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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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!

Welcome New Members

The ATCF is excited to welcome Freely, WeTravel, JourneyWoman, Adventures in Good Company, and Explorer X to our global network of conscious travelers!

Freely is a Travel insurance and safety app. You can customize the cover you need for the days you need it, end to end on the app.

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

One of our main values at Freely is; 'Giving back to people, places, and the planet'. This is something that lives and breathes very strongly within our organization, and we are working hard to back this up in all ways possible. We want people to enhance their lives with travel and exploring the world, but to do it in the most sustainable way. As a travel (insurance) organization to be able to support the conservation of tourism is an absolute no-brainer.

Find Freely on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

WeTravel

WeTravel, the booking and payments platform powering multi-day travel, has built its platform with a mission to empower any travel business through its technological solutions. With thousands of group and travel businesses—who interact with 500,000 travelers, annually—using its platform, the business believes it has an unparalleled ability to positively impact how travel businesses operate, including being a champion, through its platform, in helping travel businesses protect and preserve people and the planet.

WeTravel is a proud, new member of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund and thrilled to support the organization’s impactful work to create actionable change in the travel industry, for a sustainable tomorrow.

Find WeTravel on YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

JourneyWoman

JourneyWoman is the original travel publication for solo women, established in 1994. They also provide a Women’s Travel Directory, which lists women-friendly tours, retreats, guides, and accommodations.

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

Women - and women over 50 - are the primary decision-makers in travel and can help influence good behaviors in others. Our editorial focuses on how women can travel sustainably, and we want to encourage women’s tour operators to embrace sustainability in their business practices.

Find JourneyWoman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Adventures in Good Company creates experiences of a lifetime for women seeking new adventures. Their small group getaways encourage women of all ages and life stages to (re)connect with their adventurous selves, other women and cultures, and the natural world. AGC vacations are for women who love being active, regardless of whether you're a first-time traveler or a lifelong adventuress. They handle the logistics so you can relax, have fun, and fully experience some of the world's most breathtaking places.

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

AGC recognizes that any form of adventure travel is inextricably linked to impacting the places and people that are visited, but we stand to believe that travel can be a force for good, both in introducing our participants to new cultures and new beliefs and in providing economic benefit to the places we visit. That's why we strive to be a leader in sustainable travel. Our goal is to have a positive impact on the environment and cultures of the places we visit and to minimize the adverse impacts of travel.

Our commitment to sustainable travel follows three guiding principles: environmentally friendly practices like minimizing the use of plastic; protecting natural and cultural heritage; supporting local communities.

Adventures in Good Company has the opportunity to make a greater impact on conservation efforts through ATCF at 100% of our membership dues go directly toward funding conservation initiatives.

Find Adventures in Good Company on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Explorer X is a Seattle-based travel design company dedicated to helping people Travel Better and Live Better.

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

Working to conserve the culture, history, and environment/natural resources of tourism destinations not only protects/empowers the local community but also increases the likelihood that future generations of travelers will be able to visit, share with, and learn from these destinations and the people there as well.

Find Explorer X on Instagram and Facebook.

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New Member: HELINOX

Since 2009 Helinox has been a design-first company, focused exclusively on bringing comfort outdoors so you can be At Home, Anywhere. Furniture should be built to travel, so they’ve designed their gear to be portable, durable, and beautiful as well as comfortable. This means you can relax when you’re backpacking deep in the woods, sitting on an urban rooftop, lounging at the beach, car camping, or simply hanging out in the backyard. So lightweight and compact, you’ll want to bring your own chair to any adventure or gathering.

Helinox believes in the conservation of tourism destinations because they too are travelers and adventurers. They revel in the diversity and beauty of the natural world and are committed to preserving these places.

They decided to become a member to support the conservation of these tourism destinations and to connect their brand with the organizations and operators who facilitate bringing people to them.

Helinox was also generous enough to provide our 2022 Travel Consevarion Auction with 2 Helinox Sunset Camp Chairs