Adventure Travel Experiences - 2022 Travel Conservation Auction

The 2022 Travel Conservation Auction is live and the bids are flowing in! We have over 20 items available for bidding, making this our biggest fundraiser to date.

Adventure Travel Experiences will be available on Charity Buzz from June 27th to July 14th.

With just over a week left to bid, here is everything you need to know about Adventure Travel Experiences.

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ADVENTURE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

JUNE 27 - JULY 14, 2022. OPEN FOR 2 WEEKS ONLY!

5-Day Lower Salmon River Rafting Trip

Donated by Oars

Soak up the sun. Ramble with the river. Idaho’s Lower Salmon River is home to some of America’s most beautiful inland river beaches, super-sandy and sprawling alongside clear, mellow pools which are perfect for stand up paddleboarding and playing in inflatable kayaks. There’s no shortage of thrill seeking either. Some of Idaho’s most famous whitewater rapids, gorges and viewscapes—like Demons Drop, Snow Hole and Blue Canyon are just around the bend.

About OARS: OARS is a family-owned and operated company since 1969 remain the same. Today, our dedicated staff and guides, carry on the long legacy of providing people with unforgettable experiences in some of the most beautiful places in the world! OARS strives to encourage and actively support awareness, deeper appreciation, and preservation of our rivers and environment.

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3-Night Safari in Maasia Mara Game Reserve, Kenya

Donated by Angama Mara

The winner of this amazing package will enjoy a 3-night stay with a friend at Angama Mara in Kenya’s Maasia Mara Game Reserve. Included in the packed are accommodations for three nights, all meals and drinks (other than French Champagne), driving safaris into the reserve and walking safaris.

About Angama Mara: Angama Mara is a remarkable owner-run safari lodge inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid-air’. Located high above the floor of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Angama Mara overlooks Kenya’s Maasai Mara, considered by many as the loveliest game reserve on the continent. Here guests will find a lodge where everything is as it ought to be: two intimate camps of just fifteen tented suites each, a private airfield and access to the Mara below, tailor-made safari days and a famously warm Kenyan welcome.

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5-Day Adventure in Sacred Valley

Donated by Mountain Lodges Peru

Design your own adventure through the charming towns of the Sacred Valley, to seldom-visited Inca archaeological sites, along remote highland hiking trails with breathtaking views, and to hidden villages for a first-hand glimpse into the culture and daily life of these traditional Andean communities. End the experience with a visit to the magical citadel of Machu Picchu.

About Mountain Lodges Peru: Mountain Lodges of Peru is a family-owned Peruvian adventure travel operator providing sophisticated journeys and adventure experiences through the mountainous regions of Peru leading to the incomparable ruins of Machu Picchu. Established in 2006, MLP provides adventurous and active travelers an opportunity to experience a full cultural immersion into remote Andean communities with the comfort of six exclusive mountain lodges and four unique boutique hotels in the city of Cusco.

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7-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Donated by Mountain Lodges Peru

The Salkantay Adventure goes beyond deluxe lodges and a great trek. It is also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Andean culture as you learn about the Inca civilization and the extraordinary legacy that they left for generations to come. After 6-day of hiking you reach Machu Picchu Sacntuary for an in-depth exploration of the one of the seventh wonders of the modern world.

About Mountain Lodges Peru: Mountain Lodges of Peru is a family-owned Peruvian adventure travel operator providing sophisticated journeys and adventure experiences through the mountainous regions of Peru leading to the incomparable ruins of Machu Picchu. Established in 2006, MLP provides adventurous and active travelers an opportunity to experience a full cultural immersion into remote Andean communities with the comfort of six exclusive mountain lodges and four unique boutique hotels in the city of Cusco.

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5-Day San Juan Island Hopper Adventure

Donated by REI

Spend five days soaking up the magic of the San Juan Islands on an exhilarating hike and kayak adventure with REI. Kayak waters rich with marine life while circumnavigating Henry Island, search for whales, porpoise and more on a premier wildlife cruise, enjoy 360° views from Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juans, and sleep among the trees in a luxury yurt and relax at a historic Pacific Northwest resort. Trip Includes Four nights accommodations; most meals; tandem kayaks (singles are not available) and kayaking equipment; dry bags; any park or other admission fees; wildlife watching cruise; interisland ferry fares while on trip; all gratuities related to services necessary to support the itinerary, with the exception of lead and assistant guide; all ground transfers as noted on daily itinerary, to include one transfer to Eastsound airport at trip conclusion on Day 5. This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. You should be capable of kayaking up to 8 miles (up to 6 hours) and hiking between 3–8 miles. Beginning kayakers are welcome.

About REI: At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) we believe a life outdoors is a life well-lived! We believe that it’s in the wild, untamed and natural places that we find our best selves, so our purpose is to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors, for all. Since 1938, we have been your local outdoor co -op, working to help you experience the transformational power of nature. We bring you top-quality gear and apparel, expert advice, rental equipment, inspiring stories of life outside and outdoor experiences to enjoy alone or share with your friends and family. And because we have no shareholders, with every purchase you make with REI, you are choosing to steward the outdoors, support sustainable business and help the fight for life outside. So whether you’re new to the outdoors or a seasoned pro, we hope you’ll join us.

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2-Nights at Camp Sossus, Namibia

Donated by Ultimate Safaris

Bid now for a 2 night getaway under the stars at Camp Sossus! Escape to the tranquil and scenic Namib Tsaris Reserve and spend two nights, all inclusive, under a blanket of stars at Camp Sossus. A perfect escape to unwind and reconnect with nature, while exploring the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei.

About Ultimate Safaris: Ultimate Safaris is an award winning Namibian Conservation Travel Company. We are dedicated to the protection and conservation of the areas in which we operate as these are some of the most pristine and delicate wilderness areas on earth. Our camps are conservation impact investments, pioneering environmental sustainability, community development and conservation.

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3-Day Glamping in Baja California Sur

Donated by Todos Santos Eco Resort

Camp Cecil de la Sierra is a luxury tent camp in the mango and grapefruit grove of a local ranching family in the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve of Baja California Sur, close to the town of Todos Santos.

About Todos Santos Eco Adventures: Todos Santos Eco Adventures (TOSEA) is the leading eco-adventure company in Baja California Sur. Family-owned and operated since 2002 by Sergio and Bryan Jauregui, TOSEA boasts boutique style, concentrated attention to the guest experience, strong conservation travel credentials, three amazing properties, and a dynamic team that loves sharing their passion for the phenomenal natural beauty, unique culture, and extraordinary wildlife of Baja.

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4-Day Red Mountain Essential Retreat

Donated by Red Mountain Resort

A 4 day, 3 night Essential Retreat for 1 solo guest in a Desert Oasis Room at Red Mountain Resort. The retreat includes daily guided hiking, fitness classes, use of the resort amenities and 3 healthy meals each day.

About Red Mountain Resort: Red Mountain Resort has everything you need to relax, renew and rediscover your passion for adventure. As one of the most ideally located resorts in St. George, Utah, Red Mountain Resort allows for customized adventures to Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks, while Snow Canyon State Park is only about a 1/4 of a mile down the road.

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3-Night Stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge, Uganda

Donated by Volcanoes Safaris

Mount Gahinga Lodge is the perfect base to go gorilla tracking on the Ugandan side of the Virungas, track the rare golden monkey, climb a volcano, walk through local villages and most of all to share the culture of the Batwa, the oldest inhabitants of the Central African rain forest. The beautiful hand-built bandas reflect the magic of the aesthetic traditions of the Bufimbira people. Stay provides direct private footpath to access gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park, and includes personal butler service for all guests.

About Volcanoes Safaris: Volcanoes Safaris have been pioneers of gorilla and chimpanzee eco-tourism in Uganda and Rwanda since 1997. We have had a clear vision during our 25 year journey: to develop lodges that are sensitive to local culture and aesthetics, connect to local communities and conservation of great ape species and seek to use resources responsibly.

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Pacific North West Getaway in the Oregon Cascades

Donated by Westfir Lodge

Two night stay at the Westfir Lodge and guided tour of your choice for two with the Cascades Outdoor Center. Homemade breakfast is included every morning.

About Westfir Lodge: Located in the Willamette Valley, in the Oregon Cascades in the foothills of the Willamette National Forest. Our cozy adventure based lodge is across from the longest covered bridge in Oregon, just a short drive from Crater Lake National Park. Nestled conveniently between Eugene and Bend, a perfect base for all your adventures. The Cascades Outdoor Center offers daily tours from the Lodge which include whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and snowshoeing tours!

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4-Day Coasta Rice Jungle & Beach Retreat

Donated by GreenSpot Travel

3 night stay in a One Bedroom Bungalow with full a-la- carte breakfast included. A sandy, forest-fringed beach hugs boutique eco hotel Aguas Claras, where airy, Caribbean-style suites and bungalows dot the jungle- shaded grounds, and a spa and beach club fuel its laid- back vibe. GreenSpot Travel will also include round-trip ground transportation from San Jose, Costa Rica’s international airport (SJO) to the lovely Aguas Claras boutique hotel on the Caribbean side of the country for up to four travelers in the same party.

About Cayuga Collection: We’re The Cayuga Collection. 7 award-winning, sustainable luxury hotels in Costa Rica, Panama & Nicaragua. We’re tucked away in the most incredible corners, committed to protect and preserve the communities and ecosystems that surround us.

About GreenSpot Travel: Adventure, nature, and culture reign supreme. Our custom-designed ecoluxe vacations are all exciting, pampering and relaxing, where you’ll meet fascinating people and soak up one-of-a-kind experiences in destinations around the world.

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Entry Pass to AdventureELEVATE

Donated by the Adventure Travel Trade Association

Join other adventure travel and outdoor recreation professionals in Portland, Maine in May 2023 at the premier networking and educational event in the U.S.!

About ATTA: Established in 1990, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) today is widely recognized as a vital leadership voice and partner for the adventure travel industry around the world. The membership and trade organization is designed to be a force for the industry and exists to drive thought leadership, industry promotion, and opportunities to network and convene globally to create trade and business health. It currently serves more than 1,000members in 100 countries worldwide. The constituency is made up of tour operators, tourism boards, specialty agents, and accommodations.

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3-Day Backcountry Alpine Touring Adventure

Donated by Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures and EVO

Escape into Whistler's Backcountry for 3 full days! Exclusively designed for the early rising ski tourer, this package bundles in a mechanized transfer service to maximize 3 full days of powder explorations in the pristine alpine terrain of the Solitude Valley. Please Note: this package is limited to guests using Full Alpine Touring or Splitboard gear. INCLUDES

• A Sunday morning transfer into the Lodge 7:30am check-in at our base facilities/parking area

• 2 nights of off-the-grid accommodation for two. All meals for each night booked (après-ski appetizers & 3-course dinner, with a continental breakfast & bagged lunch + hot & cold non-alcohol beverages)

• Tuesday afternoon transfer back to base facilities/parking area (2:00 pm departure from Lodge). Return luggage drop service (40 lbs per guest + an extra set of equipment)

• Use of lodge amenities including our Scandinavian Sauna, guest toboggans, & snowshoes.

• Backcountry ski, splitboard, and avalanche safety equipment rentals provided by evo Backcountry

About Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures: Callaghan Country is a unique wilderness adventure operation featuring the Alexander Falls Touring Centre providing convenient access to a full range of SKI CALLAGHAN experiences including classic, skate, and wilderness cross-country skiing, dog-friendly trails, as well as forest and meadow snowshoeing, magnificent alpine ski touring slopes, and deep, deep powder. At the heart of this landscape, 13.8 kilometers (8.4 miles) up from the nearest road, sits Journeyman Lodge, a well- appointed backcountry inn boasting friendly hospitality, great food, and comfortable accommodation for up to 24 people. The Journeyman Lodge was hand-built by members of Whistler’s backcountry skiing community back in the 90s - and it’s been a dream destination for outdoor adventurers in search of deep powder ever since.

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4-Day Adventure + Flights, PANAMA

Donated by Ecocircuitos Panama and Copa Airlines

Get intimate with nature and explore Panama's rich biodiversity in Panama City:

• 2 Round Trip Tickets to Panama - Travel non-stop to Panama from any of the USA and Canada gateways serviced by Copa Airlines

• Accommodations for three nights (double room) with breakfast included

• Private transfer in & out.

• Panoramic City Tour (Casco Antiguo and Cerro Ancon hike)

• Camino de Cruces Trail + Emberá Indigenous Encounter

• Hiking in Campana National Park

• All day activities include private transportation, naturalist guide, snacks, and lunch.

About Ecocircuitos Panama: Ecocircuitos Panama is a locally owned tour operator that specializes in designing tailor-made travel experiences in Panama for the adventure traveler. We love exploring unusual places away from common tourist paths; our experiences include, outdoor adventures, wildlife and cultural encounters, family holidays, educational and academic tours, and community projects that foster sustainable development.

About Copa Airlines: Celebrating 75 years of service, Copa Airlines is the flag carrier of Panama. From its hub in Panama City, Panama, Copa Airlines serves more than 70 destinations throughout the Americas and the Caribbean and has been recognized as the most on-time airline in Latin America for 8 years in a row.

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8-Day Mentoring Retreat in Portugal

Donated by: Walking Mentorship

Join us for an 8 Day immersive mentoring retreat on Costa Vicentina. Take a deep dive into your desired future and draw the action plan to reach it using our time-proven “Destination You” flagship mentoring program while walking the beautiful Costa Vicentina in the Atlantic south of Portugal with a group of like-minded people.

About Walking Mentorship: Walking Mentorship is a company that facilitates mentoring programs, for individuals and companies, elevated by walking in nature. Based on an innovative service model, the WM has been partnering with different co-mentors from various geographies and organizations committed to unleashing their teams' full potential. Always walking, always in nature.

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Protect our world’s natural and cultural resources by placing a bid today!

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Thank you to our members and to everyone who donated to the Travel Conservation Auction. We would not be able to do this without you.

Thank You Travel Conservation Auction Donors

This year we are on track to raise $30,000 during the 2022 Travel Conservation Auction. This is our biggest auction to date and we could not be more thankful to our generous donors. Without their help the ATCF would not be able to do what we do. Be sure to check out the Travel Conservation Auction and place a bid to help us support conservation in adventure travel destinations!

To our donors, THANK YOU. We are overwhelmed by your eagerness to support the Travel Conservation Auction.

We’re so grateful for these companies stepping up and supporting us. Please consider picking up an item at our travel conservation auction.

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

Attending Adventure Elevate in Portland, Oregon

What a wonderful week of reconnecting with our ATCF members from all over the world at ATTA’a Adventure Elevate in Portland, Oregon! It’s been more than over two years, and it felt great to connect with everyone. I spent some time catching up with ExperiencePlus!, Modern Adventure, and Pandion, and learned how business is really ticking up for them. I chatted with old and new friends from World Nomads/Footprints to talk about potential future collaborations.

I also got up early one beautiful morning and did a sunrise hike up Spencer Butte with Grayl, and we were able to see all the central Oregon peaks poking out of a lower bank of fog. I caught up with old friends from Mountain Lodges of Peru, Bicycle Adventures, Tomorrow’s Air, and Reefs to Rockies, and shared our ATCF strategies for 2023 and beyond. And made new friends, Explorandes, journalists Tim Neville and, Kathleenne Rellihan, West Fir Lodge, and so many others! And did I mention that my Day of Adventure started with a morning of trail stewardship along the McKenzie River? What a fun week!

It’s always a wonderful time at ATTA events and I can’t wait to see you at the next one.

- Soraya Shattuck
ATCF Director

Conservation Conversations with Dan Moore

We asked longtime member and CEO of Pandion, Dan Moore, a few questions on the state of conservation and why he supports the ATCF.

How does travel need to change and what role are you playing personally and/or as a company?

All travel needs to look through the lens of “net-positive.” This means that, while there are impacts from travel (e.g. carbon), in the whole travel needs to provide a net positive to the communities and environments being visited. This can include local ownership, community-led practices, and travelers feeling a sense of purpose upon returning home. Professionally, I offer training and consulting to travel businesses and destinations so they can do this better. Personally, I am on the board of some nonprofits working in this capacity.

You have been a supporter of the ATCF since the beginning, why?

ATCF is a good place to “put my money where my mouth is.” I talk about how travel should/could be positive for the places we visit, but this is a lot more complicated than it seems. ATCF is actually one way to give something back constructively. It is also special to be part of a community with like-minded companies and organizations. Community is important. There are several nonprofits out there working towards parallel objectives. ATCF could be a leader in bringing them all together to tackle bigger issues collaboratively. Additionally, I think there are some best practices that could be conveyed to the travel industry. I’m happy to be an ATCF member. It’s a tough time for nonprofits, but we are doing good work, and we need to do more.

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

In 2012, I had a negative experience in a European country consistently ranked near the top of adventure travel that changed my perspective and the course of my work. While the destination was beautiful and travel offerings plentiful and organized, the guides I encountered ranged from mediocre to unsafe. Shortly after the trip, I had an opportunity to meet with Ajeet Bajaj from India-based Snow Leopard Adventures. Ajeet was extremely well prepared to demonstrate the quality and safety of his operation. He pulled out a thick three-ring binder detailing the level of training and safety standards his guides must reach and was able to tie their training to countrywide standards that he helped create in India. It occurred to me that certain countries are assumed, by both travelers and travel professionals, to be safer and of higher quality simply because they are wealthier and more “developed”. Whereas it is often assumed the opposite is true, based on inaccurate or harmful stereotypes, for destinations that are considered less “developed”. This is what inspired me to get involved with guide standards. Having an international metric for measuring the core competencies guides must possess, regardless of where they happen to guide, puts guides on a more equal footing and helps raise the bar for adventure travel globally.

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ATCF member Pandion Consulting and Facilitation delivers industry training and facilitates tourism development programs around the globe. Founder and CEO Dan Moore has nearly two decades of experience guiding, training guides, and facilitating workshops. He also helped create the groundbreaking international Adventure Travel Guide Standard and currently serves on the Standard’s Governance Board.

Thanks for reading! For more stories and interviews keep exploring our adventure blog.

May News

In this issue:

• New membership categories (lowered pricing for travel industry & media)

• Welcome new & renewing members!

• Auction Update

• Project update from 2020 grantee Friends of Cochamo

• Three questions for Adventure Trailblazer Toad&Co

• Royal Robbins raises $7,000 for ATCF

• And more

New Membership Categories & Reduced Pandemic Pricing

In response to member feedback and the challenges the travel industry is still undergoing, the ATCF Board recently approved changes to the membership structure and dues. The membership levels are more closely aligned to those of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) to avoid confusion. In addition, annual dues have been lowered for travel industry members and media in 2022, considering the pandemic’s continued consequences. “The pandemic has only emphasized the importance of our mission to preserve and protect the planet,” says Steve Barker, chair of the ATCF board. “At the same time, many travel companies are still recovering financially. Our revised strategy lowers the barriers to membership, expands the tent, diversifies funding streams, and builds community.” Also new, is a membership level for individuals.

Join us! Or re-join! Contact Soraya or any of the board members.

Annual Membership Dues Structure

• Adventure Leaders - $25,000

• Adventure Trailblazers - $10,000

• Adventure Stewards - $5,000

• ATCF Member (travel industry) - $300 per $1M in sales, up to $5,000 *COVID special pricing

• ATCF Member (gear/retail industry) - $500 per $1M in sales up to $5,000

• DMO/Tourism Boards - $1,000 flat fee

• ATCF Media Member - $100 (with revenue <$1M)

• Nonprofits and Foundations - reciprocal

• ATCF Community Member - $100 (for individuals: non-voting, non-nominating member)

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Welcome New & Renewing Members!

Adventure Leaders
ATTA & MiiR

Adventure Trailblazer
Toad&Co, Pandion Consulting, Travel Babbo, Alaska Wildland Adventures, Wild Places, Greenspot Travel, Hi Travel Tales, Stephanie Pearson Media, Bike Odyssey Cycle Tours, Encounters Asia, Law Office of Chun T Wright, Angama Mara, Mountain Lodges Peru, Conservation Alliance, Grayl, Todos Santos Eco Adventures, Trekking Hellas, Wilderness Travel, Norie Quintos Media, & Cynthia Dunbar.

Email soraya@atconservationfund.org to renew your membership or become a member.

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Auction Update

Planning for ATCF’s 2022 online summer auction, our biggest fundraiser of the year, is underway. The money raised goes to support ATCF programs and initiatives, including small, high-impact grants that protect a diverse and unique set of the natural and cultural resources of our world. To date, the ATCF—supported by you—has awarded more than half a million dollars to 33 community conservation projects in 27 adventure destinations around the world!

The online auction takes place in June (dates to be determined), and will be hosted on the ATCF website, with high-value items concurrently hosted on Charity Buzz, with its wider audience reach.

We are still taking donations. To learn more about why you should donate an item to our June auction, read here. Thank you to those who have already donated items and trips, including Grayl, Mountain Lodges of Peru, and Todos Santos Eco Adventures.

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Project Update

ATCF Grant Funds Trail Maintenance, Provides Work to Unemployed Horse Packers, and Generates Further Funding.

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3 Questions for Toad&Co.’s Gordon Seabury

“We believe that if we all work together to make conscious choices, it means a brighter, more joyful future for all of us.”

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Royal Robbins Raises $7,000 for ATCF in 2021

Last year, at the height of the pandemic, outdoor clothing company (and ATCF member) Royal Robbins donated a percentage of the proceeds from select products to the ATCF to fund its conservation efforts. The fundraiser raised over $7,000. Thank you, Royal Robbins!

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This year we’re making a big push to find more passionate volunteers. Join an experience team of travel leaders to make a major difference in conservation.

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Calendar

Spring

• May 3 to 5
  Adventure Elevate - Eugene, Oregon
  ATCF is a supporting partner of Adventure Elevate. Do you want to meet to talk about joining as a leader in conservation? Reach out to Soraya Shattuck to schedule some time to talk!

Summer

• ATCF Auction - Virtual, join from anywhere
  Donate an item to the auction, spread the word, and bid at ATCF’s largest annual fundraiser.

• June 9 to 11
  Summer Outdoor Retailer Show - Denver, Colorado
  ATCF members will be in attendance. Reach out to Soraya Shattuck to connect.

Fall

• October 3 to 6
  Adventure Travel World Summit - Lugano, Switzerland
  ATCF will host its annual breakfast for members and potential members.

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

Cheers,

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Adventure Trailblazer Spotlight: 3 Questions for Toad&Co.’s Gordon Seabury

For Gordon Seabury, CEO of Toad&Co., it’s always been about more than making clothes. “We’re committed to helping push the apparel industry to a cleaner future, supporting programs to save the planet we all love, and providing opportunities for people with disabilities,” he tells us, from its headquarters in Santa Barbara, California. It’s one of the reasons the company has longstanding partnerships with 1% for the Planet, Conservation Alliance, and of course, the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF). In fact, the company has made a significant and ongoing financial commitment to the ATCF as an Adventure Leader. And Seabury is on the board of directors and the organization’s treasurer. “We believe that if we all work together to make conscious choices, it means a brighter, more joyful future for all of us.”

1. Toad&Co. has been a big supporter of the ATCF since the beginning. Why?

I believe in connecting eco-tourism (experience) and responsible outdoor brands (product) to maximize responsible traveler’s adventures and minimize their overall impact. The ATCF sits at the intersection of these two communities and includes a third, the people in the destinations travelers visit. These two thoughtful industries working together can change how we travel and positively impact the communities we touch. Our actions with regard to our remaining beautiful landscapes matter a great deal. We can lose the planet to short-sighted exploitation and extraction. Or, we can act to protect destinations and their communities to be cherished, long-lasting and empowered for the future. The ATCF helps companies like ours focus and amplify our efforts.

2. Can travel gear and clothing companies play a bigger role in protecting places and people? What kind of things is Toad&Co doing in that regard?

Yes! We’ve demonstrated this in different ways over the years including the creation of our Search for Adventure program – a unique travel program to facilitate vacations for adults with disabilities; participation in the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge to increase diversity and inclusion within our own walls and the outdoor community at large; and continually raising awareness of ways to travel sustainably. And we believe doing good doesn’t have to be dutiful; it can be fun. For example, some of our clothing tags carry the tagline “Dirty is the New Clean,” and our blog reminds consumers to “wear more, wash less” and offers eco laundry tips.

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

There have been many that have evolved my thinking, but recently I was invited on a wilderness paddle adventure in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, with a group of leaders advocating for its protection led by Steve Barker, founder of Eagle Creek [and board chair of the ATCF]. Of course the vastness, the beauty of the place, seeing nature in its pure undisturbed form, and most vividly, feeling part of the food chain versus on top of it, was unforgettable. But what struck me most was our stopover in Arctic Village, the home of an indigenous community that depended on both the preservation of these wild lands and on the sustainable tourism that visited their home. It had never been so clear how interconnected we all are and thus how much needs to be done to build awareness, respect, and protections for these delicate ecosystems that sustain the planet we all live on.

Project Update: ATCF Grant Funds Trail Maintenance in the Cochamó Valley

Friends of Cochamo received a $10,000 grant from ATCF in 2020. JB Haab, program director of the Front Range Climbing Stewards and member of the board of Friends of Cochamo, gave us an update on the “From Horse Guides to Conservation Stewards, Chile” project.

“We have made major improvements to the main access trail leading into the Cochamó Valley, a U-shaped valley located in the Andes, in Los Lagos region of Chile. Not only did the trail need considerable work, but we also had many arrieros (horse packers) in the local community who were out of work and facing lost wages due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down tourism in Cochamó like many other places. These arrieros built a very impressive 805 linear meters of boardwalks, a five-meter long bridge, a 15-meter guardrail, and 845 linear meters of sustainable trail. Perhaps even more impressive was how these funds helped galvanize support, spurring the arrieros and our sister organization, Organización Valle Cochamó raised more money to pay for work that went over our budget and also inspiring the next generation of conservationists to continue this work in the future.”

Coming up in 2022!

In This Issue:

• Big plans for 2022 and beyond!

• MiiR renews commitment as Adventure Leader

• New virtual speaker series

• Auction update, calendar, and more

• Three questions for new member Baboo

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MIIR RENEWS SUPPORT AS ADVENTURE LEADER

Seattle-based outdoor product company MiiR has renewed its longtime support of ATCF, coming in as an Adventure Leader for 2022. ATCF Adventure Leaders commit to a minimum of $25,000 annually. MiiR joined in 2019 as an Adventure Leader and additionally has donated products for ATCF member and donation campaigns. Moreover, it donated $9,000 to boost grants to three 2021 projects. The company partners with some of the most respected nonprofits in the world to create sustainable projects which support clean water, a healthy environment, and strong communities across the globe. “We are thrilled to have MiiR as an ongoing partner. Our missions of empowering people and protecting places for a better future are aligned,” says Soraya Shattuck, ATCF’s Executive Director. “MiiR represents the best of our community.”

MiiR, creates timeless, innovative and responsibly designed products, primarily in the insulated drinkware category, and each year, invests a portion of top-line revenue into organizations whose work uplifts both people and planet. To date, MiiR has given over 2.7 million dollars to 100+ non-profit organizations in 26 different countries. “We believe every decision you make has an impact,” says Tiffany Ong, SVP of Impact and People. “Preserving the cultures, places and ecosystems which help our global community thrive is core to who we are as a company.”

Step up to become an ATCF Adventure Leader! Contact Soraya or any of the members of the board.

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ATCF to Launch a Virtual Speaker Series

Our community is a unique one, consisting of companies, organizations, and media in the adventure travel and outdoor gear space, as well as local nonprofits and community organizations, all committed to the belief that responsible travel can have a positive impact on people, places, and planet. We are launching an exclusive speaker series aimed at gathering and growing this impactful community. The inaugural livestream, being planned for TK, will introduce you to past and current project grantees and the insights we can learn from their experiences. Future gatherings will focus on topics relevant to the community.

We are looking for a volunteer willing and able to lead this important initiative.

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Items and Sponsors Needed for Annual Auction

Items and Sponsors Needed for Annual Auction

ATCF's annual auction raises critical funds to enable its work. Please consider becoming a sponsor or donating an item.

We are soliciting a range of items like trip packages, hotel accommodations, airline tickets, adventure travel tours, etc. See examples from our 2019 auction.

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So why should you be involved in the ATCF auction?

• Visibility through ATCF’s auction emails and messages to our entire database

• If it is a high-value item then we may feature it on CharityBuzz.com, which caters to high-end travelers and environmentally conscious bidders. Charitybuzz has a network of 60,000+ active bidders and their website receives 600,000+ unique views per month

• Exposure through The Adventure Travel Association’s newsletters and social communications to a network of over 23,000 travelers worldwide

• Exposure in an Adventure Travel Prosper piece that goes out to another 5,000 people and 1,300 organizations.

• Spotlight for your company in a rotation of announcements on our social media sites

• Logo posted on ATCF’s website as a donor during the auction;

• Allows you to align with ATCF, which is known worldwide for our important work in conserving travel destinations

• All donations from U.S. based companies are tax-deductible

To donate, simply complete this form (5 minutes) as soon as possible and we will follow up with you to finalize details. Questions? Ask Soraya.

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Member Spotlight: 3 Questions for Baboo's Paul Sarfati

In the midst of the pandemic, Paul Sarfati, founder of Bamba Travel, decided to start a new travel company, Baboo, an innovative platform that connects travelers directly with local in-destination experts to build custom itineraries all over the world, giving travelers on-the-ground expertise at reasonable prices. Baboo provides centralized assurance and assistance. Not only that, but the company compensates for all the CO2 emissions of the entire trip (including flights), and donates a percentage of its sales to conservation causes, including the ATCF. We had three questions for Paul, who is based in Mexico City.

The majority of travel companies, including yours, were hit hard by the pandemic, yet you launched a new company. Why? Everything stopped, and I actually had time to breathe, to relax, to revive, to become better, and to value what I have. I was inspired to start a business that would be innovative and that could work great with the "new" normal; I wanted it to be a force for good to support our planet. It's our responsibility as business owners and entrepreneurs to do something about it, and not depend entirely on the world’s governments, which in most cases are not doing enough. To that end, Baboo is working towards becoming a B-Corporation and all that entails. We are also working to make sure that the carbon footprint our trips produce is not only compensated, but overcompensated, so that when clients travel with Baboo, they are already helping the planet.

You made a bold commitment to donate one percent of your company’s sales to ATCF. Why? The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund has the same values as Baboo and firmly believes in the power of travel to protect and conserve the environment. I have seen the work that the ATCF has done in the past with many different projects, and I believe that donating one percent of our sales to ATCF is a great way to help. I think all travel companies should commit part of their profits to give back to the planet, and the ATCF is one to seriously consider. We need to be the change we want to see in the world.

Tell us about a trip that changed you or your thinking. When I was 18 years old, I traveled around the world for a year. I experienced things I had never done before and I met people who challenged my many pre-structured ways of thinking. I did a 10-day Vipassana meditation program; took a Thai massage course; got lost in the Kumbh Mela—the largest spiritual festival in India—for 24 hours without money, food, or water; got certified in scuba diving; among many other things. These experiences taught me to enjoy life, but also to see first-hand the inequality that exist on our planet, thus opening me to learning and exploring more. That yearlong trip led me to dedicate my life to traveling, and to find ways to help people and the planet.

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ATCF Joins 1% For The Planet Network

Did you know that the ATCF is an accredited and certified nonprofit partner of the 1% For The Planet network? That means that donations to ATCF, including membership dues, by individual and business members of the network count toward their annual commitment.

Recognizing that the climate crisis cannot be solved without recognizing the disproportionate impact of environmental issues, 1% for the Planet was founded to prevent greenwashing, certify reputable giving, and provide accountability. The 1% for the Planet certification is given to businesses and individuals that meet its high-bar commitment—donate at least one percent of annual sales or salary to environmental causes.

But you don’t have to be a member of 1% For The Planet to make the same commitment. Read about Paul Sarfati of Baboo in “Member Spotlight,” below. Paul has made the bold pledge to donate one percent or more of the company’s annual profits to the ATCF.

Make your commitment to the ATCF today. Join as a member, or make a one-time or monthly donation. For more information, contact Soraya or speak to any of the members of the board.

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Thank You to Retiring Board Members Josie Norris and Praveen Moman

After serving two terms, for a total of five years each, Josie Norris of the Conservation Alliance and Praveen Moman of Volcanoes Safaris are exiting the ATCF board. “Both Josie and Praveen have gone above and beyond, these last five years, and I cannot thank them enough,” says Soraya Shattuck, ATCF Executive Director. “Our organization is a lean one, and board members do a lot of the heavy lifting. Josie and Praveen have each brought unique strengths during the ATCF’s formative years.”

As grants director for the Conservation Alliance, a group of like-mind companies that disburses its collective annual membership dues to grassroots environmental organizations, Josie was instrumental in formalizing ATCF’s grant program, where she chaired the Grant’s Subcommittee.

The founder and CEO of Volcanoes Safaris, Praveen has been at the forefront of reviving tourism in Uganda and Rwanda. Having weathered many storms, Praveen's insightful guidance during the foundational years of the ATCF has been key to its success.

While they will be missed on the Board, Josie and Praveen don’t get off scot-free. As board alumni, they join the ATCF advisory committee and will continue to be called on to provide advice and support.

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Mark Your Calendars!

SPRING

May 3 to 5, 2022
Adventure Elevate
Eugene, Oregon
ATCF representatives will attend; look for us.

SUMMER

Dates TBD
ATCF Auction
Virtual, join from anywhere
Auction items currently being solicited.

June 9 to 11, 2022
Summer Outdoor Retailer Show
Denver, Colorado

ATCF will host an afternoon event on June 9 for OR attendees, gear folks, and friends in the Denver area.

FALL
October 3 to 6, 2022
Adventure Travel World Summit
Lugano, Switzerland
ATCF will host a breakfast.

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LUGANO SWITZERLAND; PHOTO: MAKSYM HARBAR/UNSPLASH

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ATCF Loves Its Volunteers!

ATCF runs a lean administration, and therefore volunteers play an integral role in our work. In addition to our dedicated and active board members, who fundraise and run committees and guide operations, we have several people working hard behind the scenes. Jonathan Burnham helps guide our digital marketing. Jerry Sealy worked to get our new newsletter out. Amy Brown is working with ATCF to conduct a needs assessment (while completing her PhD).

Learn more about volunteering and join us!

The Whales of Guerrero - Project Update

Here’s an update from The Whales of Guerrero, one of our 2021 Grant Winners:

Now that we know we can launch at least one land-based survey thanks to ATCF support, we have sprung into action! We dream of running 6 sites simultaneously and involving the whole community in the creation of a mother/calf humpback whale sanctuary in Guerrero.

Last week, we received permission from the government to work out of a lighthouse in front of the busy city of Zihuatanejo, where we know mom/calf pairs like to rest right at the surface and where there is a lot of boat traffic. We will be perched atop this lighthouse all season long learning how whales use the marine environment in front of Zihuatanejo and what threats they may face from boat traffic.

We have an incredible team of local citizen scientists and early career scientists in place and want to do more! We have scoped out ideal survey spots extending along a 75-mile stretch of coastline, from the surfer’s paradise of Troncones through all inclusive vacation mecca of Ixtapa to the busy fishing port and charming tourist destination of Zihuatanejo to the tranquil ecotourism village of Barra de Potosi. With your support, our team will spend a minimum of 4 days at each potential site this season to gather preliminary information about humpback whale resting birthing and nursing spots and share what we discover with local communities, involving them in the process so deeply that it will be only natural to create sanctuaries where moms and their newborn calves can rest, grow and gather strength for their long journey north.

We also designed, printed, and are hanging at every port of departure this week. In partnership with the safe whale watch captains who we love to empower and support.

Katherina Audley
Founder and Director
Whales of Guerrero

MORE ABOUT WHALES OF GUERRERO

The Whales of Guerrero facilitates community-driven conservation in the fishing village of Barra de Potosí and throughout the southwest Pacific State of Guerrero, Mexico, pioneering a new approach to coastal protection that cultivates local leadership through citizen science, peer learning, and community outreach. After seven years of collaborative marine mammal research, the seeds of stewardship have taken root in our region. We want to help them bear fruit by galvanizing an emerging group of Fishery and Conservation Leaders who will lead the community toward long-term marine restoration and conservation. The Whales of Guerrero connects people with nature through programs that inspire and empower environmental stewardship.

2020 Grant Winners - 6 Projects Funded

2020 was a rough year for the entire planet but we still made an impressive leap forward in conservation by funding 6 NEW conservation initiatives in Chile, Cambodia, Botswana, Palestine and Bolivia.

Our 6th grant winner, in Guyana, was funded by travelers from all around the world! During the month of December, we were able to raise over $10,000 in donations from individuals who care about conservation and the protection of our travel destinations.

Support for the Last Remaining Elephants, Cambodia

Continuing critical care for Cambodia's last remaining captive and wild elephants, restoring their forest habitat, and supporting the indigenous Bunong community during the Covid 19 Pandemic, enabling the project to continue to attract adventurous eco-tourists both.

From Horse Guides to Conservation Stewards, Chile

Funding of this project will allow out of work arrieros (horse guides) affected by diminished tourism, to earn income while working for a much needed stewardship infrastructure project. This project will refurbish critical sensitive sections of the trail to Cochamó and provide wages to an invaluable workforce which keeps Cochamó afloat.

The Elephant Express Conservation Bus, Botswana

The Elephant Express buses educate and promote human-wildlife coexistence by safely transporting vulnerable members of the community through an elephant corridor along which elephants move between key wildlife tourism areas.

Homestay Family Training Program, Palestine

The purpose of the project is to conduct COVID-specific capacity-building training so that local communities can again welcome tourists and thereby continue to raise awareness of the need to protect the Palestinian environment, heritage, and unique communities.

Strengthening Resilience in Chalalán Ecolodge, Bolivia

Recovering tourism after the pandemic in the heart of the Madidi National Park will secure the future income for the indigenous Uchupiamonas families and stewardship of the natural capacities of the indigenous peoples living in this highly biodiverse landscape.

From Horse Guides to Conservation Stewards, Chile

Funding of this project will allow out of work arrieros (horse guides) affected by diminished tourism, to earn income while working for a much needed stewardship infrastructure project. This project will refurbish critical sensitive sections of the trail to Cochamó and provide wages to an invaluable workforce which keeps Cochamó afloat.

THANK YOU!

Our mission to harness the travel community's environmental and cultural conservation efforts for maximum impact, means nothing with our the support of so many people who make this happen:

• ATCF Members for sharing the importance of this campaign

• MiiR and Aria Luna for the generous gifts to donors

• Grayl for offering a $2,000 match for this campaign

• Every. Single. Donor.

$26,000 Awarded from Fund a Ranger Campaign

We did it! Last month we launched our Fund a Ranger Campaign and with your help, in just four short weeks, we raised over $26,000! These funds will be going directly to three organizations around the world, including Kenya, Belize and Namibia, to get rangers back into the wild protecting our world’s most valuable species.

Anne K. Taylor Fund

Friends for Conservation & Development

Conservation Travel Foundation

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Anne k. Taylor Fund

Protecting Wildlife in Maasai Mara

Challenges:

Nairobi has been in lockdown for the past several months, with everyone country-wide being mandated to stay at home. This includes the AKT rangers, whose safety is paramount. During this period, only partial salaries were paid as the revenue that typically supports their livelihood comes from wildlife tourism, of which there is currently none. Without regular patrols, and the current dire financial situation in Kenya with millions losing their source of livelihood due to the collapse of the Tourist industry (and its trickle-down effect), the snaring and poaching for bushmeat has increased. Additionally, ivory and rhino poachers are also trying their luck.

How funding will be spent?

The grant will keep patrols in the field - we have three vehicles (one for boma fortification team; one for patrol team; one for community work) which is an additional expense on top of salaries for the team. Our patrols protect all species which include elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions, and all other wildlife. Snaring is indiscriminate. We have actively participated in wildlife rescues of all aforementioned animals when they have man-induced injuries. Through our patrols, we are directly protecting all wildlife from any Human-Wildlife Conflict retaliation should they wander into community areas.

What does This grant mean to you?

“The COVID-19 lockdown in Kenya has delayed our work for several months, and the team has been anxious to get back to their work protecting the wildlife. This most generous grant will allow me to reinstate their salaries and continue with our patrol work. The Great Migration is currently in the Masai Mara in huge numbers, and this is when the poaching increases – so, this grant is coming at the perfect time to help us save multitudes of animals. During our absence, the poachers have become bolder, but now we are back. We have already apprehended 4 active poachers in a few short days! Thank you so very much for honoring AKTF with this most valued grant.” - Anne K Taylor, Founder

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Friends for Conservation & Development

Combating illegal wildlife trafficking of macaws.

Challenges?

Illegal Wildlife Trafficking has been impacting the wildlife population in the Chiquibul Forest for many years although the extent of the problem is yet unknown. This year, based on the records obtained of over 50 parrots lost at the hands of wildlife traffickers, it became clear to us that if the present trend continues, we will be losing the wild populations of scarlet macaws in Belize. The subspecies (Ara macao cyanoptera) is already considered endangered. This prompted the creation of an anti-poaching unit. Protected areas have been closed from visitation and field personnel, particularly Governmental personnel were recalled from the field. This has left a window of in-governance leading to hunters and poachers taking advantage.

How Will Funding be Spent?

Raging fires, drought, lack of jobs, limited Governmental authorities in parks and protected areas, and a downslope national economy, are leaving a precarious situation for the rangers who help save species such as the scarlet macaw, jaguar and tapirs. FCD spends seven months conducting bio-monitoring of scarlet macaws which have been categorized by the USFWS as an endangered species and which is locally endangered. Every year more than 10 nests are monitored. In addition, FCD has activated an anti-poaching unit, due to the fact that last year it was reported that from 25 to 50 macaws were trafficked into Guatemala. FCD also has an in-situ conservation program where rescued chicks are hand fed for a soft release. Presently one chick is being cared for at the in-situ laboratory in the Chiquibul. Other species occurring in the park such as howler monkeys, white lipped peccaries and tapir are directly protected through ongoing active patrols.

What does this Grant Mean to you?

“The ATCF grant will assist in retaining the services of the Park Rangers that form part of this Unit. The aim will be to prevent poaching of these emblematic birds and improve their wild population by protecting the nests when they are most vulnerable. By keeping a monitoring and enforcement presence, other endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, white lipped peccaries, howler monkeys and other parrots will also be safeguarded.” ~Rafael Manzanero, Executive Director FCD

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Conservation Travel Foundation

Huab Rhino Rangers

Challenges

The Conservation Travel Foundation supports the protection of the black rhino, which was mainly funded by tourism and with the lack of tourism this funding has dried up and could impact the monitoring and preservation of this species which in turn could lead to them been poached.

How Funding Will be Spent?

Rhino Rangers are monitoring all species in the area, and recording any sightings of rare or special species to ensure better management of the area. During their daily patrols they are always on the look out for snares or other dangers to wildlife. During the intensified patrols since the beginning of COVID they have removed a total of 45 snares, new and old. Two teams are averaging around 120 rhino sightings a month (Versus the normal 80 a month), with intensified patrolling to ensure presence, this averages to about three rhino sightings a day.

What does this grant mean to you?

“During these difficult times it is an honor to receive funding to improve the livelihoods of these Rangers to ensure they continue the amazing work they do to preserve this amazing species, and in turn will secure a valuable income for their community through rhino tourism and provide hope to the next generation.”
- Jason Nott, Wilderness Travel

COVID Travel Industry - Feel Good Story

Written by Soraya Shattuck, ATCF Executive Director
April 24, 2020

Over the past several weeks, I have had many conversations with members to learn more about how they are navigating this new world. What I am finding out is that amid the uniform devastation of the travel industry amid COVID-19 there are glimmers of hope, stories with silver linings, and inspirational actions taken. I want to share one of those stories from the owner of a small three-person travel agency, whose business had essentially come to a halt. 

But our conversation was not focused on this. We talked about the viral effect of  the travel shutdown: the destinations who will not be seeing travelers for many months; the lodges and hotels that have had to close their doors; the tour guides who no longer have anyone to take on trips; the drivers who don’t have tourists to transport.  The impact goes on and on. 

But if negative things can have a viral effect, so can positive actions. He told me of a recent trip to India and that what made it memorable was not seeing the Taj Mahal or the Ganges River, but his driver. 

“So many aspects of how he supported us, the stories he shared with us, how he took care of us, made it such a massive difference, that our trip would have never been what it was without him.” He went on. “In this time when I know how we are hurting here, I am also imagining him. He is not working. As one of the primary breadwinners for his extended family, they depend on his livelihood for their survival. So when I sit here and feel upset about the trips that have been cancelled, and the impact that has on our business, for me, it goes much further.”

And here is where the warm fuzzies come in. 

He went on to explain that he recently contacted the driver to check on how he was doing. The result was as expected - out of a job and back home in his village trying to determine what happens next. 

“I told him that I was planning to send him $100. It’s not much, but it's something that I know that I can do to support someone who made an impact on me. I know that $100 could never repay the memories he helped create for my family, but it is what I can do right now.”

A few days after the travel agent sent this money, he received a Whatsapp message of thanks from the driver. The driver also informed him of an additional $25 included in the amount sent. 

“This was on purpose. I asked him to take the extra $25 and identify five people in his community who were needing it the most and give them each $5. Again, it is such a small amount, but if it can buy flour and lentils to help someone for even a small amount of time, then it is something. If I can help him, and he can help a few others, we need each other in these times.”

He then used an appropriate analogy for these times. “With COVID, the virus hits one person. And then it is spread to a few more. And then they spread it to even more people. And it’s the same thing that is happening in our industry. When one hotel has to close its doors because travelers can no longer visit, it does not only impact the hotel itself. It impacts its employees, the guides and suppliers, and many others. And as this amplifies. When fewer people are traveling, and more businesses cannot afford to stay open, the impacts are also spreading to them, and eventually the whole destination. Like the virus itself, these impacts will be felt by many. But…” he continued, “Like this virus, we can also spread good. With that $100 I sent the driver, it can hopefully support him for a little time. And with the $25 he will share with his community, he will be able to also help them for a small time as well.”

So as I sit here and reflect on this, I am filled with hope. Our community and industry are not only resilient, but are filled with love. Beyond the technical logistics of executing a trip, at the heart of all of our members, is a love to care for the natural resources of our destinations, and the people and communities who depend on them.

Conservation Making Great Headway in Patagonia

The Conservation Volunteers International Program (ConservationVIP) Project brought about a much-needed new trail to a region in the very highly trafficked Torres del Paine Park. In a park that witnesses an average of 150,000 international visitors per year, it’s paramount that conservation efforts take place to lessen the negative environmental impacts and strengthen the place for future travelers to enjoy! This project will be wrapping up at the end of February so stay tuned for a full report on all of the project successes!
 
To read about this project, it’s impacts, the origination of ConservationVIP and how this project made a difference for each of the people who contributed check out REI’s Squaring Travel with Conservation in Torres del Paine article.

ATCF Thanks Our Founding Members!

© ATTA / Hassen Salum

As we get the year started, we also want to take a moment to reflect back and extend our gratitude specifically to the companies who had the foresight to embark with us on this journey starting back in 2016. We couldn’t have made these last years so successful, and we thank you for helping us get the ATCF started, and for leading others in the industry who work at the cutting edge of stewarding the conservation of adventure travel destinations. We look forward to many years of partnership! 

Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, Advantage Travel Ecuador, AndAdventure Croatia (Aktivni Odmor doo), Adventure Travel Trade Association, Alaska Wildland Adventures, Angama Pty Ltd, Backroads, Ciclismo Classico, Conservation Alliance, Conservation Volunteers International Program, Cyclo Mundo, Dulabab Travel, Eagle Creek, Elder Treks, Emerging Destinations, Encounters Asia, Exito Travel, ExOfficio, ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, GLP Films, Go Custom Travel, Grayl, Greenloons, Green Team Global, GreenSpot Travel, Hi Travel Tales, Holidays for Humanity, Host Agency Reviews, I, Like You, Tours, Ibex Expeditions, International Expeditions, Journeys International, Kallpa Tour Operator, Kartagener Associates Inc., kimkim Inc, Law Office of Chun T. Wright, PLLC, Mandala Tour, Liquid Spark, Lost World Adventures, Modern Adventure, Mountain Lodges of Peru, Natural Habitat Adventures, Norie Quintos Media, OARS, Pandion Consulting, Periplus Expeditions LLC, Polar Latitudes, Portugal Nature Trails, Pure Adventures, Reefs to Rockies, REI Adventures, Rios Tropicales, San Juan Island Outfitters, Say Hueque Argentina Journeys, Strategic Travel Consulting, Suite Integrity Travel, Tartan Group, The North Face, The Wild Source, Tierra del Volcan, Todos Santos Eco Adventures, Travel Oregon, Tribal Adventure Tours Inc., Tundra North Tours Ltd., UnCruise Adventures, Volcanoes Safaris, Wild Places, Wild Women Expeditions, Wilderness Scotland, Wilderness Travel, Wildland Adventures, YAANA Ventures, Zegrahm Expeditions

Thank you to all these founding members and to all our other members who have come on board with us since we were founded. Let’s make 2020 a fantastic year!

A Lookback at a Record Year

As we approach the end of the year, we want to express our gratitude to so many of you from across the globe who have made it a wonderful and successful year for the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund and our community. 

First things first, our members! They have been there for us in so many ways from nominating and voting on projects to donating auction items to their membership that allows us to support meaningful conservation work around the world, we are so grateful for their support. If you're 2020 goals include supporting incredible conservation work in important adventure travel destinations think about becoming a member. Just take a look at some of our highlights in 2019 to see the power our travel community has when we come together. 

2019 HIGHLIGHTS

• We distributed our largest annual dispersal of grant funding - $100,000 - to five new projects taking place all over the world. 

• We witnessed the highest turn out for project voting - over 90% of our members voted for the project grant winners! How awesome is that! 

• We added a new Adventure Leader, MiiR! And are thrilled about the other new members that joined our community this year - Adventure Transformations, Aniyami, Travel Babbo, India Insight Tours, Sendas Altas, Socompa, Enchanted Expeditions, Iconic Adventures, Hiking New Zealand, Trekking Hellas Group of Companies and Toad & Co. International, Inc.

• We organized a successful cocktail event at the Summer Outdoor Retailer Summer show and had a record turnout at our annual breakfast event at the ATWS in Sweden in September, where we featured world-class climber, alpinist, and adventurer, Leo Houlding. 

• We put on our most successful auction to date raising $15k and we appreciate all of you that donated or participated in some way.

• Our members voted in two new board members: Chris Noble and Gordon Seabury for terms beginning January 2020. 

• We also hired a new Membership & Outreach Coordinator, Marisa Gant. Who has been such an asset to our team and members. 

• Lastly, we could not have accomplished all that we did this year without the support of our amazing board of directors, as well as the incredible volunteers that put in countless hours. Special thanks to Amy Brown, Jonathan Burnham, and Colvin Hedgepeth!

Once again, thank you to all of you that made it a wonderful year. We look forward to building upon our successes in 2020 and we are so very appreciative of your support of the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund. 

Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a great start to the new year!  

Sincerely,

Soraya, Marisa, Steve, Cynthia, Richard, Neil, Nicky, Chunnie, Norie, Mandip, Praveen, Josie, Roger, Shannon, Chris and Gordon

For all those that feel the same

Let's Start 2020 By Giving These Projects Life

In case you missed the news last month, we announced our 2019 Grant Winners and awarded $100,000 to fund five conservation projects. Although this was a record year for us we wish we could do more and fund all of the amazing projects that made it onto the ballot. 

For all those that feel the same - desiring to get more of these projects off the ground and running - ATCF launched our Adopt A Project Program in 2017 to facilitate member companies or other travel and outdoor and companies to support the other amazing projects left on the year’s ballot. From creating a trail in Georgia to support local tourism to saving sharks in Panama - here are the seven 2019 Projects for Adoption: (View Proposals)

• The Transcaucasian Trail- Pankisi Valley, Georgia

• Saving Coiba’s Sharks with Communities, Panama

• Sustainable Management for 6.3 Million Acres of Ecuadorian Rainforest, Ecuador

• A New Frontier, Egypt - Project Adopted!

• Protecting Coral Reefs through Sustainable Tourism, Timor Leste

• El Impenetrable National Park: Upraising the Wild, Argentina

• Bringing Back Endangered Wildlife into Montenegro’s National Park of Virgin Forests, Montene

Learn more about the Adopt A Project Program and please fill out this form to take the steps to fund a specific conservation project from ATCF's 2019 ballot.

Adopt A Project Application Form

Conservation Member Spotlight

Check out ATCF member Natural Habitats project Ride 4 A Woman! So many of our members are already doing awesome conservation work. If you are one of those, please share more with us so that we can help share it with our community!  

Share Your Story

Donate to the ATCF

Lastly, you can be a part of augmenting our impact by making a donation to support the ATCF. Thank you to recent individual donors Kim Ross and Mona McPhee whose donations are greatly appreciated. As one of our members, Luis Vargas from Modern Adventures said about the difference ATCF makes: 
 
“It's our responsibility and privilege to be able to invest in the conservation of people and place that make what we do possible. Thank you to the ATCF for making this possible in a simple and effective way.”

Your donation helps to:

• Grow our yearly grant program.

• Increase our ability to capture and distribute stories from our grant projects.

• Amplify our presence and reach at conferences and summits.

• Deepen the impact we are making in grant locations.

Donate Now

We thank you in advance for making a donation as a on-time offering or a recurring donation. Your donations are tax-deductible and greatly support us in furthering and deepening our collective impact.

Happiest of Holidays to you!

If you have any questions about the ATCF please send me your questions. 

Sincerely,

Soraya Shattuck
ATCF Executive Director

Natural Habitat Adventures: Ride 4 A Woman Seeding New Growth in Uganda

Outside of The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, life can be challenging and difficult to find jobs and career opportunities. Ride 4 A Woman initially began in 2009 by local women living just outside of the park as a bicycle rental shop focused on providing bicycles to tourists – a fresh way to earn income.  Over time, there grew a need to learn the skills for repairing bicycles. Now Ride 4 A Woman teaches locals valuable skills beyond just bike repair, including craft production for the tourism industry. All aspects of the project support entrepreneurial efforts for the Buhoma women. Natural Habitat Philanthropy came into the picture by purchasing two commercial sewing machines that have helped expand Ride 4 A Woman businesses within the local community. Today, more than 300 women from 11 villages now use or work at the Ride 4 A Woman community center.

How this fits into the larger ecosystem is that Natural Habitat Adventures recognizes that in order to save a species that attracts many adventure travelers, you need also the support of the locals who share their living space. The agricultural areas that push up against the boundaries of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park unfortunately exist as some of the most densely populated in Africa, and exhibit some of the fastest human population growth-rates in the world. To support the people and the conservation of the mountain gorillas which are key wildlife in this environment and a driver for tourism for the park, Natural Habitats Adventures decided to invest in women as an important lever for change for this community.

Countless studies have shown that when women have opportunities for more education and greater control over family finances, this results in smaller family size and increased health and well-being for the entire household. This directly benefits conservation of the mountain gorillas because smaller, healthier, more prosperous families have less need to encroach on the forest. Also, when women create businesses that serve the booming tourism industry, their families are more likely to want to protect the gorillas because they know they are benefiting from their presence.

The sales of the beautiful products created by the women from stunning African fabrics have become one of the key income streams supporting Ride 4 A Woman. Providing the organization with pedal sewing machines was vital in kickstarting their growing success and Natural Habitat Adventures is proud to have been able to spark this change. Besides pedal sewing and other activities, Ride 4 A Woman also offers micro-finance to budding businesswomen looking to create and build on their own entrepreneurial ideas. Over 100 women are currently engaged in the program across more than 10 different types of business initiative, ranging from second hand clothes stores to restaurants to tailor-made dresses and money transfer businesses.

Ride 4 A Woman has proven to be a successful business that supports The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s people, wildlife and the community at large.  Thanks to Natural Habitat Adventures for their work in making such positive impacts for this important adventure travel destination!

ATCF Board Member Conflict of Interest Policy Update

By Josie Norris

Our first guest blogger is ATCF board member Josie Norris. Josie is the communications and grant program manager at The Conservation Alliance a non-profit organization founded in 1989 based in Bend, Oregon that works to protect wild places throughout North America. Since its inception, the Alliance has contributed more than $20 million to grassroots conservation groups with a membership base of more than 235 member organizations.

Hello ATCF Community,

During our first two years as an organization, the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund awarded a total of $235,000 in grant funding to ten projects around the world. Our third grant cycle is underway, and we are on track to award $80,000 in 2019. Every organization seeking a grant from the ATCF must go through a rigorous application process. I’m writing today to provide background about our grant program, and clarify our policies around board member involvement. 

The ATCF is based on the same model that The Conservation Alliance has been using for 30 years. The Conservation Alliance engages businesses to protect wild places in North America. The ATCF adapted The Conservation Alliance’s unique grant-making process to fit the adventure travel industry’s needs and ATCF’s mission to fund projects all over the world.   

Through this process we learned about one big difference between The Conservation Alliance and ATCF. All Conservation Alliance member companies benefit from the creation of new protected areas where outdoor industry customers recreate, and no single business benefits more than another when a wild place is protected.  “All boats rise with the tide.” To that end, Conservation Alliance board member conflicts of interest are essentially non-existent. 

In contrast, ATCF projects are often in remote locations and some adventure travel companies will benefit more than others when a project is funded. To prevent ATCF board member conflicts of interest and the perception of conflicts, we have expanded our Conflict of Interest policy. These changes are specific to ATCF board member involvement in our grant program in three specific areas:  project nominations; the selection of projects that will be placed on the 2019 ballot; and voting. 

Nominating Projects

All member companies are encouraged to nominate two outstanding projects to apply for funding in each grant cycle. This benefit of membership applies to all member companies, including companies represented on our Board. ATCF attracts board members who are passionate about ATCF’s mission, engaged in global conservation initiatives, and knowledgeable about potential candidates for ATCF’s grants. Without board member participation in the nomination process, qualified and worthy projects may be overlooked. Along with regular members, board members  may nominate projects during the grant nominations period, provided that they fully disclose on the nomination form a) any interest that they or an affiliated party has in the project, and 2) any actual or potential conflict.

Ballot Discussion

During Board discussions regarding nominated projects, the nominating Board member may not participate in any Board discussions or votes regarding any project the Board member nominated. The nominating Board member shall recuse himself or herself from any discussion or vote. The Board may ask a nominating Board member for additional information about a project, just as it may reach out to a non-Board member with additional questions.

Ballot  

All projects on the ballot will clearly state connections to board member companies. This includes financial benefit, benefit to the local communities in which they operate, benefit to the cultural assets and historic site they rely on, etc. This information will be clearly stated on the ballot to ensure all ATCF members understand the connection to our Board member companies when voting for the projects they would like to fund.

Voting 

ATCF board members are prohibited from voting for a project that benefits their own companies if such projects are placed on the ballot. The decision to fund board member projects is based entirely on voting by ATCF’s membership.

For further information, please read through ATCF’s BOD Conflict of Interest statement and feel free to send any questions our way.  We look forward to another great grant cycle! If you are a member, don’t forget to vote!

World Nomads: Hard At Work Saving Generations of Sea Turtles

We posted this Member Spotlight Story back in an ATCF Newsletter in May, but wanted to highlight it again as fantastic conservation work showcased within the ATCF community.

In addition, after hearing some amazing stories at the Adventure Travel World Summit, ATCF wants to share more regularly member conservation stories so that we can learn and grow as a community together. If you are a member and have a compelling story to share that we can feature in our blog, please visit our Member Spotlight page and fill out a form or reach out to us with any questions.

The following video from ATCF member World Nomads produced in partnership with The Sea Turtle Conservancy documents the work these companies are doing in Costa Rica. This project’s aim is to reduce the impacts of climate change on sea turtles and promote eco-tourism around Tortuguero Beach, which hosts the largest green turtle rookery in the Western Hemisphere as a way to build sustainable conservation programs that provide revenue for local communities.

Read even more about this awesome project here.

Way to go World Nomads!