Grant Winners
The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund has supported 39 groundbreaking projects across 23 countries, with nearly $600,000 in awards. We are thrilled to introduce the trailblazing projects and extraordinary organizations that have earned our conservation grants. These visionaries aren't just preserving natural wonders—they're redefining how we connect with and protect our planet. From safeguarding endangered species to empowering local communities through sustainable tourism, these grant winners are leading the charge in the fight for a better, more sustainable world. Dive into their inspiring stories and see how they're making a lasting impact on our shared future.We could not be more pleased to see our industry come together to steward these important adventure travel destinations for generations to come!
CENTRAL AMERICA PROJECTS
AFRICA PROJECTS
SOUTH AMERICA PROJECTS
ASIA PROJECTS
OCEANIA PROJECTS
2024 GRANT WINNERS
CORAL REEF CONSERVATION VIA FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
Location: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Org: Women in Ocean Science
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This project will train local women in Raja Ampat in marine conservation, diving, and ecosystem monitoring, while also restoring degraded coral reefs in critical manta ray habitats. The intended outcomes are empowered female conservation leaders, thriving coral reefs, improved sustainable management of marine resources, and strengthened community resilience against environmental challenges. Additionally, the project aims to develop sustainable eco-tourism, ensure long-term community program ownership, and inspire global action through powerful storytelling.
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The final success of this project looks like a thriving, biodiverse marine ecosystem in Raja Ampat, sustained by empowered and resilient women who are leading their community in marine conservation and championing sustainable practices.
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This project presents concrete solutions, including coral reef restoration and training local women in marine conservation, making it a valuable and groundbreaking initiative in the region. The emphasis on gender representation in marine conservation is particularly significant, as it addresses a critical gap in the Pacific region. The project offers excellent storytelling opportunities and is replicable throughout Indonesia. With specific, measurable outcomes, such as restoring 50 square meters of coral reefs and certifying 14 women in diving, it not only adds diversity to the destinations we support but also sets a new standard for inclusive conservation efforts.
CLIMATE & ECONOMIC RESILIANCE VIA BEE FENCES
Location: Laikipia, Kenya
Org: Wild Landscapes
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Our project involves purchasing beehives and constructing a honey extraction facility to empower local Pokot women by producing high-quality honey, which will increase community income, enhance biodiversity through improved pollination, and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Additionally, the facility will serve as a tourism attraction, offering visitors the chance to learn about local honey production and the culture of the Pokot community, further supporting sustainable economic development and conservation of local flora and fauna. This project is intended as a model that can be adapted and replicated in other regions, contributing to the long-term resilience and prosperity of communities similar to Mugie.
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The final success of this project looks like a thriving, self-sustaining beekeeping industry that empowers women, boosts the local economy, enhances biodiversity, reduces human-wildlife conflict, and becomes a community hub, accessible to all, fostering collaboration and further economic opportunities, resulting in improved livelihoods and climate resilience.
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This project is well-thought-out, clear, and offers excellent storytelling potential, especially in highlighting the cultural pride and resilience it fosters. It stands out with solid metrics and a unique approach to mitigating human-wildlife conflict while enhancing biodiversity through beekeeping. The organization is highly professional, with a strong track record, and the project has a clear end goal with plans for replication in other communities, making it a compelling and impactful initiative.
KYAMBURA LION MONITORING PROJECT
Location: QENP, Uganda
Org: Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust
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The lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park are unique. They are one of only 3 populations in Africa that have a culture of climbing trees. If the park loses the last 39 lions this unique behavior will also be lost and will not return even if new lions are reintroduced to the park. Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project conducts an annual large carnivore census and collects data for African lions, leopards and spotted hyenas using a network of vehicles and remote camera traps. The project aims to establish a science-based conservation program that supports the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in the scientific monitoring and protection of large carnivores, respond to injured animals and human/wildlife conflict incidents, helps to assess the impact of conservation work currently being done, and trains young Ugandans from the Kyambura community in scientific conservation techniques.
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The ultimate goal of this project is to contribute to lion conservation and an increased, healthy and thriving lion population in Queen Elizabeth National Park by implementing an annual carnivore census, providing training, education and job opportunities to local youth and park rangers, protecting carnivores and people from human/wildlife conflict.
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This project is essential for the conservation of the lion population in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which has experienced a dramatic 90% decline over the past 40 years. It offers clear, quantifiable outcomes, such as a 25% reduction in livestock killings by large carnivores, and provides education, training, and job opportunities to local youth in wildlife conservation and ecotourism. The project also supports the community through economic benefits and has a sustainable funding model, making it a vital and impactful initiative.
EMPOWERING WHALE CONSERVATION COMMUNITIES
Location: Brazil or Mexico
Org: World Cetacean Alliance
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This project will establish a new Whale Heritage Area (WHA) and a candidate area in Mexico or Brazil that will promote local stewardship, fostering collaboration amongst diverse stakeholders for shared conservation goals. In Brazil, a WHA will enhance the protection of the Southern Right Whale nursery ground while in Mexico it will support the responsible development and monitoring of whale watching. To amplify their tangible impact, we will also launch a global online community where all WCA partners and WHAs can collaborate and share best practices on a global stage.
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The success of this project is two fold: the launch of a new Whale Heritage Area and candidate area which address relevant local threats to cetaceans through collaborative community action, and an online community platform that enables us to connect and enhance conservation efforts globally.
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This project aligns well with our focus on climate, culture, and tourism, offering a strong opportunity for storytelling and community collaboration. The creation of an online platform to support Whale Heritage Areas (WHAs) will enhance global collaboration, sharing best practices, and amplifying impact. With specific goals like establishing a new WHA and fostering global connections, this project has the potential to make a meaningful difference and could provide valuable insights for our own community-building efforts.
#LIVETHEWILDPLEDGE INITIATIVE
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Org: Ocean Legacy Foundation
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The "Live the Wild Pledge" project aims to engage beach-bound hikers on Northern Vancouver Island in removing plastic debris from remote beaches. This voluntourism initiative educates participants on marine plastics, guides them to cleanup sites, and connects them to local businesses, all while empowering them to make a positive environmental impact. By encouraging participants to share their efforts and rewarding them with incentives, the project fosters a sense of community involvement and commitment to preserving the region's natural beauty.
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Success is the collective removal of 20,000lbs of marine debris by visitors and residents actively participating in #LivetheWildPledge by removing one bag of ocean plastic debris from remote coastal beaches and bringing their materials to a collection site.
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This project uniquely engages both tourists and locals in beach cleanups on Northern Vancouver Island, fostering a strong connection between environmental stewardship and local businesses. By establishing collection points for marine debris and educating participants about the impacts of plastic pollution, it offers a solid tourism connection with meaningful traveler engagement. The incentive program, which encourages participants to share their efforts, adds an appealing layer of community involvement and motivation.
WATERING WILDLIFE & COMMUNITIES
Location: Hwange NP, Zimbabwe
Org: The Water4Wildlife Trust
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The project will help provide water for wild animals in the southern part of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park while also supporting the communities in establishing irrigated and fenced communal food gardens. Given this year's drought and the increased competition between people and animals for water and food, these activities will be fundamental in limiting and alleviating human-wildlife conflicts in the area.
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The Project will limit the number of animals and particularly elephant deaths, the number of elephant raids in the communal lands, and provide extra water and food security for local people.
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This project not only supports wildlife conservation but also empowers local communities by establishing irrigated and fenced communal food gardens, addressing the urgent need for water in Hwange National Park and surrounding areas during severe droughts. It offers a well-rounded solution to the intersection of climate change, conservation, and community survival. The project has a strong track record, with previous ATCF funding making a significant impact, and the organization’s credibility and active engagement with ATCF further enhance its value.
SEA TURTLES & PLASTIC INITIATIVE
Location: Ghana, Colombia & Philippines
Org: SEE Turtles
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Our program provides coastal communities the resources they need to clean their beaches, reduce plastic pollution, and turn that waste into useful products that support local economies and conservation efforts. We fund recycling infrastructure, educational workshops, and cleanup activities and help connect these projects to the recycling market.
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Coastal communities in the Philippines, Ghana, and Colombia will have functioning recycling programs that reduce plastic pollution, generate income for conservation efforts, and support local residents.
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This project offers quantifiable outcomes, including recycling at least 4,000 lbs of plastic and benefiting 400 community members, while supporting critical habitats for sea turtles and other wildlife. It goes beyond plastic collection by integrating recycling efforts, creating jobs, and generating revenue from recycled products. The organization has a proven track record and achievable goals, making this a strong and impactful initiative with potential for sustainability and positive community impact.