Empowering Whale Conservation and Marine Communities

A new grant to the World Cetacean Alliance will help protect whales and empower global marine conservation community

1 in 4 cetacean species are now threatened with extinction. Overfishing, entanglement, vessel collisions, plastic pollution, unsustainable tourism, and whaling are just some of the threats faced. The loss of these species significantly impacts biodiversity, deprives us of crucial allies in combating climate change, and threatens coastal communities' livelihoods and cultural heritage.

Many of the world’s cetaceans live close to shore and the threats they face are often co-located with tourism, fishing, shipping, resource exploitation activities and so on. But protecting cetaceans is a complex task. The multitude of threats, their migratory nature, and the global scale mean that effective solutions require effective, cross- boundary collaboration to drive impact. A lack of cohesion and collaboration among those making a positive difference remains, hindering effective solutions. 

World Cetacean Alliance received a grant through ATCF’s “Adopt a Project” programme, an initiative that empowers the ATCF members and partners to directly support specific conservation projects around the world, providing meaningful contributions toward environmental and cultural preservation. 

This impactful funding was made possible by the generosity of ATCF member Toad&Co, and will help to expand World Cetacean Alliance’s Whale Heritage Areas network, as well as launch a new online community platform to connect and empower their Partners and Whale Heritage Areas globally.

“We are truly grateful to the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF) and Toad&Co for their support of the World Cetacean Alliance’s Whale Heritage Programme and our global marine conservation community. It is even more rewarding knowing that this comes from organizations that so deeply share our values and commitment to community conservation and responsible tourism. This generous contribution will enable us to empower local communities to celebrate, respect, and protect whales, dolphins and porpoises and their critical habitats. It also allows us to strengthen global collaboration by building an online platform that connects grassroots partners, amplifying our shared conservation efforts. By recognising the importance of both local and global collaboration in safeguarding cetaceans, ATCF is helping us amplify individual impact and create lasting change in marine conservation worldwide.”

— Sophie Lewis Interim CEO, World Cetacean Alliance

To learn more about this grant, check out this post.

Welcome New Members

The ATCF is excited to welcome four new media members, journalist Mark Johanson, Tara Cannon, Zanny Steffgen and Nicole Melancon as our newest members! Learn more about their commitment to protecting tourism destinations below! Check out our growing network of ATCF members here!

Mark Johanson, Freelance Journalist, Author

Mark Johanson is a Freelance Journalist and Author of “Mars on Earth: Wanderings in the World’s Driest Desert” Mars on Earth delves into several conservation issues affecting the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, including lithium mining. People often view deserts as wastelands unworthy of protection. Yet in the book, I look at how there are actually surprising pockets of life scattered across the Atacama, including its high Andean wetlands, where you find many of the lithium-rich salares (salt flats) now threatened by unsustainable mining. 

Lithium is in our phones, laptops and, most notably, electric cars. It’s on the cover of newspapers and the tops of money-makers’ minds. Everyone is buzzing about the Atacama’s “white gold,” which is the key to unlocking the great energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Yet, as I note in my book, mining for lithium is an incredibly water-intensive activity now taking place in the driest place on Earth where humans live. There are already fears that local communities – many Indigenous – will no longer have enough water to grow crops and maintain livestock. Soon, it may become even harder to eke out a living here.

Millions of years ago, salt flats like Pedernales and Maricunga were vast lakes. They’ve been slowly, naturally, drying up ever since. Scientists have come to view them and their brethren as key to understanding the effects of climate change since they’ve undergone a process that could very well happen elsewhere on Earth as temperatures rise. The great irony of the current gas-to-electric revolution is that, in our attempt to combat climate change, we may irrevocably alter the very places that could have helped us to understand it better.

Why did you join ATCF?

I've been following the work of the ATCF for years, occasionally featuring projects in my articles. Now, I'm ready to get off the sidelines and become an active member, learning how I can use my voice to support initiatives around the world.

Tara Cannon

Tara Cannon is the founder of TheBetterBeyond.com, a travel blog dedicated to inspiring mindful and meaningful adventures. Through my content, I love sharing off-the-beaten-path destinations, sustainable hotels, and unique cultural experiences.

Why did you join the ATCF?

I joined the ACTF because its mission aligns well with my goal of helping curious, thoughtful travelers discover amazing experiences that also make a positive impact.

I was deeply inspired by Dr. Graham’s presentation, especially the efforts around whale shark viewing regulations. About a decade ago, I swam with whale sharks off the coast of Cancun, and I was shocked by the number of boats crowding them. Since then, I've followed the changes in Mexico and, just last year, had a much more responsible viewing experience in La Paz. I didn’t realize who was driving these changes, but I was very relieved to see them taking effect. I look forward to being part of such an important community.

Zanny Steffgen

Zanny is a freelance travel journalist based in Colorado, USA who focuses on adventure travel (often with an accessibility angle), culture, food, lifestyle and more.

Why did you join the ATCF?

I'm proud to be a member and support the work the ATCF does, which aligns with my values as a disabled travel writer. At the core of disability justice is the idea of fighting for equal access, which includes equal access to natural spaces that many people with disabilities have been historically excluded from, due to both a lack of accommodations and a lack of proximity. Disability justice goes hand-in-hand with conservation--after all, conserving the natural world is about conserving it for everyone. If a portion of the population doesn’t feel that nature is theirs to explore, how can they feel that it is theirs to protect? 

As someone who enjoys (and then writes about) adventures all over the world, I feel a responsibility to help conserve tourism destinations—both for future generations of travelers and for the people who call those destinations home. It’s this sense of responsibility that inspired me to become an ATCF member. I’m grateful to be a part of this community that aligns with my desire to make travel a force for good!

Zanny trekking 

Nicole Melancon

Nicole Melancon is a freelance travel writer and content editor for GLP Films. Nicole is also a volunteer blog editor at Adventure Travel Conservation Fund.

Why did you join ATCF?

At the Adventure Travel World Summit in Panama, I listened to a presentation by Doc. Rachel Graham which truly inspired me to act. I have always felt a strong passion and obligation to give back and the ATCF is the perfect place for me to help out. I love the work that the ATCF does to help grassroots organizations around the world improve their lives and the planet.

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ATCF Member Explorer Announces The Hero Travel Fund

With the Hero Travel Fund (HTF)   Explorer X is giving away $10,000 to one deserving winner for use on a custom travel experience with Explorer X for a trip of a lifetime. Applications open January 1, 2025, and the application deadline is February 28, 2025. This is an amazing opportunity for one lucky winner!

Michael Bennett in Peru

Michael Bennett, Ed.D, is the co-founder of Explorer X, a Seattle-based travel design company launched in 2017 by him and fellow travel industry veteran Jake Haupert. It crafts unforgettable and impactful travel experiences for its clients. The company’s mission is to support clients in both traveling better and living better. Bennet puts it this way, “We're sort of the love-child of Anthony Bourdain, the irreverent yet savvy traveler, and Joseph Campbell, the wise and sage-like teacher.”

Who is Explorer X?

Explorer X is a Seattle-based travel design company dedicated to crafting mindful travel experiences that have a profound and lasting impact on our travelers' lives. Explorer X offers Custom Travel Experiences and Destination: Unknown Adventures that feature: 

• Culturally immersive experiences with local guides, experts, and friends

• Boutique local accommodations full of charm, character, and warmth

• A pace and flow grounded in the concepts of slow and Mindful Travel

• Endless opportunities for reconnection, learning, and growth

• Sustainable design to minimize environmental impact

Explorer X’s philosophy is simple:

When we Travel Better, we Live Better. We refer to this as Mindful Travel. We believe that when we travel more mindfully, our experiences can inspire us to change our own lives and empower us to create positive change in the world around us. To support travelers on this Mindful Travel Journey, we not only design an epic travel experience for them but also provide them with the Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide, a carefully curated collection of articles, questions, resources, and tools designed to help guide you on the Inner Journey of travel and catalyze learning, growth, and change.

Founder Michael Bennett in the Faroe Islands. 

ATCF Member Explorer X launched a new initiative called the Hero Travel Fund (HTF). The HTF was created to offer those who are passionate about making a positive impact in their community and in the world the opportunity to experience a journey that reflects the magnitude of the work they do every day.

This year, Explorer X is giving away $10,000 to one deserving winner for use on a custom travel experience with Explorer X so that they can go on the trip of a lifetime.

ATCF sat down with founder Michael Bennett to learn more about Explorer X and the Hero Travel Fund. Here is what we found out.

What is the Hero Travel Fund (HTF)?

The Hero Travel Fund (HTF) is an annual award designed to honor individuals who are heroes in their communities—those who dedicate their lives to making a positive impact in the world. This is a unique opportunity for a remarkable individual to embark on a meaningful journey that reflects their passion for doing good. We believe in the strength of travel to foster personal growth, cultural exchange, and global connections. Through the Hero Travel Fund, we aim to provide financial support to those who wouldn’t otherwise have the means to take such a journey. This award is about more than just travel; it’s about recognizing and empowering those whose actions have touched lives, while encouraging slow, mindful exploration. 

Robyn from Explorer X in the Serengeti 

Why was it created?

Many people who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place rarely get the chance to step away and experience the kind of travel that opens their hearts to new perspectives. These are the individuals doing incredible work — teachers, social workers, nonprofit leaders — whose impact is felt deeply in their communities. We believe that heroes aren't defined by capes or superpowers — they are the everyday individuals who show up with strength, compassion, and resilience for their communities.

As the ancient Greeks believed, a hero is someone who has the strength of two — not just for themselves, but for the people they uplift. Through the Hero Fund, we aim to honor these protectors by offering them a journey that reflects the magnitude of the work they do every day. But their efforts often go unrecognized, and they don’t always get the opportunity to recharge and immerse themselves in the wider world they help shape.

That’s where the Hero Travel Fund (HTF) comes in. We created this fund to offer those who are passionate about making a positive impact in their community and in the world the opportunity to experience a journey that reflects the magnitude of the work they do every day. It’s for the ones who have poured so much into others and now have a chance to reconnect with themselves and the world in a meaningful way. The HTF is an invitation for these changemakers to immerse themselves in new cultures, ideas, and places — an experience that opens their minds and hearts, sparking new ideas and energy for their work back home.

Through the HTF, we’re offering a fully supported journey — one that emphasizes slow, intentional travel. It’s about deep connections, human-to-human interactions, and the kind of experiences that stay with you long after the trip is over. We believe in creating space for real learning, real reflection, and real change, because when you open yourself to the world, you find new ways to make an impact back home. As we say, your journey will always, always extend outward to impact others. We need more heroes willing to take that step and return with the power to create ripples of change in their communities and beyond.

Mikayla from Explorer X in Ecuador

Who should apply?

Our 'Heroes' are: 

• People doing impactful work in their communities (ex: Social workers, teachers, etc.)

• People who really want to travel – they need it to fill their energetic bucket 

• People who don't have the funds to travel with us – more nebulous; we are essentially asking people to self-certify that they have limited financial resources. Not ideal but the best we could do. 

To learn more, please check out our blog post here. You can also visit our website to learn more about the Hero Travel Fund here. 

When is the application deadline and when will the winner be announced?

Applications open Jan 1, 2025. The application deadline is Feb 28, 2025.

Why are you a member of the ATCF?

Simple: We believe in the mission of ATCF and, just as importantly, we believe in people creating change through the ATCF. There is immense power in coming together as a community to support worthy projects around the world that are doing critical work to combat climate change and protect and preserve the environmental, cultural, and economic resources we have been entrusted with, and we can't think of anyone better than the folks at ATCF to lead this charge on our behalf.We have been proud to donate over $10,000 since 2022 to ATCF, and look forward to contributing more in the future. 

Curren from Explorer X on a trip in Switzerland

This is an amazing opportunity for one lucky winner! The application deadline is February 28, 2025. Please help us spread the word and share with any heroes you know.

You can learn more about Explorer X on Instagram and Facebook. You can also read this post published on ATCF.

Empowering Communities and Conservation Through Sustainable Beekeeping at Mugie Conservancy

A new grant provided by the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund will help create a robust beekeeping enterprise that will empower local women while protecting wildlife

Photo credit Silverless Photography

The Mugie Conservancy spans 49,457 acres (200.1 km²) on Kenya’s Laikipia plateau at the edge of the Great Rift Valley, and serves as a vital wildlife corridor linking West Laikipia and the Rift Valley with the Mt. Kenya highlands. Home to 60 mammal species, 350 bird species, and over 500 known plant species—including several endangered ones—Mugie is a biodiverse sanctuary critical to conservation efforts in the region.

As our community and wildlife share the same landscapes, human-wildlife conflicts often arise. These conflicts threaten local wildlife populations and endanger community safety and livelihoods. Incidents such as crop raiding and livestock predation create tension and economic losses for our residents. Simultaneously, the expansion of roads, fences, and other infrastructure fragments natural habitats, disrupts wildlife movement, and exacerbates the conservation challenges we face. These disruptions hinder the ability of species to migrate, find food, and reproduce, further stressing our local biodiversity.

To help alleviate these conflicts and improve the livelihoods of people and wildlife, The Mugie conservancy has started to engage in innovative, sustainable initiatives, such as beekeeping, recognizing the importance of bees to ecosystem health. 

Through the collaborative efforts of the Moyo Foundation and Ekorian, Mugie is piloting a sustainable honey production project, featuring 20 beehives that also serve as natural barriers to deter elephants from crop areas, reducing human-wildlife conflict. This project aims to produce honey sustainably while supporting local livelihoods and promoting biodiversity.

“Mugie Conservancy’s beekeeping project seeks to empower local women and promote biodiversity while reducing human-wildlife conflict. By supporting this initiative, WildLandscapes International aims to demonstrate how conservation can drive sustainable development, fostering resilience in both the community and the landscape”

— Élodie A. Sampéré, Deputy Director, WildLandscapes International

The ATCF granted $15,000 to Wildlife Landscapes on behalf of the Mugie Conservatory to purchase beehives and construct a honey extraction facility to empower local Pokot women by producing high-quality hone. This grant 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.

To learn more about this grant, check out this post.

Watering Hope: Conservation and Community Resilience in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

A new grant will protect thousands of wild elephants within the Hwange National Park while also helping local communities thrive

Hwange National Park, located in western Zimbabwe near the border with Botswana, is the country's largest national park and one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, the park spans around 14,600 square kilometers and offers habitats ranging from dense woodlands to open grasslands and seasonal wetlands.

Hwange is particularly famous for its large elephant population—one of the largest in Africa, estimated to include tens of thousands of elephants. It's also home to a rich variety of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, and various antelope species. 

Given the park's abundance in wildlife and close proximity to people, there is immense competition for food and water which results in intense human-wildlife conflict. People living along Hwange National Park’s southern boundary are predominantly subsistence farmers who inhabit a geographically and socially isolated area of poor soil fertility and erratic rainfall. In hard times, desperate people have turned to bushmeat poaching in the park to feed their families.

The recent drought has made matters worse. With very limited natural surface water, Hwange National Park relies on NGOs to pump groundwater to the surface for animals to drink. There are over 25 pumps both inside and around the Park that sustain thousands of animals. These units need constant maintenance and require services and repairs.

The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund granted $15,000 to 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.  The grant will help cover the salaries and food packs for pump attendants at remote watering holes, ensure repairs for solar hybrid units that pump water for wildlife, and provide a solar pump and irrigation system for a communal food garden. These efforts will empower local communities to become self-sufficient despite drought conditions, reduce human-wildlife conflicts, and sustain the area's iconic wildlife, including large herds of elephants, enhancing both conservation and cultural harmony in the region.

“This project focuses on two parallel elements: First, keeping wild animals, including thousands of elephants, inside Hwange National Park and providing them with plentiful water by pumping at several watering holes along the southern stretch of the park and second, empowering local communities to grow their own food by improving access to water and facilitating irrigation schemes. During a drought year like the one we are currently enduring, these sorts of activities have never been more important and more impactful and we are incredibly grateful for support for these projects.”

— Hannah Tranter, Water4Wildlife Trust

To learn more about this grant, check out this post.

Saving Sea Turtles while reducing plastic waste in the oceans

An innovative program will help save sea turtles while reducing plastic waste found in the ocean

Did you know that there is an estimated 75 million tons of plastic waste found in the ocean? This is a conservative number and unfortunately, the level of plastic found in our oceans is growing every day. Without being properly removed, plastic can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose, wreaking havoc on humans and our planet alike.  

In coastal communities in developing countries, plastic waste is often burned which is bad for human health and the planet, and is rarely recycled. These coastal communities also face conservation challenges including plastic pollution, climate change, and illegal hunting and collection of wildlife including sea turtles. 

“From leatherbacks to loggerheads, six of the seven species of sea turtles are threatened or endangered at the hand of humans. Sadly, the fact is that they face many dangers as they travel the seas — including accidental capture and entanglement in fishing gear, the loss of nesting and feeding sites to coastal development, poaching, and ocean pollution including plastic.”

— Sea Turtle Facts, SEE Turtles

An innovative program led by SEE Turtles and their partners is working to provide coastal communities in the Philippines, Ghana, and Colombia 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.

In 2024, the ATCF granted $15,000 to three coastal communities in the Philippines, Ghana, and Columbia. This grant will fund recycling infrastructure, educational workshops, and cleanup activities that will protect sea turtles and benefit local communities economically.  

“Plastic pollution is a growing problem for ocean wildlife and coastal communities. This funding from the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund will support our partner’s efforts to clean up this waste and turn it into useful products that will support local economies and sea turtles, among other animals. This grant will be a huge help to reversing the tide of plastic waste in communities in Colombia, Ghana, and the Philippines.” -

Brad Nahill, President, SEE Turtles

To learn more about this grant, check out this post.

Saving Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Rare Tree-Climbing Lions

In Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, conservation efforts are underway to monitor and protect the remaining 39 tree-climbing lions

One of 39 remaining tree-climbing lions in The Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why these lions started to climb trees but believe it could be to escape the heat or to get away from bothersome insects. If these lions disappear, the culture of tree-climbing cannot be reintroduced into the wild and will be lost. 

The Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area (QECA), located in western Uganda, is a large and complex protected area encompassing Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), Kyambura and Kigezi Wildlife Reserves.

The park spans approximately 1,978 square kilometers and is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including savannas, forests, lakes, and wetlands. It is blessed with some of the highest biodiversity in the region with around 100 mammal species and 612 bird species. QENP is most known for its rare tree-climbing lions, which are one of only three remaining populations of these unique lions remaining in the world.

There are only 39 tree-climbing lions remaining in the park today. If they disappear, they will not come back. 

Over the last 40 years, Queen Elizabeth National Park’s (QENP) lion population has plummeted by over 90%, dropping from more than 400 in the 1980s to just 39 lions in 2022 and faces extinction. As the human population around QECA grows, human-wildlife conflict is expected to increase, further endangering the already vulnerable lion population, which also faces challenges from habitat loss, invasive species, and prey decline. The surrounding area, one of Africa's most densely populated, faces economic hardship and limited educational opportunities, hindering local youth's ability to participate in conservation and ecotourism. Poaching fueled by both bushmeat hunting and retaliatory killings poses a severe threat to the already vulnerable lion populations. 

The grant will train rangers to monitor the lions and protect them. 

In 2024, the ATCF awarded a $15,000 grant to Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust to support the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project (KLMP). KLMP 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.

To learn more about this grant, check out this post.

Empowering women in ocean science and coral reef conservation in Raja Ampat

In the remote islands of Raja Ampat, Indonesia Women in Ocean Science is empowering a group of local women to conserve their unique marine habitat for generations to come

A local woman from Raja Ampat gets ready to dive into the water. Photo credit: Women in Ocean Science

Raja Ampat, situated in West Papua, Indonesia, is renowned for its breathtaking biodiversity and immaculate coral reefs, making it a top destination for travelers seeking unparalleled diving and snorkeling experiences. The archipelago, comprising 612 islands, boasts an astonishing array of marine life, including over 540 coral species—representing more than 75% of all known coral types—and over 1,000 fish species. This exceptional concentration makes Raja Ampat the richest coral reef ecosystem on the planet, fostering some of the most diverse fish communities in the world and solidifying its status as a vital marine habitat. 

However, a surge in tourism has created significant conservation challenges, threatening this unique ecosystem. Environmental degradation increased plastic pollution, and the proliferation of cyanobacteria are impacting marine life, including iconic species like manta rays. Although the local community is deeply committed to environmental protection, gender inequality has limited women's participation in conservation efforts. Cultural norms and restricted access to education and resources have kept women underrepresented in ocean-based industries, hindering their involvement in crucial conservation work.

In 2024, the ATCF awarded a $15,000 grant to Women in Ocean Science, a registered charity and global network dedicated to addressing gender inequality in marine science and conservation. This grant aims to empower women to excel in ocean-focused careers. The grant will be used to train local women in Raja Ampat in marine conservation, diving, and ecosystem monitoring, while actively restoring degraded coral reefs in vital manta ray habitats.

This initiative is set to cultivate female conservation leaders, rejuvenate coral reef ecosystems, enhance sustainable marine resource management, and bolster community resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Additionally, the project will promote sustainable eco-tourism, foster long-term community ownership of conservation programs, and inspire worldwide action through compelling storytelling.

Iconic Manta Rays like these glide gracefully within the crystal clear waters of Raja Ampat

“We are so honoured to be selected as one of the recipients of this year’s Adventure Travel Conservation Fund grant. The support and recognition of our the programme means a great deal and we have just informed our local partners too who are over the moon!”

-Madeline St Clair - Founder & Managing Director |Women in Ocean Science Charity

To learn more about this grant, check out this post.

Congratulations to the 2024 Conservation Project Grant Winners

The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund is excited to celebrate the five remarkable grant recipients who have shown extraordinary commitment to protecting our planet’s natural and cultural treasures. These community-driven organizations from Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Colombia, the Philippines, and Ghana were nominated by ATCF members during the fiercely competitive 2024 Conservation Grant Program. We had over 45 business members vote, one of our highest turnouts yet. Each of these trailblazing projects is deserving of recognition for their groundbreaking efforts to safeguard some of Earth’s most vital ecosystems.

Celebrate the incredible achievements of these grant winners and discover how their passion and dedication are shaping the future of environmental stewardship.

2024 Adventure Travel Conservation Fund Winners

In addition to the five projects above that were voted on and funded by our members, the Whale Conservation Project was adopted via our Adopt a Project Program by Toad and Co.

Adopt a Project

Each year the ATCF gives away ALL of its available grant funding to the top voted-on projects. However, there are still several incredible projects on the ballot that the ATCF did not have enough funding to support. Launched in 2017, The Adopt a Project program allows any ATCF members, or others in the travel and outdoor community, to contribute funding towards the remaining projects, with the aim to get other incredible projects fully funded. Check out the project available for adoption below!

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Thank you so much for your incredible support! We look forward to sharing more stories about our 2024 Grant Winners. Stay tuned!

Welcome New Members

The ATCF is excited to welcome Peak Design, Finisterra Travel, Adventure More and Flywire as our newest members! Learn more about their commitment to protecting tourism destinations below! Check out our growing network of ATCF members here!

Flywire

Flywire is a global payments enablement and software company. Flywire combines its proprietary global payments network, next-gen payments platform, and vertical-specific software to deliver the most important and complex payments for its clients and their customers.

Flywire leverages its vertical-specific software and payments technology to deeply embed within the existing A/R workflows for its clients across the education, healthcare, and travel vertical markets, as well as in key B2B industries. Flywire also integrates with leading ERP systems, so organizations can optimize the payment experience for their customers while eliminating operational challenges.

Flywire supports more than 4,000 clients with diverse payment methods in more than 140 currencies across 240 countries and territories around the world. Flywire is headquartered in Boston, MA, USA with additional offices around the globe.

Why is the conservation of tourism destinations important to your organization?

As a global FinTech company, Flywire is committed to reducing our impact on the climate, and to making progress towards protecting and preserving our environment. Already, we've partnered with Tomorrow's Air to provide our travel clients' guests the ability to make carbon removal contributions when they make their payments, and we're pleased with the ongoing progress of this initiative. Yet there is so much more to be done for our planet. The ATCF mission aligns so closely with Flywire because sustainability is top of mind for our travel clients all around the world, who recognize the part they play in preserving a destination’s natural resources. Like us, they want to make a positive impact in their communities and curb over-tourism by preserving a destination's natural and cultural resources. We believe strongly in the mission of ATCF and believe its work in protecting threatened cultures and communities is a critical step in creating a more sustainable travel ecosystem.

Why did you decide to become a member of the ATCF?

We were very moved by the power of its community and collaboration among various members of the industry, and believe that ATCF aligns closely with Flywire's and our clients' commitments to reduce the impact on our climate. We also know that as members of the broader travel community, we have a responsibility to contribute to conservation efforts to protect and sustain travel destinations around the world for current and future generations. We are thrilled to be a part of this movement and community.

Learn more about Flywire and its commitment to protecting and preserving our environment by clicking here!

Find Flywire on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X

Peak Design

Peak Design designs, manufactures and sells photography and outdoor gear.

Why is the conservation of tourism destinations important to your organization?

Conservation in general is an important value and focus at Peak but we also make gear for travelers so assuring the conservation of tourism destinations is also in our business interest.

Learn more about their environmental and social policy by clicking here!

Find Peak Design on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Finisterra Travel

Finisterra creates custom travel experiences and curated adventures worldwide including wildlife safaris, cultural tours, culinary trips, family travel experiences, active adventure, and much more.

Why is the conservation of tourism destinations important to your organization?

As part of our values, Finisterra wants to support the growth and sustainability of tourism outfitters and destinations. We aim to ensure that we are supporting the long-term sustainability of tourism destinations.

Learn more about their commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism by clicking here!

Find Finisterra Travel on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Adventure More

Adventure More is a travel design agency specializing in custom adventure travel.

Why is the conservation of tourism destinations important to your organization?

What is travel without people, places, and things to see/do? We must protect our precious planet so that we and future generations can continue discovering how amazing this world truly is!

Why did you decide to become a member of the ATCF?

We want to do our part, but as a small travel design agency owner, I don't have the expertise on conservation efforts to make appropriate decisions on who and what to support. I trust the ATCF to thoroughly vet the programs they are working with and allow me, in turn, to help those great projects make a difference in the world!

Learn about what sustainability means to Adventure More by clicking here!

Find Adventure More on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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Welcome ATCF's Newest Board Members!

ATCF is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our three newest board members, Amy Brown, Deirdre Campbell, and Maria José Andrade whose remarkable achievements, innovative ideas, and dedication to environmental conservation can be found throughout the adventure travel industry! Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences, whether it be in sustainable tourism, biodiversity conservation, or community engagement. We are eager to witness the positive impact they will undoubtedly make on our initiatives.

As we celebrate the addition of these accomplished individuals to our organization, we are confident that their diverse expertise will support ATCF’s mission to harness the travel community's environmental and cultural conservation efforts for maximum impact.

Amy Brown

Amy Brown has experience in the outdoor gear and adventure travel industries working in marketing, communications, and partnerships. She has volunteered with the ATCF for five years as a member of the outreach committee and was involved in the launch of the nonprofit while at ExOfficio. She recently completed her master’s and Ph.D. in Leadership Development and during that time she completed a needs assessment for the ATCF to support the exploration and decision-making of topics related to the direction of the nonprofit.

Amy is experienced in running campaigns and is a well-spoken professional capable of clearly communicating messages and generating audience interest and engagement. She developed these skills at Brooks Running, ExOfficio, and then with the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Over the last five years in her doctoral program, Amy gained skills in program implementation and evaluation related to behavior change initiatives. This is important for reaching audiences who may be less aware of the value and significance of the ATCF's work and will help increase awareness and adoption of the nonprofit’s initiatives.

Amy will assist the Storytelling and the Connection & Collaboration Subcmitte by developing outreach initiatives and exploring creative partnerships for ATCF’s annual Travel Conservation Auction. Her skills in distilling relevant research and communicating impact through data can demonstrate the capabilities of the ATCF and its grantees to external funding agencies in a meaningful way. The board of directors welcomes her natural enthusiasm and learned skillset and looks forward to her contributions to help grow ATCF’s audience with consumers and industry partners.

Click here to connect with Amy Brown on LinkedIn.

Deirdre Campbell

After 10 years working in hotel and agency PR, Deirdre launched her own company, tartanbond, in 2001, while undertaking her MBA. At the time, sustainable business practices were just being taught, but the concepts captured me immediately and she began her career in sustainable and regenerative tourism, launching the BC Sustainable Tourism Collective in time for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, was a founding director with the Global Ecotourism Network (GEN) and became very involved in Indigenous tourism.

As an original supporter of the ATCF, Deirdre is looking to give back to the ATCF and support Indigenous communities globally. She hopes to bring to the board her knowledge of sustainable and regenerative tourism (she is the co-founder of the IMPACT Summit for sustainable tourism in Canada now in its 7th year), and her communications expertise. Her skills in communications, reputation management, crisis communication, issues management, and stakeholder engagement will be an excellent addition to the Storytelling Subcommittee and the board of directors!

Click here to connect with Deirdre Campbell on LinkedIn.

Maria José Andrade

Maria’s work history started in 1999 co-creating and developing Tierra del Volcán, a tourism operator specialized in adventure travel in Ecuador. Together, with her husband Jorge Pérez, they developed a project in which tourism became a model of sustainable development and an alternative to extensive agriculture practices in the haciendas we run in the buffer zone of Cotopaxi National Park. Having grown up in the countryside very close to nature; traveled abroad for 18 months at the age of 17, to serve as a volunteer and to explore remote places on a solo journey; with her university education in Liberal Arts and Anthropology, Maria was able to combine her passions at the work that she performed: nature, travel and culture.

“I believe in tourism as a source of good and think that adventure travel is a powerful tool to sensibilize people and raise awareness on the importance of conservation of natural resources and the respect and preservation of local livelihoods of communities living in nature. Adventure travel and sustainable tourism is a game changer. It brings education, opportunities, and resources to areas of high biodiversity.”

Maria will bring energy, a willingness to serve the cause, and her experience as a woman leading a ground-based NGO to the ATCF. Her ability to bridge the gap between local cosmovision and the global vision will prove beneficial to her role on the Convening Communities Subcommittee. The board of directors will rely on Maria’s temperance and resourcefulness when navigating uncertainty and hope to gain insight into her ability to integrate local vision to address global challenges.

Click here to connect with Maria José Andrade on LinkedIn.

ATCF is incredibly fortunate to have such accomplished individuals join our board of directors. Their passion, expertise, and commitment to environmental stewardship are invaluable assets that will undoubtedly shape the future of our organization. As we eagerly anticipate the positive contributions and transformative impact they will bring, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing to embark on this journey with us.

2023 Travel Conservation Auction Winners!

The 2023 Travel Conservation Auction has been an incredible success, thanks to the unwavering support of over 35 generous donors who contributed their adventure travel trips, gear, and community connections to support our mission. Thanks to their support, we met our goal of $60,000, double what was raised in 2022. This remarkable achievement not only demonstrates the power of community and collaboration but also signifies the industry's commitment to protecting wild places.

We are immensely grateful and extend our heartfelt thanks to donors, bidders, and other partners who have enabled the ATCF to continue helping protect and preserve our world for future generations. The support demonstrated will have a lasting impact, enhancing project initiatives that protect the adventure travel communities we know and love.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

7-Day Upper Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu, PERU

Donated by Mountain Lodges of Peru

Won by Tara C.

5-Day Sacred Valley & Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu, PERU

Donated by Mountain Lodges of Peru

Won by Adam B.

4-Nights at Jamtara Wilderness Camp, INDIA

Donated by Encounters Asia

Won by Heather M.

5-Day Ancient Capitals Walking Tour in Kansai, JAPAN

Donated by Oku Japan

Won by Christina T.

14-Day Snow Leopard Expedition Led by Ismail Shariff, INDIA

Donated by Banjara Experiences

Won by Jan L.

6-Day Galapagos Wildlife Cruise, ECUADOR

Donated by Enchanted Expeditions

Won by Lan P.

5-Night Local Culinary Cooking Experience, DOMINICA

Donated by Discover Dominica

Won by Hannah M.

5-Day Rafting Trip, IDAHO

Donated by OARS

Won by Katie F.

2-Nights at Hotel Aguas Claras, COSTA RICA

Donated by Cayuga Collection

Won by Gordon S.

3-Night Maldives Marine Life Guided Tour, MALDIVES

Donated by Secret Paradise Maldives

Won by Isaac D.

5-Day Hiking & Camping Adventure for Two: Zion & Bryce, USA

Donated by REI Adventures

Won by Judy C.

5-Day W Trek Adventure in Torres del Paine, CHILE

Donated by Chile Nativo

Won by Joey P.

9-Day Camino de Santiago Tour, SPAIN

Donated by Wilderness Travel

Won by Hasissam K.

13-Day Patagonia Volunteer Trip, CHILE

Donated by ConservationVIP

Won by Thom B.

9-Day Whales & Wild Isles Expedition Cruise for 2 people, CANADA

Donated by Maple Leaf Adventures

Won by Heather M.

3 Nights at Hacienda El Porvenir, ECUADOR

Donated by Tierra del Volcan

Won by Christina T.

11-Day Wild Borneo Adventure, MALAYSIA

Donated by Sticky Rice Travel

Won by Lan P.

8-Day Bike & Boat Dalmatian Coast Tour for 2, CROATIA

Donated by Experience Plus! Bicycle Tours

Won by Xima

6-Day Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail Adventure, NEW ZEALAND

Donated by Adventure South NZ

Won by Deb C.

4-Day Rancho Cacachilas Adventure Camp, BCS, MEXICO

Donated by Rancho Cachilas

Won by Gina B.

7-Day Idaho Middle Fork of the Salmon River Rafting Tour for 2, USA

Donated by Mountain Travel Sobek

Won by Katie F.

3-Days Hotel Las Torres All Inclusive Experience, CHILE

Donated by Las Torres Patagonia

Won by Mary N.

Adventure Travel Gear

MiiR Coffee Bundle & Wine Bundle

Donated by MiiR

Won by Jon W.

GRAYL® Camp Cook Kit

Donated by GRAYL

Won by Jane B.

2 Helinox Sunset Chairs & 1 Helinox Table One Hard Top

Donated by Helinox

Won by Claudia L.

REI Co-op Big Haul Recycled Rolling Duffel - 34"

Donated by REI Co-op

Won by Nicolas C.

$250 Toad & Co Gift Card

Donated by Toad & Co

Won by Charles A.

2 prAna Verde Yoga Mats

Donated by prAna

Won by Emily L.

GRAYL® HipPack Go Kit

Donated by GRAYL

Won by Jon W.

Eagle Creek Tarmac XE 2-Wheel 29" Luggage in Artic Seagreen

Donated by Eagle Creek

Won by Mohit G.

Peak Design 35L Travel Duffle, set of Packing Cubes, & Wash Pouch

Donated by Peak Design

Won by Luis V.

$600 Oboz Gift Card

Donated by Oboz Footwear

Won by on Jon B.

REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Recycled Duffel + Packing Cube Set

Donated by REI

Won by Norie Q.

Adventure Travel Connections

5-Hours with ATCF Board of Directors

Donated by ATCF BOD

Won by Kirsten D.

5-Hours of Travel Marketing Consulting

Donated by AirTour.io

Won by Robin F.

Ticket to 2024 Adventure Travel World Summit + Carbon Removal

Donated by Adventure Travel Trade Association and Tomorrow’s Air

Won by Raza

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AUCTION DONORS

We can’t thank our donors enough for their generosity and commitment to protecting our wild places. The ATCF was born to bring the travel and outdoor industry together to make a meaningful impact on conservation and the brands you see above are helping lead the way. From donating $10,000+ trips to some of the best travel gear in the world. These are really special brands and all we can ask is next time you’re looking for a trip or a new piece of gear that you keep them in mind.

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Auction Committee: Soraya Shattuck, Hannah Lambert, Norie Quintos, Amy Brown, and Jonathan Burnham

Our auction committee did an incredible job this year, they helped double last year’s auction goal. From donor outreach to setting up the auction platforms to social media, this team put in hundreds of volunteer hours to make this auction a success. A lot goes on behind the scenes and we couldn’t have done it without these conservation rockstars!

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If you had any part in our 2023 auction, from donating to bidding or just sharing on social media we are so grateful for your support.

We can’t wait to see what 2024 brings!

Conservation Conversations with Mountain Travel Sobek

Massimo Prioreschi is the president and CEO of Mountain Travel Sobek, based in Emeryville, California. It is North America’s oldest adventure travel company specializing in group and custom adventure travel across the globe, including hiking, trekking, rafting, wildlife, and cultural journeys. With a focus on sustainable and responsible tourism, MT Sobek aims to provide travelers with immersive experiences while minimizing their impact on the environment and local communities. Mountain Travel Sobek is a member of ATCF at the Adventure Steward level. “Sustainable and responsible travel is more important now than ever before,” says Prioreschi. “As we continue to grapple with the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, it is imperative that we all take responsibility for our impact on the natural world.”

How does MT Sobek approach the issues of climate change, over-tourism, and other problems facing places?

We believe in the power of responsible, small-group tourism to support local communities and mitigate these problems. We offer off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Algeria, Turkmenistan, and Iraq, and we explore lesser-known trails in popular locations like Yosemite and the Alps. We promote traveling during shoulder seasons to spread out tourism throughout the year and reduce over-tourism during peak months. We mostly use local guides to reduce the carbon footprint of moving guides around the globe. We also use public transportation where possible. In our commitment to fighting climate change, we support conservation efforts, minimize waste, and encourage eco-friendly transportation and carbon offset programs for our travelers.

You’ve come in as an Adventure Steward of the ATCF, a $5,000-level annual commitment. Why?

I’m personally committed to supporting conservation efforts and, as an Adventure Steward of the ATCF, Mountain Travel Sobek can amplify its impact by banding together with like-minded companies. By supporting organizations like the ATCF, we can help to protect the places we love by supporting projects that solve sustainability issues in the places where we travel and help ensure that future generations can enjoy them as well.

The history of MTS is fascinating and goes back to the early days of modern adventure travel. What has that given you as you look to the future?

The company has always had a deep passion for sustainable and responsible travel. It has always been at the forefront of the small-group adventure travel industry, and since the beginning recognized the importance of respecting and protecting the local communities and environment that we visit.

One of our core values is to use local guides. Travelers not only get a more authentic and immersive experience, but it also supports the local economy by ensuring the benefits remain there. Local guides possess an intimate knowledge of the culture, history, and environment of their home regions, and they can offer insights and perspectives that would be impossible to gain otherwise.

In the future, we will continue to prioritize the protection of the natural environment and local cultures. This means reducing carbon footprints, minimizing waste and pollution both in the office and in the field, respecting local customs and traditions, and supporting local economies. By prioritizing these values, travel can become a force for positive change, promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Tell us about a trip or place that changed you or your thinking.

A family trip to the Galapagos in 1997 had a profound impact on me. The wonder in my children's eyes as they interacted with the wildlife made me realize the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations. It was inspiring to see how wildlife can flourish while coexisting with travelers, but it requires a fiercely protective mindset from both visitors and locals.

The Galapagos Islands are an excellent example of the virtuous circle of conservation and tourism, balancing economic development with the protection of natural areas. The revenue generated from tourism provides the necessary funding for conservation efforts, which, in turn, helps to preserve the unique ecosystem that attracts visitors in the first place.

Learn more about Massimo Prioreschi and Mountain Travel Sobek on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube!

Now Accepting Donations to Help Protect Wild Places, ATCF 2023 Auction

Each year the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund hosts an auction of donated trips and travel-related items, raising money to support the organization in protecting wild places. Last year’s auction was its best yet, raising over $30,000. (Thanks to our generous donors for making it possible!) Our goal is to double this for 2023. We are looking for your help in making that happen!

Donation = Membership: Get a 1-year ATCF base membership for new ATCF members who donate items valued over $5,000.

Mark Your Calendars: This year’s auction is scheduled for the fall, timed to a period when many travelers purchase trips. We’ll be promoting and previewing it at the Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido, Japan, to boost awareness and build excitement. The ATCF will host its annual breakfast event and conduct a silent auction with an assortment of donated items during the ATWS event. Event delegates will be able to bid on the silent auction item, and the winner will be announced at the event.

The main event, the online auction, launches on October 11, World Tourism Day.

We are constantly trying to improve the bidder experience, maximize reach, and minimize costs. Auction items will be visible via the ATCF auction webpage, with links to place bids on our partner sites, CharityBuzz and BetterWorld. The CharityBuzz platform has its own audience and markets the ATCF auction to an exclusive group of philanthropic consumers, 60,000 of which are high-net-worth individuals.

We are currently soliciting donations for the auction through mid-August. It is only through the support of adventure travel industry members that we are able to carry this work forward. If you are interested in participating, please check out our donation page. Past donated items have included trips, flights, experiences, lodging, gear, and photography classes. We are open to creative ideas, so if you have suggestions, let us know. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand in front of a travel-oriented audience. We will be promoting the auction to:

• 1,000 ATCF email subscribers including international travelers, committed to conservation efforts.

• 28,000+ travelers and industry professionals through Adventure Travel Prosper and Adventure Travel News.

• 750+ industry professionals during promotions and a silent auction promo at the 2023 Adventure Travel World Summit.

• 60,000+ high net-worth philanthropic individuals interested in supporting conservation projects via CharityBuzz, the ATCF online auction-hosting organization.

• Partner with charity website receiving over 600,000+ unique views per month.

• Promotion of your brand and auction item to ATCF email subscribers, media list, and social media channels, before, during, and following the auction.

A few of last year’s items:

Last year’s donors:

If you’d like to contribute to our auction please visit our 2023 donation page.

From all of us at the ATCF, thank you for your consideration. Your donation will help protect our wild places.

March Newsletter

In this issue:

• Update from the Executive Director

• Welcome to Three New Board Members

• Hydro Flask Joins ATCF at the Trailblazer Level

• Barbara Banks Vision Fund (BBVF) Raises $80,000

• New and Returning Members

• Conservation Conversation With Explorer X

Update from the Executive Director

After a successful and inspiring board retreat in December, in which we came away with priorities for 2023, we’ve had our heads down working on an implementation plan. The word for the year is Amplify. Amplify funding, impact, membership, grantees, and network.

It’s important to note that in 2020 and 2021, during the acute phase of the pandemic when travel came to a virtual stop, the ATCF continued to support critical communities progressing their conservation efforts. The need was great and the organization felt a responsibility to help where it could. In 2021, we also reached the milestone of having distributed $500,000 to 33 projects in 27 countries around the world. In 2022 we worked on rebuilding the organization, which had been hard-hit by the pandemic along with the travel industry, and re-engaging our communities.

For 2023, our two primary focus areas are:

• Reconvene our community - bring our membership back together, bring in new partner businesses from the travel and outdoor supply chain, and convene our grantees. Work has begun on several fronts.

• Evolve our grant program - bring in stronger elements of communities who are supporting climate mitigation, consider our geographic reach of projects that qualify for funding, and integrate the ability for individuals to earmark additional funds to projects that align with their priorities. A new and energized Grants Committee is hard at work. Look out for the announcement of our 2023 grant program by May.

Nominations open on May 7th for ATCF members to put forth a project for funding consideration. Keep an eye out for more information on the nominations process coming soon!

There is lots more news to come including our annual Travel Conservation Auction, planned for the fall.

Please reach out to me with any questions, comments, or ideas. Contact us

Welcome to Three New Board Members

We are thrilled to welcome three new members to the ATCF Board of Directors. Welcome, Nicole Abbott, vice president of Wilderness Travel, Amit Sankhala, owner of Encounters Asia, and Jonathan Burnham, ATCF’s digital director! These remarkable individuals will add insight and expertise to ATCF’s strategic direction. Learn more about ATCF’s new board members here.

Hydro Flask Joins ATCF at the Trailblazer Level

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Hydro Flask as ATCF’s newest Adventure Trailblazer ($10,000 Level). Hydro Flask joins other like-minded businesses in supporting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. Hydro Flask is well known for its reusable, high-quality water bottles and is committed to reducing the use of single-use plastics. The company’s products are a perfect fit for adventure travelers who are passionate about sustainability and conservation.

"ATCF’s mission aligns with Hydro Flask’s commitment to responsible consumption. Not just the bottle, but the way people explore and engage with the outdoors," said Jeffery Walter, Hydro Flask's corporate social responsibility (CSR) specialist. "Our products are designed for a world of adventures, and it is essential for organizations like ATCF to equip travelers and explores with the knowledge and tools to be stewards for the planet."

Hydro Flask has also teamed up with the ATCF on an exciting partnership that will support a local project and community. More details coming soon.

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Barbara Banks Vision Fund (BBVF) Raises $80,000

We are pleased to announce that in three months, the Barbara Banks Vision Fund raised more than $80,000 to support the work of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund. The fund was set up by Charles Altekruse, with Benjamin and Jeremy Banks-Altekruse, to honor the life of wife and mother Barbara Banks, a pillar of the adventure travel community whose untimely death of cancer in May 2020, came as a shock to all who knew and loved her.

New & Returning Members

Mountain Travel Sobek is known as the pioneer of adventure travel and has been offering immersive travel experiences for over 53 years. Their worldwide network of guides and experts allows them to offer tours on all seven contents!

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Conservation Conversation With Explorer X

Michael Bennett, Ed.D, is the co-founder of Explorer X, a Seattle-based travel design company launched in 2017 by him and fellow travel industry veteran Jake Haupert. It crafts unforgettable and impactful travel experiences for its clients. The company’s mission is to support clients in both traveling better and living better. Bennet puts it this way, “We're sort of the love-child of Anthony Bourdain, the irreverent yet savvy traveler, and Joseph Campbell, the wise and sage-like teacher.”

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Calendar

Spring 2023

• April 4

  • ATCF Happy Hour in Berkeley, CA

• May 7

  • Grant nominations open for ATCF members. (funding consideration)

• May 9-11

  • AdventureELEVATE held in Portland, Maine

Fall 2024

• September 11-14

  • Adventure Travel World Summit held in Hokkaido, Japan

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Thanks so much for reading our March newsletter and if you have any questions about the auction please feel free to contact me.

Cheers,

Welcome New Board Members

We are thrilled to welcome three new members to the ATCF Board of Directors. Welcome, Nicole Abbott from Wilderness Travel, Amit Sankhala from Encounters Asia, and Jonathan Burnham from Amadeus Style, ATCF’s Marketing Director! These remarkable individuals will add insight and expertise to ATCF’s strategic direction.

Learn more about our new board members:

Nicole Abbott - Wilderness travel

As the vice president of Wilderness Travel, Nicole Abbott has been deeply immersed in the world of adventure travel her entire life. Her father, Bill Abbott, founded Wilderness Travel in 1978 as one of the original adventure travel companies, so Nicole grew up traveling extensively with her family as they scouted exotic new adventures around the globe—exploring pristine ecosystems, building connections with local communities, and meeting with guides and local partners. Nicole worked for eight years in the management consulting industry and received an MBA from Columbia Business School before rejoining Wilderness Travel in 2016. Today, Wilderness Travel remains 100 percent family-owned, with Nicole and her brother Scott managing the business as the second-generation leadership of the company, overseeing everything from itinerary development and trip operations to finance, marketing, and technology.

“We have been members of the ATCF since its founding and have always felt a very strong alignment between the mission and goals of the ATCF and that of Wilderness Travel. We deeply believe in the power of adventure travel to actively support the preservation and protection of the world’s remaining wilderness areas and wildlife, in addition to supporting the livelihoods for millions of people living in the remote corners of the globe. On a personal level, with a young daughter of my own now, I feel more impassioned than ever about the need to conserve and protect our amazing planet and its most special places for future generations. Joining the ATCF Board provides an incredibly exciting opportunity to take an active role in this effort.”

Amit Sankhala - Encounters asia

Born as a grandson of a forest officer and the son of a renowned wildlife tour operator, Amit Sankhala, owner of Encounters Asia, has rambled in the remote Indian forests since he was a month old. Wildlife conservation has remained an integral part of the Sankhala heritage. In addition to owning safari camps in India, Amit has traveled and studied other wildlife conservancies, parks, concessions, and sanctuaries around the world, from places like Okavango Delta in Botswana to the Rain Forests of the Pantanal for Jaguars; Polar Bears In the Arctic to Pumas of Chile; Mountain Gorillas of Uganda to underwater life of the Galapagos. His expeditions to see Snow Leopards gained popularity amongst the wildlife community and have helped set the standard for others to run these expeditions. Currently, he sits on boards of organizations such as Wild Landscapes (USA) & Tiger Trust (India).

“I have always appreciated the work ATCF has done in the Adventure Travel Community. It allows me to be a part of something bigger than just pursuing conservation projects in India, and especially to work with like minded people who are working towards a common goal. Our world is fragile and the travel community is really not helping by promoting mass tourism, where growth comes in a very unsustainable manner. The new era of travel needs to be more sustainable, conscious about their impact and a move towards slow travel. Everyone has a part to play in this mission, especially the communities that live in fragile landscapes. I feel that ATCF has given grants to some amazing organizations and I wish to be a part of that mission. Throughout my travels in the last 20 years, I have been able to form relationships with Lodge owners, non profits, ground operators from around the world. Almost everyone has a conservation side to their business and I hope that my knowledge in that sphere, will contribute to bringing together, a bigger like minded community for ATCF. I say this, not only for the US, but around the world.”

Jonathan Burnham - Amadeus Style

Jonathan Burnham has been a volunteer of the ATCF since shortly after its inception, and has brought to the ATCF his energy and experience leading the marketing for several of the top tour operators in the world, including Wildland Adventures. He’s worked in about every sector of travel, from guiding, trip development, to lodges to tourism boards to developing conservation programs. He currently is a partner in Amadeus Style, a full-service production studio focused on video production and event management. When he’s not trying to save the world, you can catch him swimming in a lake, training for Ironmans, or snowboarding in the backcountry.

A doer, Jonathan has overseen the ATCF’s digital and social communications efforts. As a member of the board, he will help the organization strategize to expand and capitalize on its digital marketing and social outreach efforts. 

“At all of my jobs and non-profits, I’ve pushed for not only being more sustainable but to support conservation work. I would like to make a larger impact in the ATCF and continue to help the organization grow.”

The ATCF is excited to welcome Nicole, Amit, and Jonathan to the team. Check out the rest of ATCF’s Board of Directors here!

Hydro Flask Prioritizes Travel Conservation

ATCF welcomes Hydro Flask as its newest member. Hydro Flask joins at the Adventure Trailblazer level, committing $10,000 annually. The company, based in Bend, Oregon, will join other like-minded businesses in supporting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts. 

Hydro Flask is well known for its reusable, high-quality water bottles and is committed to reducing the use of single-use plastics. Their products are a perfect fit for adventure travelers who are passionate about sustainability and conservation. The company’s giving program, Parks For All, supports nonprofit organizations focused on building, maintaining, restoring and investing in public green spaces so people everywhere can live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.

"We are excited to welcome Hydro Flask to the ATCF community," said Soraya Shattuck, Executive Director of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF), "Their commitment to investing in public green spaces is inspiring, and we look forward to working with them to further our shared goals."

Hydro Flask's support will help the ATCF continue to fund conservation projects and provide grants to local communities around the world. The organization's focus on sustainable tourism practices helps to ensure that adventure travel can have a positive impact on the environment and the people who live in the areas where it takes place.

"ATCF’s mission aligns with Hydro Flask’s commitment to responsible consumption. Not just the bottle, but the way people explore and engage with the outdoors," said Jeffery Walter, Hydro Flask's CSR Sepcialist. "Our products are designed for a world of adventures, and it is essential for organizations like ATCF to equip travelers and explores with the knowledge and tools to be stewards for the planet."

For more information, please visit the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund website at www.adventuretravelconservationfund.org and Hydro Flask's website at www.hydroflask.com.

Update From the Executive Director

After a successful and inspiring board retreat in December, in which we came away with priorities for 2023, we’ve had our heads down working on an implementation plan. The word for the year is Amplify. Amplify funding, impact, membership, grantees, and network.

It’s important to note that in 2020 and 2021, during the acute phase of the pandemic when travel came to a virtual stop, the ATCF continued to support critical communities progressing their conservation efforts. The need was great and the organization felt a responsibility to help where it could. In 2021, we also reached the milestone of having distributed $500,000 to 33 projects in 27 countries around the world. In 2022 we worked on rebuilding the organization, which had been hard-hit by the pandemic along with the travel industry, and re-engaging our communities. 

For 2023, our two primary focus areas are:

• Reconvene our community - bring our membership back together, bring in new partner businesses from the travel and outdoor supply chain, and convene our grantees. Work has begun on several fronts.

• Evolve our grant program - bring in stronger elements of communities who are supporting climate mitigation, consider our geographic reach of projects that qualify for funding, and integrate the ability for individuals to earmark additional funds to projects that align with their priorities. A new and energized Grants Committee is hard at work. Look out for the announcement of our 2023 grant program by May.

There is lots more news to come including our annual Travel Conservation Auction, planned for the fall!

Please reach out to me with any questions, comments, or ideas. 

Soraya Shattuck

ATCF Executive Director

Conservation Conversation with Explorer X

Michael Bennett in Peru

Michael Bennett, Ed.D, is the co-founder of Explorer X, a Seattle-based travel design company launched in 2017 by him and fellow travel industry veteran Jake Haupert. It crafts unforgettable and impactful travel experiences for its clients. The company’s mission is to support clients in both traveling better and living better. Bennet puts it this way, “We're sort of the love-child of Anthony Bourdain, the irreverent yet savvy traveler, and Joseph Campbell, the wise and sage-like teacher.”

How does Explorer X's mission connect with the issues of climate change, overtourism, and other problems facing places? How do you see it from your perspective?

Issues like climate change, over-tourism, and environmental, cultural, and economic conservation and regeneration are at the heart of everything we do. We're mindful of where we send each and every traveler and lovingly encourage them to consider destinations that are a little more off-the-beaten-path so as to avoid over-tourism. As much as possible, we avoid domestic air travel and prefer trains and other forms of public transportation when available. We almost always book small, locally-owned accommodations and only work with local guides so as to keep as much money in-destination as possible. (Our goal is to keep 75 percent of all trip costs in the destination.) We're not only proud members of ATCF but also of 1% for the Planet. 

Michael Bennett in Iceland

We encourage and support our travelers in embarking on their journeys with more intention and purpose while staying open-minded, present, and aware of all that they are seeing and experiencing while on the road. In doing so, they can connect and engage more deeply with the people, the culture, and the history of a destination. As a result, your travelers are more likely to take mindful action to not only preserve what is currently there but, when and where appropriate, help regenerate those things that may have been lost. 

In essence, we embrace the thoughts of Baba Dioum: “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will only understand only what we (experience).”

Explorer X has been a big supporter of ACTF. Why?

Michael Bennett in Egypt

Simple: We believe in the mission of ATCF and, just as importantly, we believe in people creating change through the ATCF. There is immense power in coming together as a community to support worthy projects around the world that are doing critical work to combat climate change and protect and preserve the environmental, cultural, and economic resources we have been entrusted with, and we can't think of anyone better than the folks at ATCF to lead this charge on our behalf. At the end of 2022, we took a portion of our proceeds and made a financial contribution to ATCF.

You are passionate in your belief that travel can transform lives and the world. Please share more.

I call the 3 Us of Travel: First, there is the ultimate game we are all playing, which is to become the best possible version of ourselves. Of course, this would suggest that we need to make incremental improvements in who we are being on a daily basis to close the gap between who we are currently being and who we are capable of being. But here's the thing: The only reliable source of action in our lives is how we are ourselves and how we see the world. So if we want to take consistent action to improve who we are being and how we are showing up in the world, we need to keep growing and changing how we see ourselves and the world ... and the best (and most exciting) way to do that is through travel! 

Next, there is a universal path that we all go on when we travel – some people call this the Hero's Journey. We feel some call to go on an adventure; we embark on said adventure; we face trials and challenges, meet new friends and mentors, and are pushed beyond our normal comfort zones; we learn critical lessons about ourselves and the world ... and then bring that wisdom home with us, where we begin making small but impactful changes in our life. 

Michael Bennett on Faroe Islands

While the path is universal, we each have a unique practice, or way of engaging with our travels, that allows us to get the most from these experiences. Some people prefer to read as much as possible about their destination before going while others like to stay completely open and go in with a blank slate; some people are morning people while others like to stay up late; some people take a Mindful Moment through meditation or prayer while others use creativity and art to connect to the unseen spirit and forces that surround us all. There is no right way or wrong way; we each have our unique way of exploring, and as long as we are true to that, every travel experience can teach us something. 

You can learn more about Explorer X on Instagram and Facebook.

Barbara Banks Vision Fund (BBVF) Raises $80,000

We are pleased to announce that in three months, the Barbara Banks Vision Fund raised more than $80,000 to support the work of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund. The fund was set up by Charles Altekruse, with Benjamin and Jeremy Banks-Altekruse, to honor the life of wife and mother Barbara Banks, a pillar of the adventure travel community whose untimely death of cancer in May 2020, came as a shock to all who knew and loved her.

More than 200 generous donors gave in amounts ranging from $25 to $10,000 through the GoFundMe platform or in direct donations to ATCF. The Banks-Altekruse personal network included friends and family, university affiliations, the Olympic circle (Charlie was a champion rower), and of course, Barbara’s adventure travel community. Among the many donors, Wilderness Travel—for whom Barbara worked for many years—gave $10,000. 

“In her final years, Banks became a shooting star in this emerging “travel with purpose” niche,” says her husband, Charles Altekruse. “She championed local conservation projects wherever possible within the adventure travel industry.” Representing Wilderness Travel, Barbara became one of the first to sign on to membership with the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund when it was announced in 2016.

“Our family is grateful and humbled that so many friends, family, colleagues, and networks were moved to contribute to the Barbara Banks Vision Fund to benefit the nonprofit ATCF,” said Altekruse. “Few organizations are as well positioned to effect change through travel.” With an extensive network of local operators, ATCF advances its mission “to support, leverage and expand the travel community's environmental and cultural conservation efforts for maximum impact” by funding visionary grassroots conservation projects in adventure travel destinations.

While this phase of fundraising comes to a close, the BBVF will continue to support the ATCF and Barbara’s conservation vision. Please contact Charlie Altekruse at caltekruse@caconsult.org to collaborate.