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: Coming soon Date Founded: 2014 Website: belantara.or.id Partner Qualifications: Verified PartnerOne of Conservation Allies’ staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact. Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. About Belantra 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.
Te Ipukarea Society
DONATE TO TIS Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner: Te Ipukarea Society Location: Rarotonga, Cook Islands Category: Education Ecosystem Restoration Endangered Species Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals: Coming soon Date Founded: 1996 Website: tiscookislands.org Partner Qualifications: IUCN Member A distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Verified PartnerOne of Conservation Allies’ staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact. Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Effective ImpactWe recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. About Te Ipukarea Society Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) is an environmental nonprofit based in the Cook Islands, registered as an Incorporated Society since June 12, 1996. The organization was founded to care for te ipukarea—“our heritage”—and is dedicated to fostering a sustainable, healthy, biodiverse, and beautiful environment in the Cook Islands. TIS is a membership-based organization composed of individuals who believe in the importance of protecting the natural world. They are also members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and BirdLife International. Their Challenges The Cook Islands face numerous threats to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. On land, the introduction and spread of invasive species—such as non-native weeds and predators like rats—are degrading ecosystems and endangering native and endemic species, particularly birds. Marine ecosystems are under pressure from overfishing, particularly through commercial techniques like purse seine fishing. Climate change and ocean pollution also pose significant threats. Additionally, emerging risks such as deep sea mining threaten to disrupt the marine food web, harm migratory species through noise pollution, and spread toxic sediment through seafloor disturbances. Efforts to reverse these trends since the 1980s have been largely unsuccessful. The country’s first protected area was created on the island of Moheli in 2001, and subsequent efforts led to the creation of terrestrial and marine protected areas on each island in 2020. However, laws relating to these protected areas and environmentally destructive practices lack support and application at the local level. Despite their reliance on natural resources, farmers and fishers – particularly women – are often excluded from access to resources, services, and decision-making, preventing them from playing an active role in conserving their ecosystems. A lack of social cohesion and respected leadership at this level also stymies collective community-based conservation action. Their Approach Te Ipukarea Society advances its mission to build an environmentally resilient, sustainably developed, and biodiverse Cook Islands through action, advocacy, and education—often integrating traditional knowledge and practices. Their advocacy includes producing informative video documentaries, publishing articles in local newspapers, and leading public education efforts on critical environmental issues. TIS works closely with schools and youth to deliver nature-based educational programs and inspire future conservation leaders. They also mobilize communities to advocate for environmental protection through organized protests, petitions, and community engagement. Why They Need Your Help Donations directly support Te Ipukarea Society’s wide-ranging conservation initiatives, including: Invasive species eradication to protect native seabird populations Habitat restoration and waste management awareness programs Public education and advocacy around the environmental risks of deep sea mining STEM-focused biodiversity monitoring programs for local youth Your support helps ensure that balanced, science-based information reaches the community and empowers local people—especially young leaders—to become stewards of the natural world.
Save Mauritius’ Chamarel Forest
SUPPORT Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name: Mauritian Wildlife Foundation Location: Mauritius Appeal Category: Land Purchase Endangered Species Ecosystem Restoration Key Species: Mauritius kestrel Pink pigeon Echo parakeet Challenges And Threats: Deforestation Loss of Habitat Threatened Species Actions: Reverse the Deforestation Process Restore Suitable Habitat for Threatened Species Protect Rare Plants The Challenge The Black River Gorges National Park is one of Africa’s most critical forests, hosting a remarkable number of endemic and endangered species. This UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve is home to the last remaining endemic birds of Mauritius, most of which rely heavily on this park for survival. Among its treasures is the Chamarel forest, praised by experts as the best tract of lowland and transitional rainforest in Mauritius, with exceptional biodiversity and natural regeneration under a nearly intact native canopy. However, Chamarel faces severe threats. With expanding transport infrastructure, the risk of deforestation and development looms over its privately owned areas. Securing 111 acres of this forest is vital for protecting its rich biodiversity. By establishing a conservation presence, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) hopes to inspire other landowners to support conservation efforts. Positioned alongside a major road connecting the national park to Chamarel village, this area also offers unique opportunities for ecotourism, education, and community engagement, bringing conservation closer to both locals and tourists. Urgent Solutions Your support can save 111 acres of the Chamarel forest, a sanctuary for Mauritius’ endangered species and plants. Every $13,000 permanently saves one acre, ensuring this land is protected from development and preserved for future generations. With your help, this project will: Restore Habitats: Rehabilitate degraded areas, remove invasive species, and improve ecosystems for birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Protect Wildlife: Stabilize and grow populations of Mauritius’ endemic and endangered species. Engage Communities: Empower locals through education and conservation projects while fostering sustainable livelihoods. Promote Ecotourism: Create self-sustaining conservation efforts through eco-friendly tourism and green job opportunities. Why Your Donation Matters Together, we can secure this forest, protect its incredible biodiversity, and create a lasting legacy for both nature and the local community. 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. By supporting economic development, these funds will provide alternative livelihoods for impoverished communities, reducing their dependence on forest and wildlife resources. 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 A distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Verified Partner One of Conservation Allies’ staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact. Legally Constituted This organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Top Accountability Our experienced team has rigorously reviewed the organization’s annual accounts. Learn More Effective Impact We recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. Conservation Action Heroes We recognize this Partner for their high level of engagement with the Conservation Allies team and their demonstration of a clear commitment to our collective mission of making a real difference and having a major impact on wildlife and communities where it is needed most.
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
DONATE TO MWF Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Appeal Snapshot Partner: Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) Location: Vacoas, Mauritius Category: Endangered Species Land Protection Ecosystem Restoration Urgent Appeals: Save Mauritius’ Chamarel Forest Date Founded: 1984 Website: mauritian-wildlife.org Partner Qualifications: IUCN MemberA distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Effective ImpactWe recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. Mauritian Wildlife Foundation The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) is dedicated to conserving the island’s unique biodiversity through over 20 active programs across Mauritius and Rodrigues. With a focus on species and ecosystem recovery, MWF manages critical conservation efforts such as the restoration of endangered bird populations like the Mauritius Kestrel, Pink Pigeon, and Echo Parakeet, and expanding the range of native reptiles through translocations. The foundation also works on restoring natural habitats, using an ecosystem recovery approach to improve conditions for endemic species. In addition to its fieldwork, MWF runs educational programs in Mauritius and Rodrigues, including community engagement and eco-tourism initiatives. The foundation partners with local and international organizations, researchers, and environmentalists to drive informed, collaborative conservation efforts and ensure the long-term sustainability of Mauritius’s fragile ecosystems. Their Challenges Mauritius and Rodrigues face significant ecological challenges despite their unique biodiversity. With 57% of plant species threatened, they rank third globally for the highest percentage of threatened flora. Habitat loss and the introduction of invasive species have been major contributors to the decline of native species since the island’s colonization. Over 100 species have already gone extinct, including the Dodo, a symbol of human-induced extinction. Currently, deforestation remains a primary concern, driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and urban development, resulting in the loss of vital habitats. Invasive species continue to threaten native plants and wildlife, with efforts to address their impact being slow and costly. Soil degradation, exacerbated by monoculture farming and chemical use, also hinders recovery. Furthermore, climate change intensifies these challenges, with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and altered rainfall patterns jeopardizing the future of the islands’ ecosystems. Their Approach To address ecological challenges, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation runs field conservation programs, promotes sustainable practices, and engages communities through education and outreach. Their Conservation Biologists protect endemic bird species through predator control, captive breeding, and habitat restoration. We also focus on propagating endangered plants and carry out species translocations and ecosystem reconstruction. Through workshops and training, we educate individuals and organizations on conservation, covering topics like invasive species, human-wildlife conflict, and sustainable land use. Our outreach includes community clean-ups, tree planting, and sustainability events, raising awareness and fostering involvement. We also use social media to share success stories and partner with schools, businesses, and government agencies to amplify our impact and encourage collective action for sustainability. Why They Need Your Help By contributing, you’re helping to create a sustainable future where natural habitats thrive, wildlife is protected, and communities actively engage in conservation. Every dollar makes a lasting impact on biodiversity in Mauritius and Rodrigues. 1. Habitat Restoration: Funds support reforestation and landscape rehabilitation, restoring habitats for wildlife and improving ecosystem health. 2. Wildlife Protection: Donations enable wildlife monitoring, providing essential tools, training, and support for field biologists to protect endangered species. 3. Community Engagement: Contributions empower local communities through education, conservation projects, and sustainable development initiatives that benefit both people and the environment. 4. Research and Advocacy: Donations fund vital research and advocacy efforts to shape policies and develop effective conservation strategies. Your support is essential in advancing our conservation work and safeguarding vital ecosystems.
Save The Cross River Gorillas From Extinction
SUPPORT 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 A distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Verified Partner One of Conservation Allies’ staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact. Legally Constituted This organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Top Accountability Our experienced team has rigorously reviewed the organization’s annual accounts. Learn More Effective Impact We recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. Conservation Action Heroes We recognize this Partner for their high level of engagement with the Conservation Allies team and their demonstration of a clear commitment to our collective mission of making a real difference and having a major impact on wildlife and communities where it is needed most.
Save Bhutan’s White-Bellied Herons From Extinction
SUPPORT Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name: Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN Bhutan) Location: Bhutan Appeal Category: Community Support and Development Capacity Building & Training Endangered Species Key Species: White-bellied Heron Rufous-necked Hornbill Small-clawed Otter Challenges And Threats: Crashing wildlife populations Increase threats to natural habitats Low support for landscape level community-conservation programs Actions: Revive wildlife populations through in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs Reconnecting habitats through ecosystem restoration activities Incentivize communities to reduce threats to wildlife The Challenge The Critically Endangered White-bellied heron faces a rapid decline across its few remaining habitats, primarily in Bhutan, Northeast India, and Myanmar. Human activities, such as habitat degradation and the socio-economic struggles of surrounding communities, place immense pressure on this rare species. Low population genetics and a small breeding population further heighten the risk of extinction. In Bhutan, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) leads global conservation efforts to protect the White-bellied heron, the only organized program of its kind. However, resource challenges pose serious threats to the effectiveness of these programs. Activities like population monitoring, community engagement, habitat restoration, and maintaining the WBH Conservation Center require significant and growing operational costs. Managing these resources is the greatest challenge in sustaining the effort to save the White-bellied heron, and other endangered species, from extinction. Urgent Solutions Donations to this campaign will directly support the White-bellied heron conservation efforts, helping to address the urgent threats facing this species. The funds will be used to: Protect WBH habitats and support monitoring efforts Conduct annual population counts and track population dynamics Rescue and rehabilitate injured or endangered herons Restore degraded ecosystems that are critical to the WBH’s survival Identify potential habitats for the WBH within Bhutan and the region Enhance research on WBH ecology to inform conservation strategies Support infrastructure improvements such as laboratory equipment, aviaries, and fish ponds for breeding programs Build capacity and provide fair compensation for conservation staff These actions will also benefit surrounding communities, incentivizing them to actively participate in conservation efforts. Why Your Donation Matters Your donation is crucial in preventing the extinction of the White-bellied heron, which could disappear by 2050 without immediate intervention. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature, through more than 20 years of dedicated efforts, has so far prevented the extinction of these birds. In 2003, only 14 individuals were recorded, but through careful management, that number has grown to at least 25 as of 2024. Despite these gains, the WBH remains critically endangered, and continued conservation efforts are necessary. RSPN is partnering with international organizations like Conservation Alliance to secure the funding required for the next two decades. Your donation will help sustain the White-bellied Heron Conservation and Breeding Center, scale up community engagement and livelihood programs, and protect key breeding and feeding habitats. By supporting this cause, you are playing a truly vital role in saving one of the world’s most endangered species and contributing to the overall health of Bhutan’s ecosystems. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member A distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Verified Partner One of Conservation Allies’ staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact. Legally Constituted This organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Top Accountability Our experienced team has rigorously reviewed the organization’s annual accounts. Learn More Effective Impact We recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. Conservation Action Heroes We recognize this Partner for their high level of engagement with the Conservation Allies team and their demonstration of a clear commitment to our collective mission of making a real difference and having a major impact on wildlife and communities where it is needed most.
RSPN Bhutan
DONATE TO RSPN BHUTAN Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Appeal Snapshot Partner: Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) Bhutan Location: Bhutan Category: Community Support and Development Capacity Building and Training Endangered Species Urgent Appeals: Save Bhutan’s White-bellied Herons From Extinction Date Founded: 1987 Website: www.rspnbhutan.com Partner Qualifications: IUCN MemberA distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Effective ImpactWe recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. About RSPN Bhutan RSPN Bhutan was established in 1987 under the command of His Majesty, the Fourth King of Bhutan, as a citizen-based non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation of the Kingdom’s environment. Her Majesty, the Queen of Bhutan, is the current Royal Patron of the organization. RSPN Bhutan is managed by seven Board Directors, with the Executive Director serving as the head of the organization. RSPN Bhutan supports and oversees conservation programs as a complementary effort to government initiatives, using a systematic approach to implement sustainable solutions to emerging environmental challenges through innovation, citizen engagement, environmental education, and empowerment. RSPN currently focuses on six areas: Species and Habitat Wetland and Freshwater Environmental Education Sustainable Livelihood Waste and Pollution Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience These six areas were developed based on national and international priorities and are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are interconnected and interdependent in nature. RSPN Bhutan’s conservation efforts have been recognized by several awards, including the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions in 2010, the National Order of Merit (Gold) by His Majesty the King of Bhutan during the 109th National Day celebration in 2016, the ADB Civil Society Partnership Award in 2017 in Yokohama, Japan, the SDG Achievers and Leaders Award in Thimphu in 2018, and the Energy Global Award from Advantage Austria and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in 2020. Their Challenges The greatest challenges RSPN Bhutan faces are a lack of funding and limited capacity of their facilities in addressing the conservation of Bhutan’s biodiversity and socio-economic impacts of climate change. Some of the specific challenges are: Habitat fragmentation and degradation due to developmental activities in the country Poverty Human-Wildlife conflicts Subsistent farming Limited support from International donors Limited resources and infrastructure to support ex-situ conservation and breeding program of White-bellied herons Lack of conservation awareness among citizens Impacts of climate change on biodiversity and communities Their Approach RSPN Bhutan uses nature-based solutions to address conservation with six focus areas. They prioritize the conservation and protection of the White-bellied Heron and Black-necked Crane. RSPN also leads environmental education programs, promoting awareness and advocacy for environmental issues amongst citizens. They collaborate with communities on sustainable development initiatives that enhance livelihoods and foster active participation in conservation projects. Some examples of their conservation projects are: Conducting annual White-bellied Heron and Black-necked Crane surveys to track population dynamics within their habitats and ecosystems Restoring degraded habitats and lands Engaging communities in the conservation and management of the six thematic focus areas Managing watersheds and springsheds Mitigating human-wildlife conflicts through electric, barbed wire, and natural stone fencing Promoting high-end climate-smart agriculture (both crop and livestock) to enhance the livelihoods of local communities Creating nature clubs in schools Promoting eco-tourism in Black-necked crane and White-bellied heron habitats Conducting environmental education, awareness, and advocacy for all citizens on pressing environmental issues (waste and pollution, freshwater and wetlands, climate change, etc) Youth engagement and formation of youth groups for agriculture and livestock production to increase livelihood opportunities for local communities Ex-situ conservation of the White-bellied heron in conservation and breeding centers as part of population restoration programs Leading climate-smart drinking projects and kitchen-garden irrigation facilities for rural communities Why They Need Your Help RSPN Bhutan works tirelessly to lead critical conservation activities. They do not receive financial support from the Royal Government of Bhutan and have relied on international donors for the past 37 years. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure these resources without strong international partnerships. By collaborating with organizations like Conservation Allies and receiving support from international donors, RSPN Bhutan can continue its critical conservation efforts, setting an example for other national and international partners to follow.
PHE Ethiopia
DONATE TO PHE Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Appeal Snapshot Partner: Population Health and Environment (PHE) Ethiopia Location: Ethiopia Category: Community Support and Development Education Endangered Species Urgent Appeals: None currently Date Founded: 2008 Website: www.phe-ethiopia.org Partner Qualifications: Verified PartnerOne of Conservation Allies’ staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact. Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Effective ImpactWe recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. About PHE Ethiopia The Population Health and Environment Ethiopia Consortium (PHE) was founded in 2008 with 44 members and later re-registered as a consortium of civil society organizations in 2019. The Consortium’s mission is to promote a comprehensive, integrated, and multi-sectoral PHE developmental approach in Ethiopia. Presently, PHE consists of 99 member organizations, comprising both national and international CSOs/NGOs. Working alongside their members and partners, they are carrying out various projects and programs, impacting over 2 million direct and indirect beneficiaries. As a local CSO consortium organization, PHE plays a pivotal role as a bridge between many diverse actors particularly in advocating for the improvement of the civil space and strengthening the watchdog role of CSOs in their rights. Their ability to partner with communities, CSOs, Universities, government ministries, the private sector, and the media is making us better positioned for a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. PHE in partnership with other partners like USAID is working to push important initiatives forward such as the localization agenda. VISION: See Ethiopia with sustainable resource use, resilient ecosystems, sustainable livelihoods, and a healthy population. MISSION: To contribute to sustainable development in Ethiopia by promoting and enhancing the integration of population, health, and the environment through multi- sectoral approaches. VALUES: Respect for Human Well-being and Nature; Inclusiveness; Equity and Equality; Accountability; Community Participation, Empowerment, and Ownership Goal 1: Contribute to socioeconomic development and productive societythrough harnessing demographic dividend and market-oriented diversification oflivelihood base Goal 2: To contribute to reproductive, maternal, and child health outcomes atnational and international level Goal 3: Contribute to resilience building to climate change, conservation ofnature, and environmental sustainability at the national and global level Goal 4: Strengthen the consortium to be vibrant and provide standardorganizational development and capacity-strengthening services to CSOs in Ethiopia Goal 5: Contribute to gender equality and social inclusion outcomes Goal 6: To contribute to inclusive development and democratization throughintegrating human rights, humanitarian response, and peace-building interventions indevelopment actions Their Challenges The key challenges to nature in Ethiopia are: The limited values and attention to nature Limited resources allocated for nature conservation Limited harmonization of actions of the different sectors (agriculture, water,conservation and so on) The smallholder and other investment land expansion Poor knowledge and awareness gap about nature and biodiversity Poor coordination between the different sectors Poor enforcement of legal frameworks Poor community level engagement and benefit sharing mechanism Youth unemployment and lack of proper planning Their Approach PHE has seven strategic focus areas: Health; Population, Youth Engagement and Livelihood; Environment and Climate Change; Gender and Social Inclusion; Human Rights, Democracy and Humanitarian Response; and Organizational Development and Capacity Strengthening; and Research, knowledge Management and Advocacy. All the seven strategic focus areas are structured with consideration of achieving optimum results by exploring the values of integrated interventions which identifies the interfaces of each thematic areas with other sectors thereby exploring ways of creating synergy and complementary of the actions. There are different activities and actions identified under the different thematic focus areas of the organization. The PHEEC’s program design takes the multi-sector integrated approaches into consideration. The current initiatives of PHEEC have covered key conservation sites and biodiversity hotspot areas such as Biosphere Reserve sites, parks, forest sites, wetlands and community conservation sites. The key specific activities related to conservation are focused on strengthening the capacities of government and community structures for conservation of wildlife like Swayne’s hartebeest and other important biodiversity including forests. In all of their conservation actions, they promote multi-sector integrated and shared management practices. They also consider social safeguarding and also the well-being of the local communities by supporting them to get benefits out of conservation actions thereby contributing sustainable management of biodiversity. Why They Need Your Help Donations to PHE will be used to improve conservation practices in Ethiopia, focusing on key strategic and policy-level actions. The funds will support these actions at the grassroots level with aims to chance policy for the benefit of the people and environment.
Dahari
DONATE TO DAHARI Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner: Dahari Location: Comoros Category: Community Support and Development Ecosystem Restoration Endangered Species Urgent Appeals: Coming soon Date Founded: 2013 Website: www.daharicomores.org Partner Qualifications: IUCN Member A distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Verified PartnerOne of Conservation Allies’ staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact. Legally ConstitutedThis organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Effective ImpactWe recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. About Dahari Dahari’s origins date back to 2005 as a student project at the University of Oxford, aimed at investigating the causes and consequences of deforestation in the Comoros. Officially established in 2013, Dahari emerged from a five-year intervention led by UK NGOs and has since become the largest Comorian NGO, with 60 permanent staff. They partner with a wide range of international technical partners who bring scientific expertise to their programs and collaborate with national institutions to share learning. Their vision is “A prosperous future in which Comorians regain harmony with nature.” Through their 2022-2027 strategic plan, they aim to lay the foundation for transforming conservation in the Comoros. Their Challenges Over the past 30 years, the Comoros have suffered from one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world and rank in the top ten countries most vulnerable to coral reef degradation. This is in part due to inequalities in how land and resources were allocated at independence, forcing poorer people into livelihoods based on unsustainable resource extraction. Subsequently, pressure on natural resources has been exacerbated by dependency on agriculture and fishing for 80% of livelihoods, widespread poverty (Comoros is ranked at 156 out of 189 countries on the Human Development Index), and a fast-growing population. Consequently, the natural resource base, whether terrestrial or marine, is not being given time to regenerate, and is rapidly being depleted. This process, made worse by the impacts of climate change, threatens the viability of both livelihoods and biodiversity. A stark statistic is that only ten rivers on Anjouan still flow permanently, compared to fifty around forty years ago. Efforts to reverse these trends since the 1980s have been largely unsuccessful. The country’s first protected area was created on the island of Moheli in 2001, and subsequent efforts led to the creation of terrestrial and marine protected areas on each island in 2020. However, laws relating to these protected areas and environmentally destructive practices lack support and application at the local level. Despite their reliance on natural resources, farmers and fishers – particularly women – are often excluded from access to resources, services, and decision-making, preventing them from playing an active role in conserving their ecosystems. A lack of social cohesion and respected leadership at this level also stymies collective community-based conservation action. Their Approach Dahari’s mission is to support rural communities in restoring the ecosystems of the Comoros by linking ecosystem restoration to livelihood security, encouraging farmers and fishers to commit to conservation. Their forests program aims to protect a third of Anjouan’s forests by 2027 through conservation agreements with farmers. Supported by universities, this initiative is being evaluated through a Randomized Control Trial. Research on the Critically Endangered Livingstone’s fruit bat, in partnership with Bat Conservation International, informs this conservation effort. They are also developing a second forest intervention on Grande Comore. Their agroforests program in Anjouan and Grande Comore focuses on restoring ecosystem services by planting over 50,000 trees annually and promoting agro-ecological techniques via 25 model farms. Their marine program aims to protect 950 hectares of reefs in Anjouan by 2027 through community-led reserves, supporting fisher governance and offering economic incentives. Advocacy work supports the potential nationwide extension of these programs. Why They Need Your Help Donations will support the development and expansion of their forest conservation agreements program, which protects the Critically Endangered Livingstone’s fruit bat and other terrestrial endemic biodiversity while securing water resources for local farmers. They aim to work with 1,000 farmers by 2027 to protect a third of Anjouan’s forests. Donations will also support the implementation of community-led permanent no-take zones with coastal villages. Through this effort, they aim to conserve 950 hectares of reefs by 2027, which are critical for marine biodiversity and local food security. These actions are key to ensuring ecosystem-based adaptation for rural communities in response to the increasing impacts of climate change.
Silky Sifakas Need Your Help
SUPPORT Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name: Lemur Conservation Foundation Location: Marojejy National Park, Madagascar Appeal Category: Endangered Species Wildlife Conservation Scientific Research Key Species: Silky sifaka Indri Red ruffed lemur Challenges And Threats: Bushmeat hunting Slash-and-burn agriculture Selective logging Actions: Arboreal camera trapping for lemurs Silky sifaka long-term monitoring The Challenge Critically endangered silky sifakas are among the rarest primates in the world with less than 2000 remaining individuals and none in zoos. They are only found in a small area of northeastern Madagascar at elevations above 600m. For many years this species was listed as one of the World’s Top 25 rarest primates. Silky sifakas are the flagship species for Marojejy National Park, a World Heritage Site. Due to their rarity and the steep mountainous terrain, obtaining valid population densities is challenging. It is critical for the survival of this species that more is learned about where exactly they are found, their abundance, and the local threats that vary with site. Urgent Appeal Funds are needed for two silky sifaka conservation research projects: Arboreal camera trapping and Long-term monitoring. From December 1, 2023 to June 1, 2024, we plan to conduct a lemur survey in southwestern Anjanaharibe-Sud (near Camp Indri) using motion-activated camera traps placed high in the trees and on the ground. Particularly for very rare species, such as critically endangered silky sifakas, or cryptic species like aye aye, traditional survey methods such as line-transect surveying, require large amounts of time and resources and do not always produce clear results. Arboreal camera trapping is a new methodology increasingly used for lemurs in Madagascar. Our long-term monitoring program focuses on four groups of silky sifakas that we would like to visit each year (Camp Marojejia in Marojejy National Park, Camp Indri in Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve, and Maherivaratra, a disturbed unprotected forest). Additionally, we hope to start visiting the groups near Simpona Lodge in Makira National Park, an unusual low-elevation site. We have habituated several of these groups and have established individual recognition. It is critical to regularly follow these groups (at least once per year for several weeks) to learn more about their demography and document critical life-history parameters such as number of infants born each year, birthdates, changes in group membership as well as obtaining ranging and feeding data. Moreover, our team plays a vital role in protecting these groups by destroying bushmeat traps, identifying new disturbances in their habitat, and organizing patrols if needed. Our presence deters poaching. Why Your Donation Matters With 22 lemur species, including 6 critically endangered species, northeastern Madagascar has long been a primate conservation and biodiversity hotspot. Lemur Conservation Foundation is one of the primary sponsors of Marojejy National Park and Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve, which are among the largest and least disturbed rainforest landscapes in Madagascar. Silky sifakas are actually a nationally recognized lemur with their own national stamp and several international films. Before COVID, thousands of tourists visited this region specifically to see silky sifakas which are one of the largest lemurs, absolutely gorgeous fluffy white acrobats that inhabit steep magnificent mountain cliffs, truly breathtaking. Local communities recognize that silky sifakas bring researchers, tourists, and resources. Moreover, this species is very unique with a high elevation preference and they depigment (turning pink) more rapidly with age than any other primate species. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member A distinguished Member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. IUCN Members are each vetted and voted on based on an independent, rigorous assessment and external references. Learn More Verified Partner One of Conservation Allies’ staff or trusted advisors has visited this organization and verified its work and impact. Legally Constituted This organization is formally constituted and is a legally recognized non-profit in its country of origin. Top Accountability Our experienced team has rigorously reviewed the organization’s annual accounts. Learn More Effective Impact We recognize this Partner for their tremendous efforts to make a difference for wildlife and local communities, as well as welcome technical support from Conservation Allies to improve and scale up their impact. Conservation Action Heroes We recognize this Partner for their high level of engagement with the Conservation Allies team and their demonstration of a clear commitment to our collective mission of making a real difference and having a major impact on wildlife and communities where it is needed most.
