World Religious, Indigenous Leaders Join in Launch of Global Initiative to End Deforestation

Religious and indigenous leaders from around the world gathered in Oslo, Norway June 19-21 to draw international attention to the growing threats and costs posed by ongoing tropical rainforest deforestation and take initial steps to stem the tide. Buddhist, Christian, Daoist, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim leaders were joined by His Majesty King Harald V of Norway in launching the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative, which was deemed an “unprecedented initiative” to end deforestation and protect our world’s tropical rain forests.