In an article published in March, Dr Roberto Delgado Gallart, Director for the Centro Latinoamericano de Responsabilidad Social (Latin American Centre for Social Responsibility – CLARES), contemplates ethical aspects of philanthropy, particularly regarding the actions of eco-philanthropists who acquire tropical forested areas.

His reflection was inspired by the article entitled ‘All About Eco-Philanthropy’, published by CNN. The CNN article notes that in 2006, the world’s richest people donated $285 billion to charity, with 11 per cent of the rich donating 7 per cent of their fortunes and 17 per cent of the ultra rich (those with more than USD 30 million) donating 10 per cent of their wealth.