“Forests support the sky. Once they are felled, the sky will come down.”
> Indio proverb
The “Art for Tropical Forests Foundation” was founded on November 12th, 2002. Ernst Beyeler, a successful gallery-owner, art dealer, and founder of the world-famous Fondation Beyeler in Riehen/Basel (Switzerland) strives to protect tropical forests with financial means generated by the art business.
Dr. h. c. Ernst Beyeler, President of the Foundation & Dr. Hans Furer, Manager.
Purpose of the Foundation The Art for Tropical Forests Foundation is dedicated to:
  • the support of organizations dedicated to the protection of the most significant tropical forests and, possibly, other threatened forests;
  • rendering the public more aware of the respective issues, in particular young people from the Regio Basiliensis, the Basel region;
  • the support of art projects in direct connection with its purpose.

“Protection” – Definition of the Term

The term of “protection” comprises the protection of entire intact eco-systems in a tropical forest. In practice, this protection is achieved by safeguarding legal and ethical principles by, for instance:

  • purchasing land;
  • a use of the area by the local population so as to allow its use by later generations as well (sustainability); something that may, for instance, be realized by establishing nature reserves or the targeted support of their conditions of life;
  • the management of a forest and its surroundings;
  • a targeted support of the population as to the basis of their life and work.

Raising the Awareness of the Young

Raising the awareness of young people living in the Basel region (including adjacent German, French, and Swiss regions) in connection with specific projects or special activities initiated by the Foundation and handling this PR work by using already existing networks.

Projects in the Field of Art

Projects in the field of art that are directly connected to the purpose of the Foundation will be supported, too. To achieve its goals, the Foundation will mainly strive to collaborate with art collectors, museums, galleries, and artists, acting as a bridge to link them to the organizations dedicated to the protection of tropical forests.