World Land Trust-US and BTS USA, a strategic consulting firm have agreed to purchase and protect 100 acres of threatened tropical rainforest in South America’s Chocó biogeographic region. BTS made a donation to the organization, which prevents deforestation through strategic land purchase, as part of a commitment to sustainability. BTS USA’s donation will assist in establishing the Las Tangaras Nature Reserve in 
Colombia. In addition to safeguarding an expanse of rainforest and species, the Las Tangaras Reserve will also protect the watershed of the Rio Atrato – the Chocó’s most important river – which serves as a vital economic resource for tens of thousands of inhabitants living in poor rural communities. Future strategic land purchases would also benefit communities of the Embera indigenous group – by creating a buffer between indigenous lands and non-native colonizers.
Jonas Åkerman, president of BTS USA said, “continued success and growth brings with it a responsibility to build more sustainability into our business by supporting a more sustainable world. From the simulations we develop for our clients to our own employees, we are seeing sustainability reach a critical priority and we’re pleased to be able to fulfill our responsibility through this excellent organization, where we know the investment will be extremely productive.”
World Land Trust-US is a conservation organization that specializes in land purchase for biodiversity protection, working with local partners to acquire and save threatened tropical rainforests and other habitats for endangered species. Over the past 21 years, WLT-US has protected over 1.6 million acres for biodiversity conservation.