A ROCHA USA

A Rocha {uh RAW sha} is a Christian conservation organization working in 19 countries on 5 continents to mobilize a response to the ecological crises we face today. Across the globe, people are starving, forests are dwindling and species are going extinct–in part because we have ignored and at times distorted the call to steward the earth. On top of that, an unbelieving world is watching to see what, if anything, Christians will do to care for the planet and the people we claim God created. We have often failed to live out what we say we believe.

In response to these crises and to the biblical mandate to care for that which God created, A Rocha helps restore and protect forests and fields, streams and lakes and the people who live near them and so often depend upon them for their very lives. A Rocha, means “the rock” in Portugal where we began in 1983.

Values: The 5 C’s of A Rocha

Driven by local context, local needs and local leaders, the particular focus of A Rocha projects varies around the world and across the USA–from growing food for the poor to protecting watersheds to restoring habitats. Yet, each integrates and balances the needs of people with those of the rest of creation. Each combines hands-on conservation work with education. And each adheres to our five core 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 programs 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.