New partnership will help protect threatened rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo by contributing to the establishment of Balanga Forest Reserve.

Rainforest Trust is pleased to announce a new partnership with Renew Financial dedicated to protecting threatened rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by aiding in the establishment of the immense, nearly 1.2-­million-­acre Balanga Forest Reserve containing some of the highest levels of biodiversity on Earth.

“Celebrating 27 years of conservation achievements, Rainforest Trust has permanently protected more than 12.5 million acres of rainforests and tropical habitat all over the world,” said Dr. Paul Salaman, CEO of Rainforest Trust.

“With Renew Financial’s partnership, we will continue expanding our efforts in the DRC, saving crucial rainforest habitat for spectacular and imperiled wildlife while ensuring the future of a healthier planet for future generations.”

Each acre of rainforest protected at Balanga Forest Reserve will prevent the emission of about 227 metric tons of CO₂, which is equivalent to removing over 47 passenger vehicles from U.S. roads for an entire year. In addition to storing carbon and combating climate change, preserving this land will ensure the protection of crucial habitats for unique and endangered wildlife such as Okapis, Bonobos and a diverse assemblage of birds that find sanctuary in Balanga’s intact old growth rainforests—one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the Congo basin.

“We want to do our part to be good corporate citizens,” said Cisco DeVries, CEO of Renew Financial. “We’re excited to partner with Rainforest Trust to help conservation efforts in the Balanga Forest Reserve. Renew Financial is dedicated to providing homeowners with home improvement solutions that help preserve natural resources, and partnering with Rainforest Trust allows us to extend those efforts more broadly.”

The partnership to protect this area will commence with an initial donation by Renew Financial to preserve approximately 4,000 acres of land. The company will contribute an additional acre for every financed renewable energy project on an ongoing basis.

“Funds from Renew Financial will directly support the creation of Balanga Forest Reserve, an area that would not survive without environmentally responsible companies like Renew Financial,” said Salaman.

Find out more about Rainforest Trust’s work in the Democratic Republic of Congo and help protect the Balanga Forest Reserve.

About Renew Financial
Renew Financial is one of the nation’s leading clean energy financing companies. Founded in 2008 by Cisco DeVries, who created the concept of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing model, Renew Financial provides multiple financing products across the U.S.

Header photo: Rainforest Trust’s partnership with Renew Financial helps protect critical habitat in the DRC.