Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Sudoku For Rainforests?
A: Sudoku For Rainforests (SFR) encourages users to play sudoku to help contribute to the conservation of tropical rainforests around the world. Q: What organization does Sudoku for Rainforests support?
A: The Rainforest Alliance, which is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical rainforests around the world through sustainable farming, responsible forestation, and eco-conscious consumers. As of December 2007, it is only 0.8 points away from achieving the highest rating of 4 Stars from Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaulator. Q: How does Sudoku for Rainforests pay for rainforest protection?
A: Each piece of rainforest is funded by the generous support of advertisers who want to support rainforest conservation while building brand recognition and goodwill. The money earned through advertising revenue then go towards the pledges to preserve rainforests around the world. Q: Does Sudoku for Rainforests keep any money made?
A: No profit is made from this website; as much as possible is donated towards rainforest conservation. See the Policy page for more details about SFR's finances. Q: Who cares? Rainforest protection was so 1990s.
A: SFR cares! Conservation of rainforests is of utmost importance to protect the biodiversity of the planet, as over half of the Earth's terrestial species calls a rainforest home; however, with the current estimated rate of deforestation at 2,000 trees per minute, an estimated 140 species of rainforest flora and fauna go extinct daily. Many of these species have never been studied and could hold great medicinal value, as approximately 1/4 of all medicines come from rainforest plants. Deforestation is often driven by poverty that pushes people into forested areas in order to survive. They cut trees to plant subsistence crops, build homes and for firewood, the only source of fuel they can afford. In most cases, living with the forest rather then replacing it will provide forest communities with more income in the long-term since once the trees have been cleared, the nutrient-poor soils may only provide subsistence for a few years, after which the communities will again sink into poverty or be forced to relocate. Local people can be shown sustainable farming and logging techniques to reduce deforestation and increase their crop yields while preserving these valuable forests. Q: Which rainforests are protected?
A: The Rainforest Alliance currently has conservation programs in Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.