Breathe Easy Campaign FAQs
Why are we doing this?
Following on from our win at the 2006 Responsible Tourism Awards in the UK, we're broadening our responsible travel commitments in Latin America. The Amazon Rainforest is an incredibly special place and by supporting The Intrepid Foundation's Amazon Fund we're working to ensure it is here to enjoy for generations to come.
Why is the Amazon so important?
The deforestation of the Amazon has far reaching consequences, not only for the eco-systems and communities that call it home but for the entire globe.
The Earth's lungs
The Amazon's ability to filter huge amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and turn it into 20% of the world's oxygen has earned it the nickname 'lungs of the Earth'. As the forest is burnt off, not only do we lose this 'filter', but a huge amount of CO2 is released into the atmosphere, adding considerably to the greenhouse gases and climate change.
The people of the Amazon
As well as the millions of settlers living in cities and towns, the Amazon is also home to some 300,000 indigenous people, most of whom still live traditionally, relying on the rainforest for their food, clothing, shelter, spiritual and cultural life. As the rainforest disappears they are losing their traditional homelands, being displaced to cities and towns.
Fauna and flora of the Amazon
The Amazon has the richest diversity of animal and plant life on Earth. From the Amazon lily, the largest flower in the world, to the marmoset, the smallest monkey (at about the size of a toothbrush), over 40,000 plant, 400 animal and 1,000 bird species have been found in the Amazon. As the Amazon is destroyed, these species face the serious threat of becoming extinct, with 57 animal species already listed as endangered.
The Amazon's plantlife has been used by indigenous communities for thousands of years to treat everything from headaches to muscle pain and epilepsy. Tropical plants also play an important part in modern medicine with research continuing into their potential to cure disease. So far about 120 commercially available pharmaceutical products have been derived from plants.
Where does the money go?
The administration costs of The Intrepid Foundation are entirely funded by Intrepid Travel. That means 100% of the donation will reach WWF and Greenpeace. For more information on the projects the Amazon Fund supports, please visit http://www.intrepidtravel.com/foundation
Can I get a tax receipt?
Because the donation is derived from the Intrepid trip costs you will not be eligible for a tax receipt. However, if you are an Australian taxpayer and wish to make an independent donation to the Amazon Fund or The Intrepid Foundation your donation will receive a tax receipt.
Can my money go to just one project?
We feel that each project deserves equal support and so monies will be divided evenly between the Greenpeace and WWF projects.
Can I donate without booking an Intrepid Latin American trip?
Sure, but we highly recommend a journey through Latin America! The Amazon Fund is open for donations from 1 February to 31 March 2007. Just download a donation form at The Intrepid Foundation
Is Intrepid matching donations dollar for dollar?
As Intrepid is making this donation from its own funds on your behalf, we won't be matching dollar for dollar. However, if you would like to make a separate donation to The Intrepid Foundation other programs we will match your donation.*
Find out more about The Intrepid Foundation and its partners.
* Up to AUD250,000 for any given financial year
* A maximum of AUD5000 total per donor for the financial year
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