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
Save Colombia’s Chocó Rainforest
DONATE TO PROAVES Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Fundación ProAves Location: Las Tángaras Nature Reserve, Chocó, Northwest Colombia Appeal Category: Ecosystem Restoration Endangered Species Protected Area Management Reforestation Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Gold-ringed tanager Black-and-gold tanager Baudo guan Colombian black spider monkey Harlequin poison frog Challenges And Threats: Critical 242-acre property at risk of deforestation Habitat fragmentation threatening endangered species Agricultural expansion pressures, including pasture and abattoir development Actions: Secure the property to expand Las Tángaras Reserve. Maintain forest corridors for wildlife connectivity. Protect cloud forest ecosystems and biodiversity. The Challenge Colombia’s Chocó bioregion, one of the wettest and most biodiverse places on Earth, is vanishing at an alarming rate. More than 70% of its rainforest has already been lost, leaving only scattered remnants capable of supporting its astonishing wildlife. At the heart of this landscape lies the 9,960-acre Las Tángaras Reserve, one of the last intact strongholds for species found nowhere else. Its cloud forests shelter critically threatened wildlife, including the Gold-ringed tanager and the Colombian black spider monkey. But this refuge is now in immediate danger. A 242-acre property located inside the reserve boundary is scheduled for sale before year-end. If ProAves cannot secure it in time, it will be converted to cattle pasture and an abattoir triggering deforestation that would fragment the reserve, destroy habitat, and jeopardize the survival of its endangered species. This is one of the last unprotected properties directly bordering Las Tángaras Reserve. Losing it would break the forest corridor and tear apart the ecological continuity the entire ecosystem depends on. Urgent Solutions ProAves urgently seeks to purchase the 242-acre property to secure it forever. Your support will: Protect a rainforest and Cloud forest twice the size of Vatican City, sheltering ~68,600 mature trees. Prevent the release of 90,000 metric tons of stored CO₂ equivalent to the electricity use of 1,200 homes for a decade. Complete a unified 9,960-acre conservation corridor, strengthening habitat connectivity for threatened birds, mammals, and amphibians. Safeguard cloud forest headwaters that feed the Atrato River, a lifeline for Afro-Colombian communities downstream. Permanently protect one of Colombia’s most endangered biodiversity corridors at a critical moment. Why Your Donation Matters If this property is not secured before the end of the year, forest clearing will begin and the damage will be irreversible. This is a one-time opportunity to save a vital tract of rainforest that stabilizes climate, protects water systems, and shelters species found nowhere else on Earth. And right now, every donation is doubled, protecting twice as much rainforest when it matters most. Your Impact (Matched 1:1):$100 — Protects 9,720 sq. ft. of rainforest$250 — Protects 24,280 sq. ft. of rainforest$1,000 — Protects 97,200 sq. ft. of rainforest Every gift in your name helps secure irreplaceable habitat and keeps the Chocó’s extraordinary wildlife alive, forever. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre
DONATE TO GREENVIET Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre Location Danang City, Vietnam Category Community Support & Development Protected Area Management Ecosystem Restoration Endangered Species Urgent Appeals Coming soon Date Founded 2012 Website www.greenviet.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact About GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre was founded in 2012 to protect ecosystems and endangered species of flora and fauna throughout Vietnam. The organization employs an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, which identifies and mobilizes the internal strengths of local communities to build effective conservation teams. By empowering communities to become active stewards of their natural resources, GreenViet creates sustainable, locally-driven conservation solutions that benefit both wildlife and people. Their Challenges Wildlife conservation in Vietnam faces critical threats to biodiversity. Habitat loss and fragmentation, driven by deforestation, agricultural expansion, hydropower projects, and rapid urbanization, reduce the size and quality of natural habitats, isolating wildlife populations and increasing extinction risk. Vietnam also serves as both a source and transit country in the illegal wildlife trade, with species such as pangolins, primates, and turtles heavily exploited for food, traditional medicine, and the pet trade. Despite stronger laws and international commitments, enforcement remains weak and demand persists. Additionally, many protected areas struggle with insufficient funding, staff, and equipment, while local communities dependent on forest resources face conflicts between conservation goals and livelihood needs. Their Approach GreenViet employs an integrated approach that strengthens both ecosystems and communities in Central Vietnam, where many rare and threatened species survive. The organization supports protected areas by enhancing forest ranger capacity through training, equipment provision, and technical support. Regular wildlife monitoring tracks population trends and threats—including hunting, logging, and habitat loss—to guide protection strategies. Crucially, GreenViet empowers local communities by recruiting and supporting village volunteers as community forest guards. These grassroots partnerships build local stewardship and create a frontline defense for endangered species, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for both people and nature. Why They Need Your Help Conservation funds enable GreenViet to strengthen protected areas and local communities in Central Vietnam. Resources support training for local rangers in SMART patrol methods, which significantly improve forest protection effectiveness. The organization provides essential equipment including mobile phones, computers, and uniforms to ensure rangers can work safely and efficiently, while ranger awards recognize and motivate their dedication. Funds also support community volunteers who patrol their forests, fostering shared ownership in conservation efforts. Additionally, GreenViet monitors populations of endangered species such as the Grey-shanked douc langur and gibbons, using this data to target resources where they are most needed and ensure effective protection strategies 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.
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 Save Suwarrow’s Sparrows Date Founded 1996 Website tiscookislands.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective 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
DONATE TO MWF 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 Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
DONATE TO MWF Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner 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 Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective 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 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
Save Bhutan’s White-Bellied Herons From Extinction
DONATE TO RSPN BHUTAN 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 Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
RSPN Bhutan
DONATE TO RSPN BHUTAN Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner 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 Member Legally Constituted Effective 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.