Protecting Guatemala’s Cloud Forest From Devastating Wildfires
DONATE TO DEFENSORES Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Defensores de la Naturaleza Location: Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve Actions: Hiring and training of rangers and forest firefighters to protect Guatemala’s largest continuous patch of cloud forest. Providing uniforms, tools, and transportation to ensure safe, efficient work. Forest protection actions to reduce wildfire risks and illegal activities while protecting critical areas and biodiversity. Appeal Category: Capacity Building and Training Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) Horned guan (Oreophasis derbianus) Jaguar (Panthera onca) Golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) Challenges And Threats: Forest firefighters face high-risk situations combating wildfires affecting over 500 hectares annually. Adequate resources to address this emergency are not prioritized by government entities. The Challenge Each year, wildfires burn more than 1,200 acres in the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve, a vast mountain range in eastern Guatemala that protects the country’s largest remaining cloud forest. These fires destroy critical biodiversity and natural ecosystems while degrading air quality and threatening water availability for over 200 communities in the region. Forest firefighters are essential to both suppressing active fires and preventing future ones through community monitoring, raising awareness, and training local farmers in safer agricultural burning practices. Yet they work with insufficient resources and face life-threatening conditions during increasingly severe fire seasons driven by climate change. Without adequate support, these frontline defenders cannot effectively protect one of Guatemala’s most vital conservation areas. Urgent Solutions Defensores de la Naturaleza partners with local communities to combat wildfires in the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve. This year, Porta Hotel Antigua joins these efforts, creating a cross-sector alliance to prevent and respond to the wildfire crisis. Why Your Donation Matters The Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve protects Guatemala’s largest continuous cloud forest and endangered species like the Baird’s tapir, Jaguar, and Horned guan, while regulating water supplies for hundreds of thousands of people and capturing carbon that fights climate change. Guatemala is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and wildfires are accelerating environmental destruction. When the Sierra de las Minas forest burns, communities lose clean water and livelihoods, wildlife loses habitat, and we all lose a critical climate ally. Your support protects this treasure when it’s needed most. Your donation funds the hiring, training, and equipping of community-based forest firefighters who serve as the frontline defense for this irreplaceable ecosystem. It provides the uniforms, tools, and transportation needed to work safely across thousands of acres of remote cloud forest. Trained teams suppress active fires, monitor vulnerable areas, educate communities about fire prevention, and restore burned landscapes. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Help Support Tesoro Escondido Reserve Parabiologists
DONATE TO TESORO Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Tesoro Escondido Reserve Foundation Location: Lowland Ecuadorian Chocó, Esmeraldas, Ecuador Actions: Wildlife monitoring with camera traps and surveys of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Jaguar coexistence; building community trust and promoting safe, respectful practices. Environmental education through workshops, school gardens, and hands-on learning. Community support in reforestation, pollinator gardens, meliponiculture, and Chachi community life-planning. Ongoing training to strengthen educational, technical, and research skills. Appeal Category: Capacity Building and Training Community Support and Development Education Endangered Species Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Brown headed spider monkey Jaguar Giant macaw Harpy eagle Challenges And Threats: Logging Agricultural expansion Hunting Human-wildlife conflict The Challenge Ecuador’s current conservation reality is shifting dangerously. The merger of the Environment Ministry with the Energy and Mines Ministry signals a move toward extractive priorities, while illegal mining, expanding agriculture, timber extraction and organized crime continue to drive some of the country’s highest deforestation rates—especially in Esmeraldas, where the Tesoro Escondido Reserve is located. Local communities remain vulnerable, facing limited access to basic services and growing threats to their land rights. New national regulations restrict NGO action and increase costs, placing both forests and the Rights of Nature at risk. Meanwhile, funding for local conservation jobs is shrinking. We are running out of time to protect the forest and the people who defend it. Urgent Solutions Tesoro Escondido responds by strengthening community-led conservation through its team of local parabiologists—young leaders and agents of change who monitor wildlife, support jaguar coexistence, teach environmental education, restore forests, protect native bees, and support Chachi communities in participatory planning. In 2026, we aim to reinforce our institutional capacity: improving financial stability, governance, monitoring systems, community resilience, and youth leadership. Conservation must remain rooted in local knowledge, science, and strong communities—especially in a rapidly changing landscape. Why Your Donation Matters Your support directly funds the people who protect the forest every day. Parabiologists are essential—wildlife monitors, educators, community leaders, agents of change, role models, and the link between science and territory. Yet resources for local salaries are increasingly scarce. Your donation keeps monitoring active, strengthens community planning, supports women and youth, and ensures that conservation remains led by those who call this forest home. Supporting Tesoro Escondido means standing with the forest—and with its guardians. Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
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
Help Indigenous Forest Defenders Rebuild After Violent Attack
DONATE TO MAKIROVANA Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Makirovana Association Location: Makirovana-Tsihomanaomby Protected Area (Northeastern Madagascar) Appeal Category: Community Support and Development Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Sanford’s lemur Crowned lemur Challenges And Threats: Violent retaliation from illegal gold miners Destruction of homes and conservation infrastructure Ongoing threats to Indigenous forest defenders Illegal mining within Protected Area Actions: Rebuild 88 destroyed family homes Restore conservation facilities and tree nurseries Strengthen community-led forest patrols Provide emergency support for displaced families The Challenge The Makirovana-Tsihomanaomby Protected Area protects critical habitat for Critically Endangered lemur species and countless additional species. An Indigenous community has co-managed this forest for generations through the Makirovana Association, a local grassroots organization and Conservation Allies partner. In November 2025, community patrols discovered illegal gold miners operating inside the Protected Area. Police arrested two miners, who promised not to return. In retaliation, a larger group of miners launched a violent attack on villages around the Protected Area. The miners targeted families directly involved in forest protection. They destroyed homes, threatened residents, and kidnapped one Association member. Many families evacuated to temporary shelter in nearby Sambava city. The violence escalated when miners returned and burned 88 family homes, the village chief’s house, and all conservation facilities including ten native tree nurseries and reforestation sites. Local authorities responded by deploying more than 60 armed officers who have begun making arrests. The kidnapped conservationist was safely released. However, the community has lost nearly everything and needs immediate help to rebuild their homes and restore the conservation infrastructure that protects this biodiverse landscape. Urgent Solutions The Makirovana community needs immediate support to rebuild and continue protecting this critical forest habitat. Your donation will fund: Rebuild Homes: Construct 88 new homes for families who lost everything while defending their forests, allowing them to return from temporary shelters and resume their lives. Restore Conservation Infrastructure: Rebuild ten native tree nurseries and reforestation sites that were burned, ensuring conservation work continues without interruption. Strengthen Community Patrols: Provide equipment, training, and operational support for patrols that protect the forest from illegal mining and other threats. Emergency Family Support: Provide immediate assistance to families currently displaced in Sambava, including food, supplies, and temporary housing needs. Enhance Security: Work with local authorities to improve safety measures for Indigenous forest defenders and ensure their rights as stewards of this landscape are protected. Restore Livelihoods: Help families rebuild the sustainable economic activities disrupted by the attack, providing long-term stability for conservation efforts. Why Your Donation Matters Your donation directly supports Indigenous people who have risked their safety to protect endangered wildlife and one of Madagascar’s most biodiverse forests. The Makirovana community faces an immediate crisis that threatens both their homes and the Protected Area they manage. The $15,000 fundraising goal will enable the Makirovana Association to rebuild destroyed infrastructure and continue their conservation work. Your support provides displaced families with new homes so they can return to their land. It restores years of conservation work lost when nurseries and reforestation sites were burned. This support also sends a clear message: communities defending forests against illegal activities are not alone. Your donation helps ensure that violent intimidation does not succeed in driving Indigenous stewards away from the landscapes they protect. The Makirovana people have shown commitment to their forests despite facing violence. By helping them rebuild, you enable them to continue protecting habitat for biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth. Your donation helps them recover from this attack and continue their role as forest defenders for future generations. Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Achieving Coexistence Between Communities and Wild Elephants
DONATE TO BELANTARA 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 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 Save 1,000 Giant Trees in the Western Ghats 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.