In each destination we visit, we partner with a local conservation project, this partnership helps improve their ability to continue the vital conservation work they perform, and the partnership benefits our travelers by both providing an in-depth behind the scenes look at local conservation challenges, and provides our travelers with the assurance that their visit has had a positive local impact, that their visit has indeed made a difference.
Indeed this partnership ensures that we make a difference to you and to the places we visit.
ARGENTINA
Latin America Program
(Southern RightWhales, Magellanic Penguins, Lead ammunition pollution)
https://whc.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/latin-america-program
The Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center’s Latin America Program is led by Dr. Marcela Uhart. Her work touches on a variety of issues in South America, including the population health of the southern right whale, the effects of spent lead ammunition on wildlife, environment and human health and the impacts of plastic debris on marine wildlife.
The Latin America Program uses science to inform biodiversity conservation and ecosystem health under a One Health approach. The program has active projects in Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Peru.
BELIZE
Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center
(Harpy Eagle Restoration Program)
www.belizezoo.org
The Harpy Eagle is considered nearly extirpated in Central America. The Belize Zoo, in partnership with the Peregrine Fund, the Government of Belize and the Rio Bravo Conservation Management Area, is working to restore these magnificent birds back into the Maya Forest. The Harpy Eagle is considered to be the world's most massive eagle, and has been severely reduced in number primarily due to being shot. The zoo runs an aggressive environmental education program in conjunction with this important fieldwork.
BORNEO and SOUTH AFRICA
EcoHealth Alliance
www.ecohealthalliance.org
COSTA RICA
Fundacion Conservacionista Costaricense
(The Costa Rican Conservation Foundation)
www.fccmonteverde.org
The Costa Rican Conservation Foundation (CRCF), is a non-profit foundation working to:
- Protect critical habitat for many endangered species
- Protect Pacific slope habitat (Tropical Rain Shadow Forest)
- Replant native trees to restore habitat for many species
- Educate visitors and the local community
FALKLANDS ISLANDS
Falklands Conservation
www.falklandsconservation.com
In partnership with government, industry and the global community, Falklands Conservation will engage and empower the people of the Falkland Islands to take action with us to conserve biodiversity and manage landscapes and seascapes for the benefit of nature and people. To join Falklands Conservation, adopt a penguin, leave a legacy or find out more about their work go to www.falklandsconservation.com
- The Falkland Islands contain 70% of the world's black-browed albatrosses and over 20% of the southern rockhopper penguins
- There are 22 internationally recognized Important Bird Areas
- The rich seas support 17 species of whales, dolphins and seals
- It is the only place in the world to see Falklands Steamer duck and Cobb's wren
INDIA
Waste Warriors
www.wastewarriors.org
To promote and provide affordable and sustainable waste management systems that improve our environment, health and quality of life through a combination of direct action, liaison, education and awareness-raising. The credit for Waste Warriors Corbett Chapter goes to the persistent efforts of Minakshi Pandey, she has been a witness to the waste management problems around the Corbett Landscape, caused by insensitive commercialization.
MADAGASCAR
Duke University Lemur Center - SAVA Conservation Project
www.lemur.duke.edu
Silky sifakas (Propithecus candidus) are amongst the rarest mammals on earth, and are listed as one of the World's Top 25 Most Critically Endangered Primates. Found only in a small region of north-eastern Madagascar, less than 2000 individuals remain in the wild. This species has never survived in captivity probably due to their highly specialized folivorous diet.
As part of the Duke University Lemur Center, the SAVA Conservation Project is a multi-faceted community based conservation program is underway which expands upon projects already known to be successful such as reforestation, breeding endemic fish, improved forest monitoring, reserve boundary demarcation, environmental education, and conservation oriented lemur research.
Lemur Conservation Foundation
www.lemurreserve.org
The Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the primates of Madagascar through managed breeding, scientific research, education, and art.
RWANDA
Gorilla Doctors
www.gorilladoctors.org
Gorilla Doctors is the only organization in the world that provides life-saving medical care to the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the lesser known Grauer's gorilla (found in DRC). Their international team of veterinarians and health care experts regularly monitor the habituated groups of gorillas in all three countries, conduct clinical research and treat other species of animals living in or near the parks. Formerly known as the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, the organization partnered with the Wildlife Health Center at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Together, the two institutions formed Gorilla Doctors, which is now under the co-directorship of Dr. Mike Cranfield, of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Maryland and Dr. Kirsten Gilardi, at the University of California, Davis.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
www.gorillafund.org
As the longest running gorilla conservation program in the world, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International is dedicated to the protection and study of gorillas and their habitats in Rwanda and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition to daily protection and monitoring, the Fossey Fund also promotes scientific research on gorillas as well as on their threatened ecosystems. Indeed, much of what is known about Rwandan mountain gorillas and the Grauer’s gorillas of the Congo comes from the vast database of the Karisoke Research Center. The Fossey Fund assists local communities through education, health, and development initiatives and boasts a comprehensive education program that is building the next generation of scientists and conservationists in Rwanda.
TANZANIA
Jane Goodall Institute
www.janegoodall.org
Founded by renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute is a global nonprofit that empowers people to make a difference for all living things. Our work builds on Dr. Goodall’s scientific work and her humanitarian vision. Specifically, we seek to:
- Improve global understanding and treatment of great apes through research, public education and advocacy
- Contribute to the preservation of great apes and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in local communities
- Create a worldwide network of young people who have learned to care deeply for their human community, for all animals and for the environment, and who will take responsible action to care for them