South Rupununi Conservation Society
DONATE TO SRCS Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) Location Guyana, Latin America Category Capacity Building and Training Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2002 Website www.srcs-gy.com Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact About South Rupununi Conservation Society The South Rupununi Conservation Society are a community-led non-profit with a membership largely consisting of Indigenous Rupununi residents, working across biodiversity research, cultural heritage, environmental education, sustainable livelihoods, and organizational strengthening. Their species programs focus on six priorities—the Red siskin, Giant armadillo, Giant anteater, Yellow-spotted river turtle, Hoary-throated spinetail, and Rio branco antbird. Over two decades they have supported 865,000+ acres of community-managed conservation areas and reached more than 2,000 students with environmental education. Their Challenges Guyana’s forests and biodiversity are under growing pressure. Mining, logging, and the expanding oil and gas sector drive deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination. In the South Rupununi, changing fire regimes, irregular rainfall, large-scale agriculture, new roads, and overharvesting of wildlife are compounding the strain—all while communities try to balance development with protecting the ecosystems they depend on. Their Approach SRCS use a community-based conservation model that combines scientific research, Indigenous knowledge, and local leadership. Programs are designed and run alongside Indigenous communities, making conservation culturally grounded and durable. Field research on their six priority species feeds directly into practical action—from the community-managed conservation areas on titled Indigenous lands, to bird guide training that links conservation with real income. Why They Need Your Help SRCS relies on external funding to sustain conservation, education, and livelihood programs across the Rupununi. Your support keeps biodiversity research and species monitoring going, powers ranger and guide training, and strengthens youth environmental leadership—keeping community-led conservation alive in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Protecting Guatemala’s Cloud Forest From Devastating Wildfires
DONATE TO DEFENSORES Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Defensores de la Naturaleza Location: Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve Actions: Hiring and training of rangers and forest firefighters to protect Guatemala’s largest continuous patch of cloud forest. Providing uniforms, tools, and transportation to ensure safe, efficient work. Forest protection actions to reduce wildfire risks and illegal activities while protecting critical areas and biodiversity. Appeal Category: Capacity Building and Training Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) Horned guan (Oreophasis derbianus) Jaguar (Panthera onca) Golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) Challenges And Threats: Forest firefighters face high-risk situations combating wildfires affecting over 500 hectares annually. Adequate resources to address this emergency are not prioritized by government entities. The Challenge Each year, wildfires burn more than 1,200 acres in the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, a vast mountain range in eastern Guatemala that protects the country’s largest remaining cloud forest. These fires destroy critical biodiversity and natural ecosystems while degrading air quality and threatening water availability for over 200 communities in the region. Forest firefighters are essential to both suppressing active fires and preventing future ones through community monitoring, raising awareness, and training local farmers in safer agricultural burning practices. Yet they work with insufficient resources and face life-threatening conditions during increasingly severe fire seasons driven by climate change. Without adequate support, these frontline defenders cannot effectively protect one of Guatemala’s most vital conservation areas. Urgent Solutions Defensores de la Naturaleza partners with local communities to combat wildfires in the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve. This year, Porta Hotel Antigua joins these efforts, creating a cross-sector alliance to prevent and respond to the wildfire crisis. Why Your Donation Matters The Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve protects Guatemala’s largest continuous cloud forest and endangered species like the Baird’s tapir, Jaguar, and Horned guan, while regulating water supplies for hundreds of thousands of people and capturing carbon that fights climate change. Guatemala is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and wildfires are accelerating environmental destruction. When the Sierra de las Minas forest burns, communities lose clean water and livelihoods, wildlife loses habitat, and we all lose a critical climate ally. Your support protects this treasure when it’s needed most. Your donation funds the hiring, training, and equipping of community-based forest firefighters who serve as the frontline defense for this irreplaceable ecosystem. It provides the uniforms, tools, and transportation needed to work safely across thousands of acres of remote cloud forest. Trained teams suppress active fires, monitor vulnerable areas, educate communities about fire prevention, and restore burned landscapes. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Help Support Tesoro Escondido Reserve Parabiologists
DONATE TO TESORO Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation Location: Lowland Ecuadorian Chocó, Esmeraldas, Ecuador Actions: Wildlife monitoring with camera traps and surveys of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Jaguar coexistence; building community trust and promoting safe, respectful practices. Environmental education through workshops, school gardens, and hands-on learning. Community support in reforestation, pollinator gardens, meliponiculture, and Chachi community life-planning. Ongoing training to strengthen educational, technical, and research skills. Appeal Category: Capacity Building and Training Community Support and Development Education Endangered Species Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Brown headed spider monkey Jaguar Giant macaw Harpy eagle Challenges And Threats: Logging Agricultural expansion Hunting Human-wildlife conflict The Challenge Ecuador’s current conservation reality is shifting dangerously. The merger of the Environment Ministry with the Energy and Mines Ministry signals a move toward extractive priorities, while illegal mining, expanding agriculture, timber extraction and organized crime continue to drive some of the country’s highest deforestation rates—especially in Esmeraldas, where the Tesoro Escondido Reserve is located. Local communities remain vulnerable, facing limited access to basic services and growing threats to their land rights. New national regulations restrict NGO action and increase costs, placing both forests and the Rights of Nature at risk. Meanwhile, funding for local conservation jobs is shrinking. We are running out of time to protect the forest and the people who defend it. Urgent Solutions Tesoro Escondido responds by strengthening community-led conservation through its team of local parabiologists—young leaders and agents of change who monitor wildlife, support jaguar coexistence, teach environmental education, restore forests, protect native bees, and support Chachi communities in participatory planning. In 2026, we aim to reinforce our institutional capacity: improving financial stability, governance, monitoring systems, community resilience, and youth leadership. Conservation must remain rooted in local knowledge, science, and strong communities—especially in a rapidly changing landscape. Why Your Donation Matters Your support directly funds the people who protect the forest every day. Parabiologists are essential—wildlife monitors, educators, community leaders, agents of change, role models, and the link between science and territory. Yet resources for local salaries are increasingly scarce. Your donation keeps monitoring active, strengthens community planning, supports women and youth, and ensures that conservation remains led by those who call this forest home. Supporting Tesoro Escondido means standing with the forest—and with its guardians. Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Asociación Ecológica de San Marcos de Ocotepeque (AESMO)
DONATE TO AESMO Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Asociación Ecológica de San Marcos de Ocotepeque (AESMO) Location San Marcos, Ocotepeque, Honduras Category Capacity Building and Training Ecosystem Restoration Land Purchases Urgent Appeals Coming soon Date Founded 1990 Website aesmo.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact About Asociación Ecológica de San Marcos de Ocotepeque (AESMO) Founded by citizens of San Marcos, Ocotepeque, Honduras, Asociación Ecológica de San Marcos de Ocotepeque (AESMO) began as a grassroots effort to address local environmental challenges. Since 1997, AESMO has expanded its efforts to multiple municipalities in the departments of Ocotepeque and Lempira. AESMO operates throughout the Trifinio-Occidente Region of Honduras, working across seven municipalities in Ocotepeque and three in Lempira. Their conservation initiatives span critical ecosystems including the Güisayote and Pacayita Volcano Biological Reserves and several key watersheds such as Río Hondo, El Espinal, Cerro Negro, Nueve Pozas, Higuito, Sumpul, and Mocal. These areas feed into both the Ulúa Basin (draining into the Caribbean Sea) and the Lempa Basin (draining into the Pacific Ocean), benefiting communities in both Honduras and El Salvador. A hallmark of AESMO’s approach is its Shared Governance Model, a pioneering framework that brings together civil society, local governments, cooperatives, private enterprise, academia, and international partners. Through this model, AESMO coordinates joint land purchases to ensure sustainable management of water, biodiversity, and soil—while also improving food security and quality of life for local families. Their Challenges The Trifinio region faces escalating environmental degradation driven by unplanned urbanization and agricultural expansion. These pressures are rapidly eroding forest cover, contaminating soils and water sources, and placing entire ecosystems—and the people who depend on them—at risk. With more than 250,000 people across Honduras and El Salvador reliant on these ecosystems for clean drinking water and agriculture, the situation is urgent. The AESMO Shared Governance Model, proven effective for over two decades, offers a participatory, nature-based solution to safeguard these critical landscapes. However, the worsening impacts of climate change demand that the model be expanded to additional micro-watersheds and protected areas at both national and binational levels. Their Approach AESMO’s Shared Governance Model brings together diverse stakeholders—local communities, governments, NGOs, private entities, and more—to co-manage and conserve natural resources. Recognizing that environmental and socioeconomic challenges are complex and interconnected, AESMO fosters inclusive, equitable solutions that empower local communities with scientific knowledge and decision-making tools. This democratic, participatory approach is deeply rooted in community empowerment. By aligning local priorities with sustainable development goals, AESMO supports lasting conservation outcomes while improving livelihoods. Their use of the Kaizen approach—a philosophy of continuous, incremental improvement—helps communities reduce dependence on external aid, strengthen self-sufficiency, and build resilience through nature-based action. Why They Need Your Help The cloud forests of the Trifinio region are rapidly vanishing. These forests are not only home to endangered wildlife, but also serve as essential water sources for over 250,000 people. Decades of deforestation have left only small fragments of healthy forest intact—and unless urgent action is taken, even these will be lost. Your support will help AESMO: Acquire and protect remaining forest land in collaboration with local communities Employ five forest rangers to ensure continued protection and stewardship Safeguard water sources for thousands of families across Honduras and El Salvador Empower Lenca and Maya Chortí Indigenous communities through participation in co-management councils Every donation helps preserve this critical region and protect it for future generations.
Belantara Foundation
DONATE TO BELANTARA Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Belantara Foundation Location Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia Category Community Support and Development Capacity Building and Training Ecosystem Restoration Education Endangered Species Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Achieving Coexistence Between Communities and Wild Elephants Date Founded 2014 Website belantara.or.id Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted About Belantara Foundation Belantara Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization based in Indonesia that plays a pivotal role in environmental conservation, forest and peatland restoration, wildlife protection, and sustainable community development, particularly across the biodiverse regions of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Their mission is to support sustainable landscape management that strikes a balance between long-term economic development, environmental protection, and improved local livelihoods. Belantara collaborates with government bodies, NGOs, private companies, academia, and local communities to implement impactful, science-driven programs. In 2024, the foundation became a Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their Challenges Indonesia is home to some of the world’s most ecologically valuable forests—but these ecosystems are under immense threat. Rapid deforestation driven by agricultural expansion (especially oil palm), mining, and infrastructure development has caused large-scale habitat loss and fragmentation. Flagship species like the Sumatran tiger, orangutan, and elephant are at risk, alongside countless other native species. Illegal logging and wildlife trade exacerbate the crisis, while peatland fires contribute to biodiversity loss and carbon emissions. Human-wildlife conflict is also on the rise, as forest loss pushes animals into human settlements. Many of these issues are compounded by limited funding, weak enforcement of environmental laws, exclusion of local communities from decision-making, and the influence of political and economic interests. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, threatening to disrupt already fragile ecosystems. Their Approach Belantara Foundation addresses these challenges through innovative, multi-stakeholder initiatives that integrate conservation and community empowerment. Key programs include: Forest Restoration Project: SDGs Together!This project restores degraded forests by planting endangered and multipurpose native tree species. Since its launch in 2020, it has reforested 94 hectares within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Giam Siak Kecil–Bukit Batu through collaboration with governments, NGOs, local communities, academics, and private stakeholders. Living in HarmonyFocused on five villages in Padang Sugihan, South Sumatra, this initiative aims to reduce human-elephant conflict through the planting of elephant feed crops, establishing salt licks, guiding elephants through ecological corridors, and preventing incursions into residential areas—improving outcomes for both people and wildlife. Sumatra Peatland RestorationIn partnership with Forest Farmers Groups in Jambi Province, this project restores 93 hectares of degraded peatland using tree seedlings that offer both ecological restoration and future economic benefits to the community. Sustainable Village Forest ManagementThis program supports local communities in Riau Province to sustainably manage production forests under social forestry schemes, improving livelihoods while protecting the integrity of natural forest ecosystems. Belantara Learning SeriesA national knowledge-sharing platform offering capacity-building opportunities for university students, conservationists, researchers, government officials, journalists, and the public. In 2024 alone, over 3,000 participants across 38 provinces engaged in sessions on topics such as social forestry, biodiversity, and ecotourism. Muda Mudi Konservasi (Youth for Conservation)This youth engagement initiative connects young Indonesians with biodiversity issues through creative competitions, educational campaigns, talk shows, and events featuring conservation experts and public figures. Why They Need Your Help Belantara Foundation’s core operations are currently funded through annual private sector donations in Indonesia. However, donations received through Conservation Allies go directly to supporting the foundation’s fieldwork and community-based conservation initiatives. Your support helps: Purchase native plant seedlings for forest and peatland restoration Procure equipment for mitigating human-wildlife conflict Fund capacity-building activities for local communities Support community-led programs that promote sustainable, nature-based livelihoods These contributions directly benefit ecosystems, wildlife, and the communities who call these landscapes home.
Ukranian Nature Conservation Group
DONATE TO UNCG Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG) Location Kyiv, Ukraine Category Capacity Building & Training Protected Area Management Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2018 Website uncg.org.ua Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact About Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group The Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG), formally established in 2018, is a nonprofit organization founded by biologists and environmental experts. It now includes over 50 conservation professionals and activists working across Ukraine. UNCG’s work focuses on establishing new protected areas, conserving forests, monitoring wildlife populations, and protecting rare plant and animal species. Through field studies and assessments, they provide critical data to guide environmental efforts. Their initiatives maintain ecosystems in forests, wetlands, and grasslands, ensuring the survival of diverse flora and fauna while protecting water quality, soil health, and regional climate stability. They have been instrumental in creating 75% of Ukraine’s recent protected areas and have contributed over 500,000 biodiversity records to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. UNCG also collaborates with local communities, government agencies, and international organizations to advocate for environmental policy improvements and promote sustainable land use. Their educational outreach inspires public engagement through publications, workshops, and community programs, fostering a culture of conservation for future generations. Their Challenges Ukraine’s ecosystems face significant threats due to ongoing Russian aggression, which has damaged protected areas and disrupted fragile habitats. Vital landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, have suffered extensive harm, endangering biodiversity and ecosystem stability. With state resources focused on defense, conservation funding has become scarce, creating an urgent need for external support to sustain fieldwork, document ecological impacts, and plan for ecosystem recovery. UNCG and other conservationists are working to assess the damage and implement strategies for restoring Ukraine’s natural heritage. Recovery efforts include establishing new protected zones, rehabilitating war-impacted habitats, and developing sustainable management practices. UNCG’s commitment to data collection, ecosystem monitoring, and collaboration with local and international partners is critical for ensuring Ukraine’s biodiversity is preserved and its ecosystems are resilient in the long term. Their Approach UNCG leads initiatives to conserve and restore Ukraine’s ecosystems amid ongoing threats. They prioritize preserving ecological data, conducting studies, and creating methods to restore war-damaged habitats. A key focus is advocating for the legal protection of affected areas to safeguard them from regulatory gaps and limited government oversight. UNCG identifies valuable sites across Ukraine to secure their protection status. Their efforts include establishing new nature reserves, improving the management of existing protected areas, and promoting sustainable forest management practices with civic oversight to prevent exploitation. The organization also assesses environmental impacts and advocates for modifications to development projects that threaten biodiversity. In collaboration with international conventions, UNCG monitors and expands Ukraine’s Emerald Network, a vital system of protected sites for European biodiversity. Their work extends to protecting grasslands and steppes from construction and deforestation and conserving rivers and wetlands from drainage projects. By gathering and analyzing data on rare species and habitats, UNCG supports evidence-based conservation actions and policies that minimize ecological harm and build long-term ecosystem resilience. Why They Need Your Help Supporting UNCG ensures the continuation of critical conservation efforts in Ukraine during a time of war. Contributions enable ecological surveys, legal protections for at-risk areas, and biodiversity monitoring across vulnerable landscapes. Funding strengthens their capacity for research, advocacy, and restoration while bolstering civic oversight to counteract risks from deregulation and limited government resources. Donations directly support initiatives such as expanding protected areas, monitoring rare species, and promoting sustainable land management. By contributing, supporters empower dedicated conservation professionals to safeguard Ukraine’s natural heritage and lay the foundation for a sustainable future amid unprecedented challenges.
Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team (NEST)
DONATE TO NEST Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team (NEST) Location Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria Category Community Support and Development Capacity Building and Training Ecosystem Restoration Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 1987 Website www.nestinteractive.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted Effective Impact Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team The Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team (NEST) is a leading non-profit organization focused on sustainable development in Nigeria. NEST’s mission is to improve how people interact with the environment by working with a nationwide membership to address pressing environmental issues through targeted projects and research. NEST conducts and promotes research on the Nigerian environment, providing vital insights and raising awareness about the impact of human activities. Their projects emphasize sustainable livelihoods, especially for disadvantaged communities, and advocate for policies that support the responsible use of natural resources. NEST’s efforts include publishing research, educating the public on environmental issues, and supporting grassroots actions to foster a sustainable future. NEST’s vision is to empower people at all levels to engage sustainably with the environment, contributing to global progress in sustainable development. Their Challenges Nigeria faces a range of environmental challenges, exacerbated by limited public awareness and weak policy enforcement. The country’s abundant natural resources are often depleted due to widespread poverty, limited environmental education, and insufficient waste management. Poor farming practices, deforestation from bush burning, and illegal mining activities contribute to soil erosion, habitat loss, and land degradation. In the south, oil pollution further threatens ecosystems, while desertification and occasional droughts impact the dry regions, worsening both environmental and economic conditions. Siltation of major rivers and poorly managed dams affect water navigation and quality. Along Nigeria’s 500-mile coastline, issues like coastal erosion, habitat destruction, plastic pollution, and illegal fishing strain marine ecosystems. Additionally, inadequate environmental impact assessments for projects continue to pose risks to natural habitats across the country. Their Approach Since 1989, NEST has championed environmental protection in Nigeria, organizing annual workshops and numerous events across the country’s diverse ecosystems. These gatherings address pressing issues like climate change, sustainable forestry, and community resilience, often in collaboration with partners like universities and international organizations. NEST has been pivotal in projects that educate, advocate, and foster community-based environmental stewardship, including the Canada-Nigeria Climate Change Capacity Project and studies on Community-Based Forest Management. Recent initiatives, like the Nigeria Climate Change Response Program (2020-2025), reflect their ongoing commitment to environmental advocacy, education, and policy influence. With over 35 years of impact, NEST continues to shape Nigeria’s response to critical environmental challenges. Why They Need Your Help NEST ensures every contribution drives measurable impact on essential conservation and community projects. With a proven track record of successful, evidence-based projects, NEST actively engages local communities in landscape restoration, such as the Moringa oleifera planting initiative in Yobe State to support pastoral livelihoods. Their transparent reporting practices provide assurance that donations are directed effectively to protect Nigeria’s environment and promote sustainable development.
Environment and Rural Development Foundation (ERuDeF)
DONATE TO ERuDeF Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner ERuDeF (Environment and Rural Development Foundation) Location Cameroon Category Community Support & Development Land Purchases Capacity Building & Training Urgent Appeals Save The Great Apes and Elephants of Cameroon From Extinction Date Founded 1999 Website erudef.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted Effective Impact About ERuDeF ERuDeF (Environment and Rural Development Foundation), founded in 1999, is a leading Cameroonian nonprofit conservation organization focused on conserving biodiversity and protecting fragile ecosystems in Cameroon and across Africa. The organization prioritizes the conservation of IUCN Red List species through the creation of protected and locally conserved areas, utilizing ecosystem and landscape management approaches. ERuDeF’s work encompasses research, education, and community engagement, aimed at empowering local communities and fostering long-term environmental sustainability. They also run Cameroon’s first private biodiversity university, training future conservation leaders in nonprofit management and conservation practices. Their Challenges ERuDeF faces several significant challenges in their conservation landscapes. The regions they serve are marked by extremely low standards of living, suppressed economies, and high unemployment rates. Government bureaucracy, corruption, and poor governance, with a president in power since 1982, further complicate efforts. Key challenges include: Deforestation due to logging, land grabbing, and slash-and-burn agriculture Inbreeding and habitat fragmentation, impacting species connectivity Economic hardship and impoverished households Low environmental awareness and poor education levels Lack of market information systems to support local economies Influx of migrants and refugees from neighboring regions, including the Central African Republic, Sahel Africa, and Anglophone Cameroon Degraded soil fertility and destruction of ecosystem services Increased wildlife poaching and bushmeat sales Chronic underfunding of field projects and limited resources These challenges make conservation efforts more complex, but ERuDeF continues to work towards overcoming them through community engagement, education, and sustainable development. Their Approach ERuDeF’s conservation model is centered around functional landscapes, using both landscape- and ecosystem-based approaches. These core conservation landscapes focus on: Lebialem Highlands – Conservation of Cross River Gorillas, Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzees, and African Forest Elephants. Mt. Bamboutos – Restoration of ecosystems and conservation of rare birds, amphibians, and plants. Nlonako-Muanenguba Mountains – Preservation of Goliath Frogs and chimpanzees. Gulf of Guinea Islands – Marine and island biodiversity conservation. Eastern Cameroon Corridor – Conservation of Western Lowland Gorillas, Central Chimpanzees, and African Forest Elephants. Lake Chad Basin and Freshwater Landscapes – Protection of freshwater and riparian species. In each landscape, ERuDeF conducts research on key species to assess their status and distribution. They then propose conservation areas to the Cameroonian government, collaborating to establish these protected zones. To increase community involvement, ERuDeF supports sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, and environmental education. They also promote cooperative development, microcredit systems, and cottage industries to secure economic benefits for local communities. Additionally, ERuDeF emphasizes education for sustainable development, including wildlife management, protection of water catchments, soil health management, and addressing the bushmeat trade. Why They Need Your Help Donations are urgently needed to prevent the decimation of over 700 gorillas trapped in Deng Deng National Park and the Lebialem Highlands due to inbreeding and habitat destruction caused by logging, hunting, and the influx of migrants. Without immediate support, these critical populations are at risk. Your contributions will help create protected areas and ecological corridors, provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and support training and capacity building for indigenous groups. Donations will also fund research, publications, education initiatives, and the development of ecotourism and local conservation management systems, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Save The Great Apes And Elephants Of Cameroon From Extinction
DONATE TO ERUDEF Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Environment and Rural Development Foundation (ERuDeF) Location: Cameroon Appeal Category: Community Support and Development Capacity Building & Training Endangered Species Land Purchase Key Species: Cross river gorilla Western lowland gorilla Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee Central chimpanzee African forest elephant Challenges And Threats: Impoverished communities Wildlife corridor fragmentation and degradation Fragmented subpopulations of wildlife species Absence of law enforcement Actions: Create sustainable income streams for community members Create locally managed conservation areas Environmental education Promote sustainable financing The Challenge Fragmentation of wildlife subpopulations in the Eastern and Lebialem Highlands of Cameroon is leading to inbreeding and the potential local extinction of species. The Cross River gorilla, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild, is the world’s most threatened primate. Chimpanzees, forest elephants, and western lowland gorillas also face severe threats due to widespread deforestation, logging, land grabbing, and rapid urbanization. The international pet trade exacerbates the decline of these species, while the local economy’s suppression and extreme poverty drive communities to rely heavily on forest resources for survival. The lack of comprehensive education and career development programs limits alternatives for locals. Government rangers, tasked with protecting these habitats, are also insufficient in number, further weakening conservation efforts. Urgent Solutions Immediate action is required to address the critical conservation challenges in Cameroon. To protect endangered species and support local communities, the following solutions are essential: 1. Designation of Conservation Areas: Support the official designation of the Deng Deng Technical Operational Unit and the creation of six community-conserved areas to protect vital habitats.2. Wildlife Monitoring: Develop a comprehensive database tracking the distribution of key wildlife species, including migratory routes for great apes and African forest elephants.3. Economic Empowerment: Invest in initiatives that lift impoverished communities out of poverty, such as gorilla-based ecotourism, the valorization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), agricultural ventures, cooperative development, and improved market access. 4. Education and Capacity Building: Implement a sustainable development education strategy focused on ecosystem management, skills training, and capacity development for local communities.5. Carbon Finance: Support the development of carbon finance mechanisms to ensure long-term funding for conservation efforts.6. Ecological Corridor Management: Establish and manage ecological corridors to promote species connectivity and reduce inbreeding.Together, these solutions will help safeguard Cameroon’s biodiversity while providing sustainable livelihoods for its communities, ensuring a brighter future for both people and wildlife. Why Your Donation Matters Your donations will help create and maintain community-conserved areas spanning 1.58 million acres, safeguarding critical habitats and establishing ecological corridors to prevent inbreeding and extinction of endangered species like great apes and elephants. Conservation Area Management Your support will help designate and manage the Deng Deng Technical Operational Unit and six community-conserved areas to protect vital habitats. Alternative Livelihoods By supporting economic development, your funds will provide sustainable livelihood alternatives for impoverished communities, reducing their dependence on forest and wildlife resources. Education and Capacity Building Education and training programs for local stakeholders will encourage sustainable practices and create opportunities beyond resource depletion. In addition, research and biomonitoring initiatives will help combat poaching and habitat destruction. Your contributions are vital in implementing long-term solutions to the current conservation challenges, ensuring a sustainable future for both wildlife and local communities. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Así Conserva Chile A.G.
DONATE TO ASÍ CONSERVA CHILE Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Así Conserva Chile A.G. Location Chile Category Capacity Building and Training Government Policy Protected Area Management Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2010 Website asiconservachile.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted Effective Impact About Así Conserva Chile A.G. Así Conserva Chile is a coalition of diverse members—including landowners, indigenous and rural communities, families, universities, foundations, and tourism companies—who are dedicated to establishing protected areas across Chile. The association coordinates efforts among Private Protected Areas and Indigenous Peoples, focusing on sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Through collaborative efforts, Así Conserva Chile secures support, legal recognition, and resources to protect these lands for future generations and to empower its members in the challenging work of conservation. Their Challenges Conservation in Chile faces significant challenges: limited government incentives and funding make it difficult for landowners to sustain protected areas long-term. Conservation efforts also compete with pressures from industries like mining and agriculture, and weak regulations allow harmful activities in sensitive ecosystems. Additionally, public awareness and support for private conservation are low, impacting funding and collaboration opportunities. Así Conserva Chile unites and supports landowners, advocates for better policies, and works to strengthen conservation across Chile, ensuring these areas are protected for future generations. Their Approach Así Conserva Chile represents and defends private conservation in Chile, protecting unique ecosystems often absent from national protected areas. In a country rich in rare and endemic species, private conservation provides vital refuge for biodiversity. The association strengthens conservation efforts by building support networks, promoting best practices, and advocating for policies that benefit communities. Through training, networking, and collaboration with government authorities, they work to advance conservation initiatives. They also contribute to the development of laws that protect nature and support innovative monitoring practices, ensuring access to essential research and insights. Así Conserva Chile is dedicated to enhancing the identity and reputation of private conservation by promoting ethical standards and professionalism among its members. Why They Need Your Help Private conservation in Chile relies heavily on landowners’ resources, leaving unique ecosystems vulnerable without external support. Conservation efforts face pressure from industries like mining and agriculture, which have stronger financial and policy backing, while private conservation lacks comparable support. Additionally, many landowners need specialized training and resources to manage and restore these areas effectively. Low public awareness further limits donations, volunteer efforts, and grants. With limited resources, landowners and Indigenous communities often struggle to fully engage in conservation work. Your support enables Así Conserva Chile to unite and empower these groups, advance national policies, and protect Chile’s invaluable ecosystems.