Save Nepal’s Critically Endangered Bengal Florican
DONATE TO BIRDS NEPAL Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Birds Nepal Location: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal Appeal Category: Endangered Species Protected Area Management Scientific Research Key Species: Bengal florican (Critically Endangered) Swamp francolin Bristled grassbird Challenges And Threats: Grassland fires destroying critical breeding habitat Overgrazing and human disturbance Illegal hunting and poaching Actions: Systematic scientific monitoring of endangered grassland birds Direct engagement with Protected Area managers and government stakeholders Development of a species action plan The Challenge The Bengal florican is one of the rarest birds in Asia—a small grassland bustard whose global population has collapsed dramatically over the past century. Once widespread across the floodplains of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, the species now survives only in a handful of isolated grassland reserves, and Nepal’s Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of its last viable habitats. Koshi Tappu—a wetland and tall-grass mosaic along the Koshi River in eastern Nepal—faces three converging threats to its grassland bird community. Annual fires, set primarily for grazing management, destroy critical breeding habitat year after year. Overgrazing by livestock further degrades the tall-grass ecosystems the Bengal florican and other specialists depend on. And illegal hunting continues to pressure already-thin populations of the Reserve’s most vulnerable birds—including the Swamp Francolin and Bristled Grassbird, both of which share the florican’s narrow ecological niche. Without intervention, the remaining grassland bird populations at Koshi Tappu face local extinction. The science needed to prevent it does not yet exist. Urgent Solutions Birds Nepal is launching a focused habitat monitoring program at Koshi Tappu to fill that gap. Donations to this appeal will directly support: Systematic monitoring and population surveys of the Bengal florican and other endangered grassland species at Koshi Tappu Documentation of grassland fire patterns, grazing pressure, and illegal hunting incidents across the Reserve Direct engagement with Koshi Tappu’s protected area managers and Nepal’s national park authorities to share findings as they emerge Co-development of a species action plan with reserve staff and government stakeholders—translating field data into binding protection measures Equipment, transportation, and team capacity for sustained year-round monitoring Why Your Donation Matters The Bengal florican will not survive in Nepal without urgent, evidence-driven intervention—and the protected area system that holds its last habitat will not act without the data to support it. That is the gap Birds Nepal is moving to close. Your donation funds the field science, the stakeholder engagement, and the species action plan that together can turn Koshi Tappu from a passive refuge into an active conservation success story. Through Conservation Allies, 100% of every dollar flows directly to the project—to the rangers, biologists, and community members whose work in the field is the only thing standing between these birds and extinction in Nepal. For one of Asia’s rarest birds, this work is the last opportunity to act before it is too late. Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact
Birds Nepal
DONATE TO BIRDS NEPAL Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Birds Nepal Location Napalparasi, Nepal, Asia Category Capacity Building and Training Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Save Nepal’s Critically Endangered Bengal Florican Date Founded 2021 Website birdsnepal.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Effective Impact About Birds Nepal Birds Nepal is a Nepali nonprofit dedicated to protecting birds and their habitats through long-term monitoring, scientific research, and community-based conservation outreach. The organization focuses on Nepal’s most ecologically important and most threatened landscapes, with particular emphasis on the grassland and wetland species whose populations have been hit hardest by habitat loss, illegal hunting, and climate pressure. The organization was founded in honor of the late Dr. Lawrence Thompson, a molecular biologist at the Livermore laboratory in California whose post-retirement passion for bird photography led him to support conservation organizations around the world. Birds Nepal carries that legacy forward, applying rigorous field science and direct community engagement to the protection of some of South Asia’s most endangered birds. Their Challenges Nepal sits at the intersection of what Birds Nepal calls the “triple planetary crisis”—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—and the country’s bird populations are bearing a disproportionate share of the impact. Local pressures compound the picture: illegal hunting and poaching of birds and wildlife, illegal fishing, the degradation of grasslands by fire and overgrazing, and significant research gaps that leave protected area managers without the data they need to respond effectively. Grassland and wetland specialists—including some of Asia’s rarest birds—are among the most exposed. Their Approach Birds Nepal works as an action-oriented organization that combines field science with direct community partnership. Their core activities include long-term monitoring and scientific research on key bird species and habitats; conservation awareness and outreach in areas with the highest hunting and poaching pressure; training programs designed to help local communities transition from nature-dependent livelihoods to alternative income sources; and direct engagement with protected area managers and government stakeholders to translate field data into species action plans. Why They Need Your Help As a young organization working in one of South Asia’s most biodiverse but most under-resourced bird habitats, Birds Nepal relies on international donors to fund the fieldwork, training, and stakeholder engagement that keep their conservation work moving. Through Conservation Allies, 100% of every donation flows directly to the program—funding the science, the outreach, and the action plans that will determine whether Nepal’s most endangered birds have a future.
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.
Save 1,000 Giant Trees in the Western Ghats
DONATE TO AERF Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) Location: Western Ghats, India Appeal Category: Community Support & Development Ecosystem Restoration Reforestation Challenges And Threats: Widespread deforestation and habitat fragmentation Degraded forest patches leading to biodiversity loss and soil erosion Climate stress and invasive species affecting tree survival Actions: Planting and enrichment of giant native trees in degraded areas Restoring connectivity between fragmented forest patches Community training and engagement for long-term forest stewardship The Challenge The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are home to rich biodiversity and vital forest ecosystems. Many areas in this landscape have suffered extensive degradation due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and climate stress. Giant native trees, which are critical for maintaining forest structure, supporting wildlife, and regulating water and soil, are disappearing at an alarming rate. This loss of canopy trees not only threatens countless plant and animal species but also undermines the livelihoods of local communities who rely on the forests for clean water, food, and sustainable income. Without immediate restoration, degraded forests will continue to deteriorate, leading to further habitat loss, increased soil erosion, and diminished ecosystem resilience. Urgent Solutions To address these urgent threats, AERF is implementing a holistic restoration strategy focused on ecological and community resilience: Native Tree Planting & Enrichment: Planting and nurturing giant native tree species in degraded forest patches to restore canopy cover and structural diversity. Forest Connectivity: Reconnecting fragmented forests to enable wildlife movement, improve ecological processes, and maintain biodiversity. Community Engagement & Capacity Building: Training local villagers in tree propagation, planting, and long-term forest monitoring, fostering stewardship and sustainable livelihoods. These actions aim to restore forest health while ensuring that communities are active partners in conserving and benefiting from these landscapes. Why Your Donation Matters Your support will directly contribute to protecting over 1,000 giant native trees, restoring ecological balance, and reviving critical forest corridors. Donations empower local communities to manage and care for forests sustainably, ensuring the benefits of restoration last for generations. With your help, AERF can strengthen both natural and human resilience—enhancing biodiversity, stabilizing soils, improving water retention, and creating opportunities for local livelihoods. Every contribution advances a model of forest restoration that combines conservation success with community well-being, ensuring the Western Ghats’ giant trees stand well into the future. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted Effective Impact
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.
Protect Green Spaces and Urban Wildlife
DONATE TO MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Malaysian Nature Society Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Appeal Category: Community Support & Development Ecosystem Restoration Reforestation Key Species: Sunda pangolin Sunda slow loris White-thighed surili Challenges And Threats: Habitat fragmentation Climate Change Inadequate Legal Protections of Nature Actions: Reforestation of Green Spaces with Local Communities Native Tree Nursery Management by Indigenous People Advocacy for Policy Reformation to Safeguard the Environment The Challenge Kuala Lumpur, located in Malaysia’s Klang Valley, has witnessed decades of urban expansion, driving economic growth at the cost of its ecosystems. Natural habitats have been fragmented, isolating wildlife populations like the Sunda Pangolin and Sunda Slow Loris, which face inbreeding risks due to limited mobility. Birds struggle to navigate fragmented green spaces, while aquatic species suffer from polluted waterways caused by industrial and residential runoff. Climate change compounds these issues, with rising temperatures, erratic weather, and longer droughts punctuated by severe storms and flooding. Vulnerable communities, including Indigenous Peoples and marginalized groups, are disproportionately affected but lack the resources to adapt. Efforts to conserve green spaces face legislative barriers, as conflicting property rights and environmental regulations hinder grassroots initiatives. Striking a balance between individual property rights and the need for sustainable, accessible green spaces has become increasingly difficult. Without action, these ecosystems—and the benefits they provide to the community—are at risk of vanishing. Urgent Solutions The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) is addressing these challenges through the Rantaian Urban Green Spaces (RUGS) initiative. This project collaborates with NGOs, government bodies, academic institutions, and Indigenous communities to restore degraded areas with native vegetation and connect green spaces. MNS emphasizes capacity-building workshops, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy to strengthen legal protections for urban green spaces. These efforts aim to ensure walkability, sustainability, and inclusive participation across society, transforming Klang Valley into a livable, sustainable city. A key success has been engaging the Indigenous People of Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Buloh. By partnering with this community, MNS is supporting the establishment of an Indigenous-run nursery for native plants, blending traditional knowledge with conservation practices to steward urban green spaces sustainably. Why Your Donation Matters The challenges of deforestation, climate change, and legal barriers threaten Klang Valley’s ecosystems. Your donation will help MNS to implement sustainable solutions: Reforestation with Local Communities MNS is working with local communities to restore habitats and create green corridors that support wildlife, promote recreation, and mitigate climate change. Indigenous-Led Native Tree Nurseries Supporting Indigenous communities to manage tree nurseries ensures the sustainability of reforestation efforts and strengthens local economies. Policy Advocacy for Green Space Protection Your contribution will empower MNS to advocate for stronger environmental laws and constitutional amendments, safeguarding green spaces from unsustainable development. Together, we can protect and restore Klang Valley’s green spaces for future generations. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
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.
Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc.
DONATE TO MBCFI Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (MBCFI) Location Mindoro Island, Philippines Category Ecotourism Education Scientific Research Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2008 Website mbcfi.org.ph Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted Effective Impact About Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. The Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (MBCFI) is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 and dedicated to conserving Mindoro Island’s unique and endangered biodiversity. Mindoro is recognized globally as a priority area due to its rich variety of endemic species and diverse habitats. MBCFI leads conservation initiatives through research, community engagement, and educational programs that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Their Vision: Sustained conservation of Mindoro’s natural treasures for future generations. Their Mission: To lead scientific research and foster collaborative conservation efforts in key biodiversity areas of Mindoro, empowering local communities through awareness and care. Their Objectives: Preserve Mindoro’s native and endemic species. Increase public awareness and support for conservation. Share research and educational resources to build interest and drive community involvement. Strengthen local capacity for habitat protection and sustainable resource use. Integrate indigenous knowledge to enhance conservation and reduce environmental pressures on sensitive areas. Their Challenges Mindoro, a biodiversity hotspot in the Philippines, faces significant conservation challenges. Deforestation and habitat loss, often due to illegal logging and agricultural expansion, endanger many native species. Urban development has led to soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat fragmentation, which isolate wildlife populations and hinder their survival. Invasive species disrupt local ecosystems, threatening indigenous species. Climate change further exacerbates these issues, affecting rainfall, temperature, and sea levels, which particularly impacts coral reefs and marine life. Additionally, conservation efforts are complicated by limited law enforcement, overlapping protected and ancestral lands, and development projects prioritized over conservation. Their Approach The Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Inc. (MBCFI) employs a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation, emphasizing scientific research, education, and partnerships with key stakeholders, including Indigenous communities. Research helps MBCFI understand ecosystem dynamics, identify vulnerable species, and develop targeted, evidence-based strategies. Education initiatives raise awareness among local communities, policymakers, and the public about biodiversity’s importance and the threats it faces, promoting sustainable practices and community involvement. Collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and the private sector is central to MBCFI’s strategy. These partnerships facilitate resource sharing, align conservation goals with local needs, and incorporate diverse perspectives into conservation efforts. By engaging local communities, MBCFI leverages traditional ecological knowledge and fosters a sense of ownership, enhancing the sustainability of conservation initiatives. This integrated approach strengthens biodiversity conservation in Mindoro, protecting ecosystems, preserving natural heritage, and supporting a sustainable future. Why They Need Your Help MBCFI relies on grants and donations to fund its biodiversity conservation programs in Mindoro. Additional support is essential for advancing initiatives that protect the island’s unique species and ecosystems. Donations help implement MBCFI’s core programs in research, education, and community empowerment, directly engaging locals in conservation activities that impact their environment and livelihoods. Contributions also enhance educational outreach, supporting awareness-building initiatives and resources. Additionally, funding helps MBCFI develop innovative conservation strategies, like sustainable ecotourism at the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Center, which promotes biodiversity awareness and generates income, fostering a balance between economic development and environmental stewardship.
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