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.
Fundación Moisés Bertoni
DONATE TO MOISÉS BERTONI Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Fundación Moisés Bertoni Location Paraguay, Latin America Category Education Ecotourism Protected Area Management Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 1988 Website www.mbertoni.org.py Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Legally Constituted About Fundación Moisés Bertoni The Fundación Moisés Bertoni is an environmental conservation non-profit organization that works to protect the natural resources of Paraguay. Their mission is to create innovative solutions for sustainable development through nature conservation and social responsibility, encouraging the active participation of the locals of Paraguay. They specialize in sustainable development and protect two private natural reserves: The Mbaracayú Natural Forest Reserve, the largest continuous remnant of the Interior Atlantic Forest in Paraguay, located in the department of Canindeyu, and the Tapyta Nature Private Reserve, located in the department of Caazapa. The foundation focuses on promoting environmental, social, and economic development in an effort to overcome the dominant paradigm of conservation as something separate from human activity. Their Challenges The Mbaracayú Forest Natural Reserve constitutes one of the last large remnants of primary forest in the Eastern Region of Paraguay at 160,000 acres in size, but more than 80% of the original forest cover has been deforested in recent decades. This forest contains two ecosystems of high conservation priority: the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest (BAAPA) and the Cerrado. It also contains the core area of the first Paraguayan Biosphere Reserve, internationally recognized by UNESCO in 2000. The conservation of the Mbaracayú Forest Natural Reserve and its biodiversity is absolutely critical, but it has been weakened by extreme climate events such as droughts, forest fires, as well as the advancement of illegal marijuana cultivation and poaching. Similarly, the 11,700 acre Tapyta Reserve serves as a biological connectivity corridor between the Caazapa National Park and the Managed Resources Reserve, Serranía San Rafael, both of which are owned by the state. Their Approach The foundation places a strong emphasis on environmental education and in 2009, they opened the Mbaracayú Educational Center, a boarding school for indigenous and rural girls ages 15 to 18 inside the Mbaracayú Nature Forest Reserve. The mission of the school is to transform low-income young girls into powerful agents of sustainable development by providing quality education and a technical degree in environmental sciences. In order to support the school, the Mbaracayú Lodge was established in the Mbaracayú Nature Forest Reserve, an ecolodge that provides tourists with the opportunity to experience the treasures of the Mbaracayú through delicious, local food and an incredible range of eco-adventures, such as trekking, kayaking, and getting to know the indigenous culture, all while ensuring a sustainable stream of income for the girls’ school. Moisés Bertoni has many additional conservation projects, including their work in the areas surrounding the Reserves to improve their quality of living and economic opportunities for local people, thus reducing the need for reliance on natural resources from the forests. Why They Need Your Help Only with donations from the public is Moisés Bertoni able to continue to protect the Paraguayan forests. They are seeking support to improve their ecotourism program, expand environmental educational projects in the Mbaracayu Nature Forest and the Tapyta Nature Private Reserve, and continue their sustainable development projects with the Ache and Mbya indigenous communities.
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.
Conserve Peru’s Forests Through Primate Reintroduction
DONATE TO KAWSAY Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Kawsay Biological Station Location: Madre de Dios, Peru Appeal Category: Capacity Building and Training Scientific Research Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Black face Peruvian spider monkey Iron wood Harpy eagle Challenges And Threats: Selective logging Lack of capacity building for local students Lack of field equipment Actions: Training students Securing equipment Installing satellite internet connection The Challenge Since 2018, Kawsay Biological Station has managed the conservation of a forest almost 500 acres in size, next to the Tambopata National Reserve. Before 2018, this area was heavily impacted by selective logging, mining, and hunting. Since their presence in the area, these activities have remained controlled. A group of reintroduced spider monkeys is also found in this forest and Kawsay members are focused on ensuring their viability. A large focus of Kawsay’s work is managing the forest through the protection of spider monkeys and involving local students in research and conservation action. Urgent Solutions The illegal activities continue to occur around the Kawsay concession, and the risk and threat are present. It is important that Kawsay staff, interns, and volunteers maintain a constant presence within the forest, while they carry out patrol activities, study wildlife, and above all, monitor the monkeys. In doing so, the forest is monitored and illegal activities have stopped altogether. Increased access to scientific equipment will help Kawsay members to better understand the ecological requirements of the spider monkey, and will improve the training experiences of local students. Why Your Donation Matters Your donation will support the training of local students so they can have better educational opportunities and contribute to conservation long into the future. It will also help to ensure the viability of a reintroduced group of spider monkeys who are important seed dispersers and help the natural regeneration of the forest. The return of this species to an area where they were once considered extinct will help to restore the composition and function of this forest. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Fundación Cambugán
DONATE TO FUNDACIÓN CAMBUGAN Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Fundación Cambugán Location Ecuador, Latin America Category Land Purchases Protected Area Management Community Support and Development Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2000 Website www.cambugan.org Partner Qualifications Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact About Fundación Cambugán Fundación Cambugán is an Ecuadorian non-profit organization dedicated to empowering communities and fostering positive and meaningful change. Cambugán believes that everyone deserves access to basic needs, education, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Their mission is to create sustainable programs and initiatives that address these fundamental areas, promoting social equality and enhancing the quality of life for those in need. Their Challenges The longest mountain chain in the world – the Andes – crosses the tropical equator in northernmost Ecuador. This region of mountainous cloud forest holds an unparalleled diversity of flora and fauna. In fact, these cloud forests collectively contain almost 15% of the planet’s known biodiversity, yet they cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface. This biodiversity treasure troves also has rich soils which are ideal areas for cattle ranching and farming. As a consequence, the majority of these forests have already been destroyed. Cambugán is working to acquire properties in the cloud forest region to permanently protect them from deforestation. Their Approach Through a collaborative approach, Cambugán engages with local partners, community leaders, and volunteers to identify and address conservation challenges. They leverage their resources, expertise, and passion to develop innovative solutions that create lasting change. Their areas of focus include education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and socio-economic development. Education is at the heart of their efforts. They strive to provide children and young adults with access to quality education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Additionally, they work to improve the overall well-being of communities by supporting healthcare initiatives, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. Why They Need Your Help Fundación Cambugán is seeking support for their work protecting and managing cloud forests and endangered species, purchasing at-risk forests, and supporting university students in studying the biodiversity of the cloud forests, allowing them to develop and implement improved management plans.
Save Panama’s Remaining Rainforests
DONATE TO ADOPTA Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Name Adopt a Panama Rainforest Association (ADOPTA) Location: Cerro Chucantí, Panama Appeal Category: Community Support and Development Ecotourism Ecosystem Restoration Endangered Species Government Policy Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Colombian Spider Monkey Chucantí Centipede Snake Chucantí Salamander Challenges And Threats: Clearance of rainforest for cattle ranching Slash and burn activities Logging Actions: Protected area management Expand ecotourism infrastructure Community education and engagement The Challenge The cloud forests of Cerro Chucantí Reserve in eastern Panama rise to 4,700 feet in elevation and sustain a diverse tropical forest ecosystem. The geographic isolation of the Cerro Chucantí mountaintop reserve has allowed its flora and fauna to diversify considerably, such that it contains a number of locally endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. There have been many discoveries of species new to science at this unique site, including salamanders, frogs and snakes. Unfortunately, the rainforests in Cerro Chucantí are under significant threat from slash and burn activities, logging and cattle ranching. Urgent Solutions ADOPTA will work to strengthen the protection of the reserve through hiring forest guards and working in conjunction with the local government. Patrols will ensure the forest remains intact and poaching is stopped. An important part of the long-term strategy is ensuring local community support, and ADOPTA’s mission includes educating, training and engaging the community in conservation activities. Why Your Donation Matters With support from donors, ADOPTA can ensure the Cerro Chucantí Private Nature Reserve is safeguarded for all wildlife. Furthermore, the recently acquired San Bartolo Private Nature Reserve preserves the last remnants of lowland Pacific rainforest and fosters biodiversity akin to the biodiverse Osa Peninsula. By donating, supporters play a vital role in preserving these unique ecosystems and the remarkable species that inhabit them. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Urgent Protection Needed In Sierra Nevada De Santa Marta
FUNDING GOAL $12,175 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: El Dorado Nature Reserve, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia Appeal Category: Ecosystem Restoration Endangered Species Protected Area Management Reforestation Wildlife Conservation Key Species: Santa Marta Parakeet Santa Marta Toro San Lorenzo Harlequin Frog Challenges And Threats: Illegal Invasions to claim and clear forest Vacation home developments Cattle pasture lands Actions: Reserve rangers Improve Protection Forest restoration The Challenge On Colombia’s Caribbean shores stands the highest coastal mountain on earth. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a corrugated pyramid of rock that rises almost four miles high. This ancient massif that dates back to the Jurassic period contains a microcosm of the entire planet from deserts to rainforest to glaciers with an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals found nowhere else. It is regarded as the planet’s single most important site for threatened and endemic biodiversity, as it boasts the highest concentration of endemic bird species in the world. As a result, the prestigious journal Science dubbed the area the “Most Irreplaceable Site on Earth” and a major priority for biodiversity conservation. Located on the Sierra Nevada’s most vulnerable northwestern flank—less than ten miles from the city of Santa Marta—is perhaps the world’s most important nature reserve: El Dorado. Established in 2005 by our Colombian partner Fundación ProAves, the reserve protects over 3,200 acres, safeguarding habitat for threatened species such as the Critically Endangered Santa Marta Toro and the Santa Marta Harlequin Frog. However, in recent years land speculation around the reserve has spiraled out of control as the reserves offers surrounding areas with exceptional natural resources such as clean water, cooler climes and spectacular views. Unfortunately this speculation has spurred some unscrupulous individuals to try and illegal invade some parts of the reserve to claim land and then sell it. ProAves is desperate to increase protective measures at this Reserve. Urgent Solutions Following decades of uncontrolled colonization and agricultural expansion, less than 15 percent of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta’s original highland forest remains intact. All the more important that the El Dorado Nature Reserve represents one of the last refuges of strict protection for this mecca of endemic biodiversity. Principle threats include illegal invasions of the reserve to claim and clear forest then sell it for vacation home developments. The construction of vacation homes in the cooler climes of the mountain poses a growing danger to the forests and with land prices quadrupling each year, the demand for land is putting immense pressure on the reserve boundaries and what little forest survives outside the reserve. Unfortunately, the area’s many endangered and endemic species are concentrated in these cooler montane forests where threats are greatest. Almost every endemic species in the massif is struggling to survive amidst the continued destruction of their habitat. This appeal will provide critical resources to fund and equip three new Reserve Rangers, establish a new Ranger Station where threats are greatest and establish a communication network for alerts across the reserve to rapidly respond to threats. Why Your Donation Matters With invasions and deforestation placing this biodiversity jewel at tremendous risk, our partner urgently seeks support increase protective measures with additional reserve Rangers, new ranger stations and a communications system for alerts across the reserve. Your help will ensure the reserve continues to be a safe haven for the planet’s most important biodiversity hotspot. Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes
Corporación SalvaMontes
DONATE TO CORPORACIÓN SALVAMONTES Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Corporación SalvaMontes Location Colombia, Latin America Category Endangered Species Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2016 Website www.salvamontes.org Partner Qualifications Legally Constituted About Corporación SalvaMontes Corporación SalvaMontes is a non-profit organization in Colombia that focuses primarily on the biodiverse extreme north of the Tropical Andes hotspot. Managing 2,900 acres of natural reserves of cloud forests, they safeguard over 16 Threatened species. Their efforts center on the Alto de Ventanas, a significant biologically rich area at Colombia’s northern central Andes. This region holds prominence in Colombia’s updated National Strategy for Plant Conservation. Furthermore, it’s a proposed Key Biodiversity Area as per IUCN criteria. In the Alto de Centanas, Salva Montes manages three reserves spanning 1,900 acres, strategically placed to protect the magnolia trees, Handley’s slender opossums, and their habitat remnants. They also manage 123 acres of nature reserve in the Darién Gap of Chocó, protecting the unique and endangered Magnificent butterfly palm. Finally, SalvaMontes also co-manages 880 acres of forest in the highlands of northern-central Antioquia, where they are working to conserve the Critically Endangered Antioquia brushfinch. Their Challenges Forests in the Antioquia and Chocó departments of Colombia are in danger of being logged due to the opening of pastures for cattle and illegal wood production. Although these forests are home to a great abundance of biodiversity and several endemic, threatened species, the threat of deforestation continues on. Their primary challenge in guaranteeing the conservation of Colombia’s wildlife is in protecting the most well-preserved fragments of habitat that still remain. THey are also focused on restoring and rewilding the degraded areas of forest in order to reconnect fragments by mending the biological corridors. While restoring forests is very difficult given the region’s deforestation trend, it is a highly effective, essential step in fighting the climate and biodiversity crises of today. Their Approach SalvaMontes implements its conservation projects in the following ways: Creation and management of natural reserves in areas that hold the best remaining habitat fragments Restoration of habitat in degraded areas, allowing for the reconnection of habitat fragments and recreation of biological corridors Propagation and planting of threatened tree species Developing conservation plans for Critically Endangered species like the Antioquia brushfinch, Handley’s slender opossum, Ghost monkey orchid (also known as the Lemurella’s orchid), Magnificent butterfly palm, and Ventanas magnolia tree. Working with local people and landowners, SalvaMontes provides environmental education, raises awareness on environmental issues amongst communities, and works alongside locals in conservation action and sustainable development. Why They Need Your Help Currently, SalvaMontes is executing a conservation project to support the restoration of the natural populations of Magnolia trees. Activities include the monitoring of trees, the collection and germination of seeds in a tree propagation nursery, and the planting of produced trees in their natural habitat. This project will also help the expansion of Los Magnolios Natural Reserve through the purchase of a neighboring land parcel that has a large area of primary forests (608 acres), which will secure habitat for the species that inhabit this protected area. SalvaMontes depends on generous donations to continue their essential conservation work in Colombia. Your donation is used to support actions that produce a direct, positive impact in the conservation of threatened species and their habitats in Colombia.
Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba (SOC)
DONATE TO SOC Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba (SOC) Location Colombia, Latin America Category Ecotourism Land Purchases Scientific Research Urgent Appeals None currently Date Founded 2019 Website sociedadornitologicadecordoba.org Partner Qualifications Legally Constituted About Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba The Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba (SOC) is an early-career non-profit organization based in the city of Monteria, Colombia. The SOC’s aims are: To promote the study, research, and dissemination of ornithology at various academic, educational, and recreational levels To establish the principles of harmonious coexistence with nature, and To promote social and sustainable economic development of nature. SOC seeks to be a leading organization deeply committed to the development of activities contributing to the conservation and valuation of the region’s birds. The projects carried out by the SOC to date include the search for the Sinu Parakeet, a bird lost since 1949, establishing the Agami Heron Birding Trail in the mangroves of Cispatá Bay, and studing large birds of prey to generate knowledge and conservation actions. Their Challenges Colombia is home to an incredibly diverse array of landscapes and habitats. However, almost all of the lowland rainforest in the region have been destroyed and converted to cattle pasturelands, placing enormous threats on local biodiversity, habitats, and water sources. Their Approach SOC’s focus is on studying and generating new information on at-risk species and ecosystems. They are working to protect Colombia’s birds and other wildlife. The SOC is working to carry out the following projects: Create new protected areas for species and ecosystem conservation in Córdoba, such as the Crested Eagle Nature Reserve Research and monitor endangered bird species for in situ conservation, including the Agami heron Continue providing workshops to community members to raise awareness of the importance of conserving ecosystems Build capacities and tools that enable communities to use natural resources sustainably and follow good ecotourism practices, such as the Agami Heron Birding Trail. Why They Need Your Help To continue its critical work in ornithology and conservation, Sociedad Ornitológica de Córdoba seeks your support. Thanks to its donors, SOC has been able to develop projects with results of great interest to science and a positive impact on local communities.
Neotropical Primate Conservation
DONATE TO NPC Verified for authenticity Learn More IMPACT PROMISE Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact Partner Snapshot Partner Neotropical Primate Conservation Location Peru, Latin America Category Community Support and Development Protected Area Management Wildlife Conservation Urgent Appeals Helping Communities Preserve Primates Date Founded 2007 Website www.neoprimate.org Partner Qualifications IUCN Member Verified Partner Legally Constituted Top Accountability Effective Impact Conservation Action Heroes About Neotropical Primate Conservation Neotropical Primate Conservation (NPC) is a non-profit organization that use primates as flagship species to spearhead conservation efforts, but their work doesn’t only benefit primates. In order for primates to survive in the wild, they need a thriving ecosystem, which means NPC’s efforts also go towards protecting all the other species that live alongside primates and call the rainforest their home. NPC works with local communities as they believe conservation starts with people. Their projects ensure sustainable access to natural resources for local communities. NPC was founded by a group of friends who shared the same passion for conservation, beginning as a non-profit organization in the UK. Since then, NPC has expanded and now has branches in Peru, Colombia, and Argentina. Monkeys are crucial to ecosystem health and also play a significant role in traditions of many local peoples. Their Challenges Many of the primates that NPC helps to protect are among the least known and most threatened species in the world. This means that they face a very real danger of extinction in the near future. The main threats to primates are the loss of habitat through deforestation as well as hunting for the illegal wildlife trade and bushmeat. These threats are caused by unsustainable practices both locally and globally and will only worsen without action to safeguard their future. Their Approach NPC was set up in order to promote the conservation of forest habitats and wildlife through land protection, research, improvement of degraded habitat for wildlife, creation of public awareness programs, and sustainable development. They work to create private and community-run reserves to ensure long term habitat protection for wildlife. Through this work, they help local communities strengthen their stewardship of nature as well as protect their traditional and cultural identities, benefiting both humans and the environment. NPC runs many successful, low-cost projects, and they use their experiences to promote efficient conservation globally. NPC’s community-based conservation approach means that the reserves are protected by those who actually live in and around the forest, leading to real, on-the-ground protection by those with the most to gain from continued access to a healthy environment. This also leads to wider, ecosystem level conservation in areas between the reserves. At their main project site, the elimination of hunting of the Yellow-tailed woolly monkey led to a documented ~20% increase in the population since 2007, and local level bans on clear-cutting of forests led to deforestation rates dropping below those of surrounding areas. Their research into the Peruvian night monkey provided proof that the species is much more at-risk than previously thought, resulting in the IUCN raising its category from Vulnerable to Endangered, and so focusing more attention on its protection. In Colombia, Neotropical Primate Conservation is leading the National Conservation Plan for the Critically Endangered Colombian spider monkey, a species that only survives in some of the most troubled parts of the country. The action plan has become a legal document that guides government policy at the national and regional levels. Why They Need Your Help Neotropical Primate Conservation is reliant upon generous donations to continue their highly effective work in primate conservation and sustainable community development throughout Latin America.