Rainforest Trust recently announced the launch of its new corporate partnership program, the Conservation Circle.

Rainforest Trust’s new premier business sponsorship program allows corporations of all sizes to participate in the organization’s mission to purchase and protect threatened tropical habitats to save endangered wildlife through local partnerships and community engagement.

But protecting the rainforest has many other benefits as well. By supporting Rainforest Trust’s efforts to halt the deforestation of tropical forests, corporate partners help significantly reduce carbon emissions responsible for global climate change. Currently, deforestation accounts for up to 15 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions each year, which is nearly equivalent to the annual emissions from the world’s transportation sector. In addition, protecting rainforests supports local communities by providing fresh water and food, as well as other ecosystem services.

The Conservation Circle program offers corporations four levels of sponsorship: Patron, Director, President and Chairman. This provides organizations the opportunity to customize their sponsorship based on their business goals. All sponsorship levels give companies high brand visibility across multiple marketing vehicles, including social media promotion and the use of a Rainforest Trust media kit.

“The Conservation Circle is a great opportunity for corporations to make a real difference globally by helping us to save species, care for communities and protect our planet,” said Rainforest Trust CEO Dr. Paul Salaman.

“Our corporate partners, like Endangered Species Chocolate, play a key role in raising awareness about our mission and supporting our conservation programs across the planet.”

Endangered Species Chocolate became a supporter of Rainforest Trust in 2016, but formalized their participation in the Conservation Circle this year at the Chairman Circle level.

“Rainforests are integral to the survival of thousands of endangered species, and we are proud to support Rainforest Trust’s land conservation and sustainability efforts. While Endangered Species Chocolate works toward our goal of giving back $1 million to our partners annually, we’re proud to support organizations pursuing vital missions, including Rainforest Trust,” said Curt Vander Meer, CEO of Endangered Species Chocolate.