INVEST IN TOURISM COMMUNITIES WHO SUPPORT CONSERVATION
This is happening now. Because we cannot travel. Communities are turning to deforestation, mining, wildlife trafficking. If we don’t help, these places will be destroyed.
THE CHALLENGE: Many destinations world-wide depend on tourism as their primary source of income. With the significant halt in travel during 2020, communities are turning towards extractive jobs as an alternative to tourism, in order to put food on the table. This includes logging, mining and wildlife trafficking, all of which will result in devastating long-term impacts of the travel destinations we love so much. As the travel industry recovers, it will be paramount to continue funding initiatives that safeguard communities and natural environments that the travel industry depends on for perpetuity.
Give NOW to protect for the future. During this pandemic, communities are suffering because of the lack of tourism. Your funding will help communities who are (1) dependent on tourism for economic stability, (2) near protected areas and in travel destinations, and (3) with projects focused on conservation and tourism. We have identified these communities and projects who have an acute, immediate need. By supporting these communities, we will create a ripple effect in their destination, so that when travel does reopen, these communities and wild places are still standing in pristine condition, ready to receive visitors.
From Horse Guides to Conservation Stewards, Chile
Funding of this project will allow out of work arrieros (horse guides) affected by diminished tourism, to earn income while working for a much needed stewardship infrastructure project. This project will refurbish critical sensitive sections of the trail to Cochamó and provide wages to an invaluable workforce which keeps Cochamó afloat.
Homestay Family Training Program, Palestine
The purpose of the project is to conduct COVID-specific capacity building training so that local communities can again welcome tourists and thereby continue to raise awareness of the need to protect Palestinian environment, heritage and unique communities.
The Elephant Express Conservation Bus, Botswana
The Elephant Express buses educate and promote human wildlife co existence by safely transporting vulnerable members of the community through an elephant corridor along which elephants move between key wildlife tourism areas.
Support for the Last Remaining Elephants, Cambodia
Continuing critical care for Cambodia's last remaining captive and wild elephants, restoring their forest habitat and supporting the indigenous Bunong community during the Covid 19 Pandemic, enabling the project to continue to attract adventurous eco tourists both
Strengthening Resilience in Chalalán Ecolodge,
Bolivia
Recovering tourism after the pandemic in the heart of the Madidi National Park will secure the future income for the indigenous Uchupiamonas families and stewardship of the natural capacities of the indigenous peoples living in this highly biodiverse landscape.
Threatened Species & Indigenous Communities,
Guyana
Community-led and owned indigenous tourism enterprises in Guyana’s hinterland, have proven to provide an economic incentive for the residents to protect their natural and cultural heritage resources as it balances the preservation of resources and income generation
Reviving and Diversifying Rural Tourism,
Jordan
The project will support the continuity of protecting the local culture of two tourism villages rural Jordan, through diversifying the income of our resilient partners by meeting the needs of the local tourism market and finding new markets for local products that don’t rely on tourism.
From Mass Tourism to Eco Tourism,
Malaysia
The project will kickstart and educate islanders that there are better alternatives to mass tourism with large numbers and low value for each tourist, and focus on obtaining higher value customers with smaller numbers of visitors
Responsible Dolphin Guiding,
India
Equip local dolphin watching operators with skills, knowledge in conducting ethical trips enabling improved cooperation between the operators, increased environmental awareness of visiting tourists resulting in better stewardship of the state’s marine resources and protection for local biodiversity
Regenerative Tourism in Sierra Norte,
Mexico
Our project focuses on the design and implementation of a program to reopen tourism in Pueblos Mancomunados Post-COVID 19, with a commitment to regenerative experiences for the population and visitors
Includes support from:
As a token of our gratitude, get a special thank you gift…
Donations of $100+ will receive an ATCF custom MiiR Speckled Camp Cup
Donations starting at $75 will receive fine art prints by Aria Luna, one of the world’s youngest exhibiting artists and a changemaker
Tap on the images to see more details about each gift item.
*Gifts are limited, so donate soon!
The ATCF is a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contact us at atcf@atconservationfund.org should you require a receipt of your donation. 90% of your donations will go directly to support conservation initiatives in international travel communities. Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau applaud program efficiencies above 66%, meaning you can be confident that any investment in the ATCF will be put to good use.