulce reserve follows the pattern set by the 30x30 global conservation goal to protect critical ecosystems. This expansion marks a shift in how international non-profits collaborate with local authorities to preserve transboundary ecological zones.
This land protection strategy helps stabilize regional biodiversity, which can directly influence agricultural yields and water quality for local populations. Over the long term, these conserved areas act as carbon sinks that impact climate stability for the entire planet.
The takeaway
Large-scale conservation relies on the successful integration of local community participation and expert technical support. Organizations looking to reach international goals often find success by focusing on the specific vegetation and species diversity within targeted territories.
Further reading
Learn more about habitat protection at the Environmental section.
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