2026 Project Voting

We are thrilled to announce that the ballot for the 2026 ATCF Conservation Grant Program is now open!

As a valued member of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund, your organization has the opportunity to cast a crucial vote in deciding which five inspiring projects will each receive a $15,000 grant. All nominated projects have undergone a thorough evaluation by the ATCF staff and Board of Directors, ensuring they meet our rigorous project funding criteria. From the many submissions, 15 outstanding projects have been selected as finalists. Your vote will help determine which of these community-led conservation efforts will receive the support they need to protect vital natural and cultural resources. Cast your vote today and be a part of making a lasting impact!

Have questions or want to learn more about each project? Join us for the Ballot Finalists Grant Review Meeting on July 21.

Voting Period: July 15 - July 30, 2026

Tongass Recreation Area

TONGASS RECREATION PARTNERSHIP Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA
Org: Alaska Venture Fund

The Tongass Recreation Partnership is bringing together tourism operators, local communities, Tribal leaders, and recreation organizations to help shape the future management of the Tongass National Forest. By ensuring recreation and sustainable tourism have a stronger voice in forest planning, the project aims to protect old-growth forests, roadless areas, and the landscapes that support both biodiversity and local economies.
A new Tongass Forest Plan that better protects old-growth forests and recreation landscapes, strengthens stewardship, and establishes a lasting, locally led partnership that ensures tourism and recreation help guide conservation decisions across Southeast Alaska.
- A compelling example of tourism serving as a powerful driver for conservation at a landscape scale.
- Opportunity to influence the future management of one of the world's most important temperate rainforests, with potential benefits for millions of acres of roadless and old-growth forest.
- Strong collaboration among local communities, tourism businesses, recreation organizations, and Tribal partners.
- Experienced team with a proven track record of advancing complex conservation initiatives.
- Meaningful integration of recreation, stewardship, climate, and conservation priorities into long-term public land management.
- Strong alignment with ATCF's mission by demonstrating how sustainable tourism can help protect globally significant ecosystems.
- Well-positioned to create lasting conservation impact by giving local recreation and tourism stakeholders a stronger voice in federal land management decisions.

drone footage of whaleshark

Science for Sustainable Whale Shark Tourism

Location: La Paz, Mexico
Org: Conexiones Terramar AC

This project uses acoustic tagging and injury monitoring to better understand whale shark movements and identify critical habitat in Bahía de La Paz. The resulting data will help improve tourism management, reduce disturbances and injuries to endangered whale sharks, and support a more sustainable tourism industry that benefits both wildlife and local communities.
Science-based management measures are adopted to better protect whale sharks by identifying critical habitat, reducing tourism impacts, and ensuring a healthy, sustainable whale shark tourism industry that supports local livelihoods for years to come.
This project stands out for its strong alignment with ATCF’s mission—combining targeted conservation of the critically endangered Clanwilliam Cedar with local job creation, trail and infrastructure improvements, and community-led eco-tourism. Its clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and potential as a model for conservation-tourism make it a thoughtful and high-impact initiative.

Trees in Malaysia

RESTORE OUR AMAZING RAINFOREST
Location: Sukau, Malaysia
Org: Animal Projects & Environmental Education Sdn Bhd

This project restores degraded rainforest in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary to reconnect critical wildlife corridors for endangered orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and other threatened species. By combining habitat restoration with local employment, community partnerships, and ecotourism, the project strengthens one of Borneo's most iconic wildlife destinations while supporting long-term conservation and local livelihoods.
A restored rainforest corridor that reconnects fragmented habitat, supports healthier populations of endangered wildlife, creates lasting employment for local communities, and strengthens the Lower Kinabatangan as a world-class ecotourism destination.
- Restores critical wildlife corridors in one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots.
- Creates meaningful benefits for both conservation and local communities by linking habitat restoration with employment and ecotourism.
- Delivers nature-based climate solutions through reforestation that improves ecosystem connectivity, carbon storage, and landscape resilience.
- Strong 17-year track record gives confidence in the organization's ability to deliver lasting conservation outcomes.
- A relatively small grant would have a direct, tangible impact by funding local restoration staff and on-the-ground habitat recovery.
- Clear economic incentives help local communities protect and restore forest habitat.
- Protects globally significant wildlife, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and other threatened species.

baby sea turtle

From Protection to Regeneration: Turtle Conservation & Community Tourism
Location: Veraguas, Panamá
Org: Fundación Agua y Tierra /Guardians of the Sea

Building on the success of its 2025 ATCF grant, this project expands community-led sea turtle conservation to a second nesting beach while growing the Eco-Ruta Tortuga, a regenerative tourism initiative that directly funds conservation and creates sustainable livelihoods. By protecting threatened sea turtles, restoring coastal ecosystems, and strengthening community-owned tourism, the project demonstrates how travel can finance long-term conservation.
More than 300 sea turtle nests are protected annually across two beaches with hatch rates above 85%, regenerative tourism generates sustainable income for local families, and a community-managed tourism fund provides long-term financing for sea turtle conservation.
- Proven conservation model that successfully integrates biodiversity protection, community livelihoods, and regenerative tourism.
- Visitor spending directly supports conservation through the Eco-Ruta Tortuga and a community tourism fund, creating a sustainable financing model.
- Expands protection to a second nesting beach while increasing sea turtle nest protection and hatchling survival.
- Offers 14 community-based tourism experiences that create local jobs and reduce pressure on natural resources.
- Strong focus on community leadership, with significant participation and economic opportunities for women and youth.
- Demonstrated track record with ATCF, including strong project delivery, responsiveness, and reporting from the 2025 grant.
- A relatively small grant would have a significant impact by expanding a successful, community-led conservation model with strong potential for long-term sustainability.
- Excellent example of regenerative tourism protecting biodiversity while strengthening local economies and community stewardship.

RAINFOREST POLLINATOR CONSERVATION AND WILDLIFE OBSERVATORY INFASTRUCTURE
Location: Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Org: BioSur Foundation

This project will establish the Osa Peninsula's first native stingless bee sanctuary, a wildlife canopy viewing platform, and an immersive environmental education program to protect essential rainforest pollinators while creating new ecotourism experiences. By linking conservation with tourism, research, and community enterprise, the project generates sustainable income for local guides and women entrepreneurs while helping protect one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
A thriving native stingless bee sanctuary and wildlife viewing experience that attracts visitors year-round, generates sustainable tourism revenue for conservation, expands opportunities for local guides and women entrepreneurs, and strengthens long-term protection of the Osa Peninsula's rainforest ecosystems.
- Establishes the Osa Peninsula's first native stingless bee sanctuary, creating a unique conservation and tourism attraction.
- Strong integration of conservation, tourism, environmental education, and community livelihoods into one innovative model.
- Creates direct economic opportunities by training nine local women and supporting more than 15 local guides with new ecotourism experiences.
- Builds a compelling business case for rainforest conservation by generating tourism revenue that is reinvested into protecting biodiversity.
- Innovative concept with strong potential to become a scalable model for conservation-based tourism in other destinations.
- Protects essential native pollinators that play a critical role in maintaining rainforest biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- An engaging, distinctive visitor experience that helps connect travelers with conservation while supporting local communities and long-term stewardship.

A building in Panama

A pilot program to establish a permanent Indigenous-led guide school
Location: Mamoni, Chepo, Panama
Org: Geoversity Foundation

This project restores coral reef ecosystems in Borneo and Sulawesi by training local fishers, boat captains, and women in diving, coral planting, and marine conservation, while creating sustainable livelihoods in ecotourism. Over four months, participants will plant at least 3,000 corals and graduate as certified Ocean Gardeners, ready to pursue conservation-based careers and lead future reef restoration efforts.
The success of this project will be measured by the six participants who complete the program and either continue working with us or secure jobs in conservation and ecotourism, ensuring long-term community and environmental sustainability.
This project combines measurable marine conservation impact with strong local engagement by training fishers, boat captains, and women as certified divers and coral gardeners—creating clear pathways to employment in ecotourism and restoration. Its community-driven model, regional relevance, and potential for long-term sustainability make it a compelling investment in both people and ecosystems.

child in lemur mask

Habitat restoration for lemur conservation and climate resilience in Maromizaha area.
Location: Maromizaha, Madagascar
Org: Groupe d’Étude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar

This project will restore 15 hectares of degraded forest in the buffer zone of the Maromizaha Protected Area by planting 15,000 native trees, reconnecting critical habitat for Madagascar's iconic lemurs. Through community-led restoration, guide training, and sustainable livelihood opportunities, the project strengthens biodiversity, climate resilience, and ecotourism while reducing pressures that drive deforestation.
A restored forest corridor supporting critically endangered lemurs, thriving community-led ecotourism, and local families earning sustainable livelihoods through conservation while protecting the Maromizaha Protected Area for the long term.
- Tackles the root causes of habitat loss by creating sustainable livelihoods that reduce dependence on deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture.
- Strong community ownership and governance, with local associations actively leading conservation decisions.
- Creates meaningful economic opportunities through ecotourism, guide training, agroforestry, and restoration employment.
- Protects a critical forest corridor in one of Madagascar's most important biodiversity areas, benefiting three Critically Endangered lemur species and other endemic wildlife.
- Impressive community governance model, including comprehensive landowner mapping that has helped prevent land conflicts and support long-term conservation.
- Well-rounded project with clear, measurable outcomes and strong local buy-in.
- Experienced organization with a proven track record and compelling storytelling potential around lemur conservation, community leadership, and habitat restoration.
- Builds local capacity while strengthening climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable tourism in one integrated approach.

Animals in the sunset

Gwich'in Nation Gathering Activities
Location: Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories and across the Gwich'in Nation (14 Villages in Alaska/Canada)
Org: Gwich'in Steering Committee

The Community Rhino Conservation Initiative (CRCI) is a collaborative effort to reintroduce white rhinos to communal lands bordering Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, creating a buffer zone that reduces human-wildlife conflict while generating conservation-based livelihoods. Now in Phase 2, the project seeks to expand its network of sanctuaries, engage more communities—especially women—in rhino protection, and scale its model of responsible tourism, ecological restoration, and community empowerment.
A viable rhino population returned to the Hwange ecosystem, on communal lands, with the local communities, including women, benefitting in the form of employment, development projects, education and tourism interactions.
This project offers a rare combination of proven impact, strong community ownership, and direct tourism benefits, with tourists funding rhino conservation and local livelihoods through viewing fees. As a past ATCF grantee, CRCI has demonstrated effective, measurable progress, and we see this as a long-term investment in an organization advancing critical conservation work through a scalable, community-led model.

elephants walking

Community Eco-Tourism for Wild Elephant Conservation in Nam Pak Protected Area, Laos
Location: Oudomxay Province, Laos
Org: MandaLao Elephant Conservation

This project supports rewilding and community-based conservation in Chile’s Cerro Castillo National Park through land acquisition, reforestation, invasive species control, and protection of the endangered Huemul deer. By combining ecological restoration with youth education, local engagement, and sustainable tourism, it aims to build a thriving, resilient landscape that benefits both biodiversity and the people who call Patagonia home.
By 2034, Cerro Castillo will be a thriving, well-managed landscape with expanded protected parkland, recovering Huemul populations, restored ecological corridors, and a vibrant local community empowered through nature-based economic opportunities, all contributing to its status as a key destination in the Route of Parks of Patagonia.
This project is a strong example of integrated tourism, conservation, and community engagement—protecting the endangered Huemul deer, restoring native ecosystems, and building local stewardship through education and awareness. While the organization is well-established, ATCF’s funding would directly support community engagement and youth programs, making it a targeted investment in rewilding efforts that enhance Cerro Castillo’s identity as a world-class conservation destination.

Walking Ancestral Pathways: Indigenous-Led Conservation Through Regenerative Tourism
Location: Central North Island of New Zealand plus Uluru and Central Australia (Northern Territory)
Org: Native Nations Charitable Trust

We will support efforts by the Tribally-led Grand Staircase-Escalante Inter-Tribal Coalition to solidify governance structures as they influence the management of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, embedding Indigenous leadership into monument governance to protect biodiversity and cultural heritage. To achieve this, we will convene the coalition over the coming months. During the meetings, the group will have the opportunity to work towards an organizational charter and solidify plans for forthcoming changes to land management in the monument.
A unified, Tribally-led coalition formalizes its governing structures as it works to co-steward GSENM and shape conservation and climate resilience strategies for years to come, providing durable, long-term, Tribally-centered monument protection.
This project advances Indigenous governance and cultural stewardship in the protection of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument—an iconic, tourism-heavy landscape—by elevating Tribal voices in federal land management and advocating against extractive threats. It offers strong alignment with ATCF’s values around equity, conservation, and Indigenous leadership, and presents a compelling opportunity for visibility and storytelling within a high-profile campaign.

Red Sea Guardians: Empowering Local Snorkel Guides as Stewards of the Reefs
Location: Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Org: The Reef-World Foundation

Seabed Litter Expeditions connects tourism, science, and community action by using a zero-emissions research vessel to map underwater debris in the Balearic Islands’ high-traffic coastal zones. Through participatory outings with tourists, students, and local stakeholders, the project generates real-time data to inform marine conservation, raise awareness, and build a replicable model for sustainable, science-based tourism.
Final success means that local communities, tourism operators, and marine users in the Balearic Islands are actively involved in mapping and protecting the seabed—using shared data, low-impact tools, and a model that can be replicated across the Mediterranean.
This project stands out for its innovative, tech-forward approach to regenerative tourism—engaging visitors, locals, and tourism operators in hands-on marine science to map and address underwater litter in the Balearic Islands. With strong alignment to EU conservation goals and broad stakeholder participation, it offers a replicable model of citizen science that turns tourism into a powerful tool for coastal stewardship.

Repurposing Tourism for Climate-Resilient Coastal Destinations: A CRCRD Pilot in Coastal Kochi
Location: Coastal Kochi, kerala, India
Org: Resilient Destinations Foundation

This project supports polar bear conservation and community safety in Churchill, Manitoba by promoting bear safety education for visitors and implementing urgent waste management solutions. Through broad distribution of safety videos and the installation of an electric fence around the town’s open landfill, the project aims to reduce human-bear conflict and protect both wildlife and people in this high-profile Arctic tourism destination.
The final success of this project would result in all tourists who arrive in Churchill being well versed in polar bear safety messaging, enjoying a beautiful experience viewing polar bears along the coastal areas, rather than in town, and returning home inspired to take action to address climate change.
This project tackles the urgent issue of human–polar bear conflict in one of the world’s most iconic wildlife tourism destinations by combining practical waste management solutions with targeted visitor education. With clear, tangible outcomes—like fencing the open landfill and promoting safety messaging—it offers a replicable model for coexistence in high-impact tourism areas facing climate-driven wildlife challenges.

El Canto de las Aves: Turismo responsable para la conservación
Location: Colombia
Org: Fundación Wild Colombia

This project protects Zambia’s wildlife and supports community resilience through a three-part strategy: removing poaching snares, deploying local field officers, and expanding a chilli patroller program to reduce human-wildlife conflict. By combining conservation action with income-generating opportunities and education, the initiative fosters coexistence between communities and keystone species like elephants, while safeguarding ecosystems under increasing climate pressure.
Success in this project looks like successful removal of poaching tools and effective, community-centered responses to wildlife conflicts that lead to decreases in wildlife death and negative impacts on community members.
This project offers a strong, community-driven approach to conservation in South Luangwa—one of Africa’s premier wildlife tourism destinations—through snare removal, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and local engagement. With a proven track record and measurable outcomes, it aligns with ATCF’s values by protecting endangered species while creating economic opportunities that lay the foundation for sustainable, conservation-based tourism growth.

Wildlife Inventory Research Kitasoo Xai'xais Territory
Location: Klemtu, Canada
Org: Spirit Bear Adventures LTD

This project aims to train members of the Sharyn Gol cooperative in Mongolia to operate community-based bed and breakfast services using their own gers, local knowledge, and family labor. By creating sustainable tourism opportunities near protected areas, the initiative helps diversify local incomes, reduce overgrazing and unregulated camping, and support conservation efforts through greater community engagement and cooperation with park authorities.
Every nomadic family being able to host a small group of tourists and earning enough income to supplement their annual income, while contributing towards protection of the park resources.
This project presents a strong, scalable model for community-based tourism by training local families to operate traditional ger-based B&Bs near Mongolia’s new protected areas. It supports habitat stewardship, reduces pressure from overgrazing, and lays the groundwork for sustainable ecotourism in a remote, high-potential region—backed by a trusted local partner with deep expertise.

Save Loma Delgada: Protecting Ecuador's Critically Endangered Vizcacha
Location: Ecuador, Loja, Quilanga, San Antonio de las Aradas.
Org: FUNDACIÓN AMAZONIA PRODUCTIVA

This project conserves four threatened sea turtle species along Panama’s Pacific coast through community-led nest protection, eco-tourism development, and environmental education. By empowering local women and youth and improving tourism infrastructure tied to the Eco-Ruta Tortuga, it creates a replicable model for regenerative tourism that benefits both biodiversity and community livelihoods.
Final success means empowered coastal communities sustainably managing their natural and cultural resources, with thriving local economies rooted in conservation, climate resilience, and inclusive ecotourism.
This project clearly aligns with ATCF’s mission by integrating biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment—protecting endangered sea turtles while creating income opportunities for women and youth in rural Panama. Though the proposal is broad, it offers strong potential for measurable impact at a low cost and exemplifies how tourism can directly support both ecological and social resilience.