A Rocha
A Rocha is a global family of Christian organizations which, inspired by God’s love, engages in scientific research, environmental education and community-based conservation projects in more than 20 countries and across six continents.
We respond to the global crisis of biodiversity loss by carrying out community-based conservation projects, through
- ecological monitoring and research in areas of high value for wildlife;
- practical measures for conserving and restoring habitats and their fauna and flora;
- participation in nature conservation, through environmental education and community outreach;
- providing a forum for understanding the relevance of the Christian faith to environmental issues.
Our name means ‘The Rock’ in Portuguese (as our first initiative was a field study centre in Portugal). We are present in more than 20 countries around the world.
A Rocha’s five core commitments
In all the countries where we work, A Rocha is identified by five distinctive commitments:
- Christian – Underlying all we do is our biblical faith in the living God, who made the world, loves it and entrusts it to the care of human society.
- Conservation – We carry out research for the conservation and restoration of the natural world and run environmental education programmes for people of all ages.
- Community – Through our commitment to God, each other and the wider creation, we aim to develop good relationships both within the A Rocha family and in our local communities.
- Cross-cultural – We draw on the insights and skills of people from diverse cultures, both locally and around the world.
- Cooperation – We work in partnership with a wide variety of organizations and individuals who share our concerns for a sustainable world.
Our efforts to be good stewards of God’s creation have been recognised with a Bronze Eco-Church award.
The Eco-Church scheme, run by the Christian environmental charity A Rocha, helps churches to care better for the environment, by making efficient use of resources such as energy and water; reducing our use of fossil fuels; managing our land for the benefit of wildlife; engaging with local, national and international campaigns on environmental issues; celebrating creation in our worship; and encouraging church members to live in harmony with the earth.
The Bronze award is a great start, and we are now working towards Silver. To find out more about the scheme, visit https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/.