Achieving Coexistence Between Communities and Wild Elephants
SUPPORT Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Belantara Foundation Location: South Sumatra Province, Indonesia Appeal Category: Endangered Species Community Support and Development Education Key Species: Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) Challenges And Threats: Conflict between communities and wild elephants Limited understanding of coexistence concepts among stakeholders Lack of economic incentives from elephant presence Actions: Build competent community groups for conflict mitigation Synergize stakeholder conservation actions for harmonious coexistence Develop elephant-safe crops with high economic value The Challenge The Padang Sugihan Landscape on the east coast of southern Sumatra spans approximately 700,000 hectares of peat swamp that has faced recurring forest fires since 1997. This critical habitat supports a Sumatran elephant herd of 100-120 individuals, representing 5-10% of the total wild elephant population remaining in Sumatra. With this population size, the Padang Sugihan elephant herd is one of the few Sumatran elephant populations with a realistic chance of long-term survival. Since 1982, the Indonesian Government’s transmigration program has gradually relocated people from Java to this area. The landscape has since transformed into a mosaic of community settlements, agricultural lands, industrial forest plantations, and oil palm estates, alongside a small conservation area in the western portion. As economic development expands through forestry and palm oil industries, combined with population growth driving increased demand for agricultural land, negative interactions between humans and wild elephants have escalated dramatically over the past decade. Wild elephants increasingly enter village areas, destroying rice fields and agricultural crops, damaging homes, and tragically causing human fatalities. If this situation continues unchecked, conservation efforts for the critically endangered Sumatran elephant will become increasingly complex. Without community support, wild elephants will continue to be viewed as agricultural pests and enemies rather than as a vital part of the ecosystem deserving protection. Urgent Solutions Creating lasting coexistence between elephant conservation and economic development requires a holistic, comprehensive, and integrated approach. The Belantara Foundation proposes establishing conditions of mutual respect that allow harmonious coexistence in the Padang Sugihan Landscape while improving community livelihoods sustainably. To achieve long-term conservation success, the following urgent activities are essential: Community Capacity Building: Enhance the skills and equipment of community-based conflict mitigation teams already established in several villages. Industry Collaboration: Work with forestry and palm oil plantation concessions to create elephant-friendly management practices. Stakeholder Awareness: Educate all landscape stakeholders about the importance of coexistence between industrial sectors, communities, and wild elephants. Environmental Education: Provide education programs for local communities, especially early childhood learners, about the ecological benefits of wild elephants. Alternative Livelihoods: Develop agricultural commodities with high economic value that elephants naturally avoid, reducing crop-raiding incidents. Why Your Donation Matters Your donation is crucial to securing the long-term survival of this critically endangered Sumatran elephant population living in an increasingly human-dominated landscape. With 100-120 individuals now fragmented into smaller groups, these elephants face unprecedented challenges that require immediate intervention. The $100,000 fundraising goal will enable the Belantara Foundation to implement comprehensive conservation activities that address both elephant protection and community needs. Your support will fund conflict mitigation teams equipped with the tools and training needed to safely manage elephant encounters. It will facilitate partnerships with industrial concessions to create wildlife corridors and safe foraging areas, reducing elephants’ need to enter agricultural lands. Beyond immediate conflict reduction, your contribution will support long-term solutions through education programs that foster appreciation for elephants among the next generation. By developing alternative crop systems that provide economic benefits without attracting elephants, communities can thrive alongside wildlife. This innovative approach transforms the narrative from conflict to coexistence, ensuring that the Padang Sugihan elephant herd not only survives but becomes a source of pride and sustainable prosperity for local communities. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
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.
Ukranian Nature Conservation Group
DONATE TO UNCG Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG) Location Kyiv, Ukraine Category Capacity Building & Training Protected Area Management Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2018 Website uncg.org.ua Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact About Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group The Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group (UNCG), formally established in 2018, is a nonprofit organization founded by biologists and environmental experts. It now includes over 50 conservation professionals and activists working across Ukraine. UNCG’s work focuses on establishing new protected areas, conserving forests, monitoring wildlife populations, and protecting rare plant and animal species. Through field studies and assessments, they provide critical data to guide environmental efforts. Their initiatives maintain ecosystems in forests, wetlands, and grasslands, ensuring the survival of diverse flora and fauna while protecting water quality, soil health, and regional climate stability. They have been instrumental in creating 75% of Ukraine’s recent protected areas and have contributed over 500,000 biodiversity records to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. UNCG also collaborates with local communities, government agencies, and international organizations to advocate for environmental policy improvements and promote sustainable land use. Their educational outreach inspires public engagement through publications, workshops, and community programs, fostering a culture of conservation for future generations. Their Challenges Ukraine’s ecosystems face significant threats due to ongoing Russian aggression, which has damaged protected areas and disrupted fragile habitats. Vital landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, have suffered extensive harm, endangering biodiversity and ecosystem stability. With state resources focused on defense, conservation funding has become scarce, creating an urgent need for external support to sustain fieldwork, document ecological impacts, and plan for ecosystem recovery. UNCG and other conservationists are working to assess the damage and implement strategies for restoring Ukraine’s natural heritage. Recovery efforts include establishing new protected zones, rehabilitating war-impacted habitats, and developing sustainable management practices. UNCG’s commitment to data collection, ecosystem monitoring, and collaboration with local and international partners is critical for ensuring Ukraine’s biodiversity is preserved and its ecosystems are resilient in the long term. Their Approach UNCG leads initiatives to conserve and restore Ukraine’s ecosystems amid ongoing threats. They prioritize preserving ecological data, conducting studies, and creating methods to restore war-damaged habitats. A key focus is advocating for the legal protection of affected areas to safeguard them from regulatory gaps and limited government oversight. UNCG identifies valuable sites across Ukraine to secure their protection status. Their efforts include establishing new nature reserves, improving the management of existing protected areas, and promoting sustainable forest management practices with civic oversight to prevent exploitation. The organization also assesses environmental impacts and advocates for modifications to development projects that threaten biodiversity. In collaboration with international conventions, UNCG monitors and expands Ukraine’s Emerald Network, a vital system of protected sites for European biodiversity. Their work extends to protecting grasslands and steppes from construction and deforestation and conserving rivers and wetlands from drainage projects. By gathering and analyzing data on rare species and habitats, UNCG supports evidence-based conservation actions and policies that minimize ecological harm and build long-term ecosystem resilience. Why They Need Your Help Supporting UNCG ensures the continuation of critical conservation efforts in Ukraine during a time of war. Contributions enable ecological surveys, legal protections for at-risk areas, and biodiversity monitoring across vulnerable landscapes. Funding strengthens their capacity for research, advocacy, and restoration while bolstering civic oversight to counteract risks from deregulation and limited government resources. Donations directly support initiatives such as expanding protected areas, monitoring rare species, and promoting sustainable land management. By contributing, supporters empower dedicated conservation professionals to safeguard Ukraine’s natural heritage and lay the foundation for a sustainable future amid unprecedented challenges.
Malaysian Nature Society
DONATE TO MNS Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) Location Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Category Ecosystem Restoration Education Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Protect Green Spaces and Urban Wildlife Date Founded 1940 Website mns.my Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted Effective Impact Malaysian Nature Society The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) works to protect Malaysia’s biodiversity through conservation projects, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring. It manages nature parks, organizes tree-planting initiatives, and advocates for the protection of endangered species and critical ecosystems. MNS also engages communities through environmental education programs, publishes the Malayan Nature Journal, and collaborates with government agencies and local groups to promote sustainable practices and safeguard the country’s natural heritage. Their Challenges Malaysia’s natural environment faces significant challenges, including widespread deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and encroachment from human activities. These pressures are intensified by climate change, weak environmental governance, and uncoordinated national planning. Remaining forested areas, often located in interior regions, are under constant threat from plantations, mining, infrastructure projects, and hydroelectric developments, leading to carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and human-wildlife conflict. Indigenous and local communities living in these regions face marginalization and economic struggles, with their voices often excluded from decisions about land development. State governments, seeking additional revenue, frequently prioritize low-cost economic activities like logging and plantation expansion, putting biodiversity-rich forests at risk. Development priorities are further driven by state and district planning documents, which are updated infrequently and often allocate new areas for exploitation. At the federal level, Malaysia faces the complex task of balancing economic development with its commitments to global environmental agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity. While initiatives exist to address these issues, they are often fragmented, lacking the coordination and comprehensive approach needed to ensure sustainable outcomes. Their Approach The Malaysian Nature Society focuses on conserving Malaysia’s biodiversity and restoring ecosystems to ensure long-term environmental health and sustainability. It promotes public awareness through the operation of nature parks like the Kuala Selangor Nature Park and the Kertih ecoCare Environmental Education Centre. These parks serve as hubs for environmental education, offering programs for students of all ages and opportunities for tree-planting activities as part of corporate and community initiatives. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of conservation. MNS undertakes species-focused and landscape-level conservation projects, advocates for improved environmental governance, and publishes the Malayan Nature Journal. These efforts involve extensive fieldwork, research, community engagement, and collaborations with key stakeholders to drive impactful outcomes. To address climate change, MNS prioritizes reforestation, partnering with government agencies, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples to plant thousands of trees across degraded landscapes. These efforts restore critical habitats, mitigate climate impacts, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for local and Indigenous communities. Why They Need Your Help MNS relies on donations to sustain its critical conservation work across Malaysia, including monitoring and protecting sensitive habitats in Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia. Funds support field research, policy advocacy, community collaborations, and digital outreach through platforms like the Malayan Nature Journal and the Rantaian Urban Green Spaces project. Contributions also help train staff, develop eco-tourism initiatives like Merapoh Cave exploration, and maintain long-term conservation efforts to safeguard Malaysia’s precious ecosystems. Your support enables MNS to continue championing nature conservation and protecting vital habitats from escalating threats.
Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF)
DONATE TO AERF Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) Location India Category Community Support & Development Ecosystem Restoration Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 1995 Website www.aerfindia.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted Effective Impact About AERF Since 1995, AERF has been achieving on-the-ground conservation in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, with the active participation of local communities. AERF implements its conservation strategies through five key programs that effectively engage diverse stakeholder groups: 1. Sacred Groves Conservation 2. Applied Biodiversity 3. Communities, Conservation 4. Green Entrepreneurship 5. Business and Biodiversity AERF pioneered incentive-based conservation of privately owned forests in India. In 2007, they launched the MyForest initiative to expand conservation efforts. Through this initiative, AERF has successfully prevented deforestation and conserved globally threatened species across 15,000 acres of privately owned, biodiversity-rich forests in the northern Western Ghats. Additionally, AERF has scaled sacred grove conservation—traditionally protected old-growth forest fragments—across 150 villages in three districts, helping protect endangered species such as the Great hornbill, Indian ground pangolin, Asiatic wild dog, White-rumped vulture, Indian leopard, and Indian gaur. AERF is also responsible for establishing India’s first FAIRWILD certified operation, Nature Connect India Pvt. Ltd. This initiative has brought approximately 7,500 acres of biodiversity-rich forests under sustainable management. This approach has provided sustainable income to local communities while creating inclusive and transparent supply chains for global companies. Their Challenges AERF operates in the open forest landscapes of the northern Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Approximately 90% of the forest areas in this region are owned and managed by local communities. As a result, there is immense pressure on natural resources, as selling land for resort construction and large-scale deforestation due to agricultural expansion are common strategies adopted by locals to generate quick income. This has a significant negative impact on biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services. The lack of skills and capacity among locals has led to the overexploitation and indiscriminate felling of economically important trees, reducing the economic productivity of the forests and creating a cascading effect on lesser-known species that depend on these trees. Furthermore, forest degradation results in landslides and wildfires, bringing the entire ecosystem to the brink of collapse and posing an existential threat to local communities. Their Approach AERF focuses on conserving biodiversity-rich forests in the northern Western Ghats through a community-driven, incentive-based approach. Working closely with local communities, AERF implements strategies that prioritize the sustainable management of privately owned forests, which make up the majority of the region’s forest areas. AERF’s MyForest initiative has successfully conserved 12,000 acres of private forests by offering incentives to landowners, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring biodiversity preservation. AERF also emphasizes the restoration of sacred groves, traditionally protected old-growth forest fragments, and improving landscape connectivity between these critical areas. By engaging communities in sustainable forest management, AERF addresses deforestation and overexploitation of key resources. Their FAIRWILD certified operation, Nature Connect India Pvt. Ltd., further supports these efforts by creating forest-based value chains that provide sustainable income to over 500 community members. This initiative currently manages 7,500 acres of biodiversity-rich forests under sustainable practices. Through their innovative, community-focused approach, AERF ensures the long-term conservation of critical ecosystems while supporting local livelihoods. Why They Need Your Help Advancing conservation within a social context and ensuring its sustainability at scale requires long-term financial support and investment. Donations will be crucial in renewing conservation agreements for another 10 years. Depending on the level of support, these funds can help AERF protect an additional 500 Giant trees and expand value chains under the MyForest initiative. AERF has developed diverse approaches to achieving conservation, aligning their efforts with sustainable economic development for local communities and ecosystem preservation as part of climate change mitigation. With financial backing, they are committed to delivering high-quality, impactful conservation outcomes.
Cape Leopard Trust
DONATE TO CLT Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner The Cape Leopard Trust Location South Africa Category Education Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2004 Website capeleopard.org.za Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact About The Cape Leopard Trust The Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) is an environmental NGO and non-profit, based in the Western Cape of South Africa. They facilitate and promote the conservation of biological diversity, with a focus on the leopard as a flagship species. Their purpose and vision is to ensure the continued survival of leopards for the benefit of nature and society, by supporting the protection of leopard habitat and prey species, promoting peaceful coexistence between leopards and people, and fostering community custodianship of the Cape’s unique biodiversity. The CLT works to achieve this vision through rigorous scientific research, conservation-in-action initiatives, environmental education and outreach, and positive communication, in collaboration with communities, private landowners, and partner organizations. Their Challenges The Western Cape, South Africa, is home to globally relevant fauna and flora, and the Cape Floral Region is a Global Biodiversity Hotspot. The leopard is a member of the Big 5 and the last large predator to still roam free in the Western Cape. The species faces multiple threats, including limited and fragmented habitat, reduction in prey numbers, and high levels of conflict with people. Leopards in the Western Cape occur at low densities and utilize home ranges up to ten times larger than leopards in other parts of South Africa. Protecting connectivity across the landscape is essential for the leopard’s long-term survival and to ensure they can continue to provide vital ecosystem services. Poaching in the form of illegal snaring is an exceedingly complex challenge. Snares are indiscriminate and take a huge toll on the entire ecosystem, also impacting predators like leopards. The threat of snaring to leopards is two-fold: firstly, it reduces the numbers of their prey species like small antelope and porcupine, and secondly leopards themselves can get caught. Human-predator conflict is another age-old and still ongoing challenge, as leopards continue to be persecuted in retaliation for both real and perceived livestock losses. Engaging youth in protecting biodiversity is often overlooked, yet this is crucial as it fosters a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, instills a sense of responsibility, and ensures the continuity of conservation efforts for future generations. In rural settings, teachers often face unique obstacles such as isolation, resource constraints, and multi-grade teaching. Their Approach The CLT’s work and reputation is built on a well-established foundation of robust science and strong relationships. The CLT values an inclusive approach to research, conservation and education. They believe that strong stakeholder communication and incorporation is essential to devise successful conservation strategies. In addition, they try to ensure that all people can access nature-based learning and have created a suite of inclusive environmental education tools to facilitate this. Their research seeks to understand leopard ecology and people’s relationships with leopards, and they employ a variety of methods including camera trap surveys, dietary analyses, habitat suitability and connectivity modeling, citizen science, and social science. The CLT takes a holistic approach to conservation and provides support for livestock farmers with leopard conflict, snare patrols, knowledge-sharing workshops, resources, collaborative initiatives, and community-based outreach. Finally, they aim to inspire the next generation with quality environmental education including wilderness camps, eco-clubs, day outings, holiday programs, art competitions, presentations, online learning, and a children’s literacy project. Why They Need Your Help The Cape Leopard Trust seeks support to monitor leopard population trends through repeat large-scale camera surveys of core leopard habitat. The operational running costs of these surveys are immense. Furthermore, they need help to rapidly mitigate emerging threats to leopards. The increasing prevalence of snaring in the province has prompted the development of our collaborative Snare Free project, which requires urgent support to combat this threat. Additionally, funds are required to identify, investigate and conserve ecological corridors in partnership with private landowners and other stakeholders. Conservation Allies charges no overhead fees or administration costs meaning 100% of your donation goes directly to The Cape Leopard Trust. All donations made from the United States are fully tax-deductible.
Defensores de la Naturaleza
DONATE TO DEFENSORES DE LA NATURALEZA Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Defensores de la Naturaleza Location Guatemala, Latin America Category Community Support and Development Wildlife Conservation Protected Area Management Urgent Appeals Help Prevent Fires in the Maya Forest Date Founded 1986 Website www.defensores.org.gt Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted About Defensores de la Naturaleza Defensores de la Naturaleza is the formal environmental organization with the longest history in Guatemala, having been managing and carrying out conservation activities for more than 40 years. Their work has contributed to the conservation of 80% of the Guatemalan flora and fauna species, as well as the management of more than 87 watersheds that supply water to more than 500,000 inhabitants. They are currently responsible for the protection and management of 4 protected areas in the country: Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, Bocas del Polochic Wildlife Refuge, Sierra del Lacandón National Park, and United Nations National Park. These areas are home to much threatened biodiversity, including the Guatemalan fir, the Yucatán black howler monkey, the Jaguar, the Horned guan, the American manatee, and the Resplendent quetzal. Their Challenges Forest fires are one of the main threats to the degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity in the protected areas that Defensores de la Naturaleza co-manages. For this reason, accessing continuous funding to carry out forest fire monitoring and control, especially during the dry season, has become one of their main challenges. Another key focus is to persist in their biological monitoring endeavors, aiming for a conservation model rooted in evidence and data. Simultaneously, their ongoing efforts involve exploring avenues to assist communities residing near protected areas in adapting to climate change. This encompasses initiatives such as promoting water access, implementing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, establishing agroforestry systems, and providing support to local associations, all of which have their unique challenges. Their Approach Defensores de la Naturaleza adheres to five strategic pillars of action to achieve their goals: Climate Action and Resilience: Promoting effective initiatives that contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change and enable local populations to adapt and be resilient in the long term Natural Areas and Biodiversity: Establishing measures that contribute to the management and protection of areas crucial for the conservation of biological diversity Environmental Education and Awareness: Supporting the teaching-learning process to strengthen capacities, generate positive attitude changes, and instill environmental care in future generations Organizational Development: Focusing on achieving the optimal functioning of the organization by ensuring the alignment of processes, the efficiency of program execution, and the management of human talent Citizen Advocacy: Seeking to influence decision-making spaces at national and international levels, connecting with individuals and organizations dedicated to the conservation and protection of the environment Why They Need Your Help Defensores de la Naturaleza plays a crucial role in safeguarding Guatemala’s biodiversity. The Protected Areas they manage represent 5% of the Guatemalan territory, supporting over 400 communities dependent on the provided natural resources. Sustaining the protection and effective management of these biodiverse regions requires ongoing financial support for professional salaries and expertise, proper equipment maintenance, expanded research initiatives, improved research stations, and the continuous creation of communication materials to raise national awareness about the environment’s significance.
Fundación Patagonia Natural
DONATE TO FUNDACIÓN PATAGONIA NATURAL Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Fundación Patagonia Natural Location Argentina, Latin America Category Education Wildlife Conservation Protected Area Management Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 1989 Website www.patagonianatural.org.ar Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted About Fundación Patagonia Natural Fundación Patagonia Natural is an Argentinian non-profit organization that works for a better quality of life for the people of Patagonia through the protection of nature and the sustainable use of natural resources. They manage two refuges: Punta Flecha, located 17 km from Puerto Madryn in El Doradillo Municipal Protected Area, a Southern right whale hotspot, and La Esperanza, located 75 km north of Puerto Madryn and within the buffer zone of the Peninsula Valdés Protected Natural Area, a Natural Heritage of Humanity UNESCO site. Their Challenges 25% of Argentina’s wild animal species are considered at risk of extinction, yet deforestation and agriculture continue to expand, pushing wildlife further towards the edge. Argentina has also been experiencing more severe and frequent flood and droughts. Argentina’s formal system of Protected Natural Areas currently only covers less than 5% of the country’s surface. Thus, buffer zones constitute a great opportunity to improve this ratio. Fundación Patagonia Natural manages these lands with the aim of conserving a representative area of the Patagonian Coastal Steppe. Their Approach Fundación Patagonia Natural manages many conservation projects, including increasing renewable energy accessibility, research on Argentina’s ecosystems and biodiversity, increasing opportunities for environmental education for both students and teachers, and direct conservation initiatives. Why They Need Your Help Fundación Patagonia Natural is a non-profit that is reliant on the generosity of donors to continue their critical conservation projects. Their work simply cannot continue without donations from the public.
Reserva Tesoro Escondido
DONATE TO TESORO ESCONDIDO Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation Location Ecuador, Latin America Category Community Support and Development Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2016 Website www.tesororeserve.org Partner Qualifications Legally Constituted About Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation The Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation works to conserve the highly threatened lowland Ecuadorian Chocó forest through participatory scientific research, environmental education, and sustainable community projects. It protects a 5,000 acre nature reserve that many endangered and endemic species depend upon for their survival, including the Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey. Their Challenges The Chocó lowland forest is threatened by several anthropogenic activities, mainly timber extraction and agriculture. Flora and fauna in this forest are still understudied and many species haven’t been described yet. Furthermore, local communities are not aware of the highly biodiverse area they live in, making its conservation a challenge. Mining in the near future may become a major additional threat, as it is expanding throughout the country. Their Approach The Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation coordinates participatory scientific research, carrying out biodiversity surveys in the reserve at their scientific station. They also work with around 500 children in local communities around the reserve through their permanent environmental education program. They develop sustainable development community projects, particularly with local women to strengthen local businesses and capacity building. They also manage a coexistence project that reduces human-wildlife conflict with jaguars and other predators. The Foundation supports indigenous Chachi and mixed communities with habitat restoration projects and agroecology development. Why They Need Your Help The Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation needs donors’ support to guarantee the continuation of its activities, particularly core costs which allow them to pay staff salaries and fund the operations and improvements of their crucial research station.