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Wild Places


A varied selection of projects, all working to protect valuable biodiversity and precious habitats in wild places and landscapes around the world.
 
Please read though the details below of the projects looking for your vote, and then select the one you would like to receive funding from EOCA.  A difficult choice as they are all very worthwhile projects!

SPRING 2023 VOTING WILL RUN FROM WEDNESDAY 15TH MARCH 00.01 GMT (01.01 CET) UNTIL WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH AT 12.00 MIDDAY BST (GMT+1) / 13.00 CEST (CET+1).
 

Looking For Your Support

Tiger caught on camera

Community Conservation in the Leuser Ecosystem, North Sumatra

Website: https://sumatranrangerproject.com

The Leuser Ecosystem is the only place left where Sumatran orangutans, elephants, tigers, and rhinoceros coexist in the wild. 85% of remaining Sumatran orangutans and one of the last viable populations of Sumatran tigers live here. Sumatran elephants have lost over 70% of their habitat and the result is increasing conflict and competition with humans. Sumatran Ranger Project is a community conservation initiative, providing long term protection of the Leuser Ecosystem forest edge where there is significant conflict with wildlife. A full-time team of rangers destroy traps and snares, provide community outreach/education, mitigate against/prevent human-wildlife conflict, collect data, monitor wildlife and the condition of the forest, and support communities. Funding will ensure the continuation of this vital work, including driving elephants back into the forest, building predator-proof corrals, responding to tiger sightings and providing noise deterrents for those frequently in conflict with orangutans.

Voting has ended
Wharfedale Meadow image Paul Michael

Rescuing the Yorkshire Dales’ iconic wildflower meadows, UK

Website: https://www.ydmt.org/wildflower-meadows

Wildflower meadows are one of the UK’s rarest and most threatened habitats, with over 97% lost since the 1930s. Nearly 1,400 insect species rely on them as well as the threatened bilberry bumblebees, lapwings, curlews, hares and bats. Meadows are crucial in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change with one hectare of meadow storing an estimated three tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. Restoring a meadow can take several years, but with EOCA’s help, YDMT will study, restore and celebrate the last remaining wildflower meadows. This project will rescue 60 hectares of habitat and boost the biodiversity of our previously restored meadows by introducing rarer species such as globeflower and melancholy thistle. Vital habitat restoration and citizen science work will run alongside a training programme for farmers and communities, as well as guided walks to inspire outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the wild beauty of meadows.

Voting has ended
View of Area. Image Damir Trnovac

Supporting Brown Bear Comeback in Serbia

Website: https://pticesrbije.rs/projekti/support-brown-bear-comeback-in-serbia/

The Brown Bear is the largest carnivore in Serbia, with 3 populations present. They are threatened by habitat loss, illegal killing, and more frequent interaction with humans. As numbers increase, frequent encounters lead to damage to livestock, crops and especially beehives. Low incomes and slow reactions from authorities in terms of compensation mean farmers administer their own justice by poisoning or shooting bears. Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia’s aims to develop a network of brown bear-tolerant local farmers supporting active conservation measures. 10 farmers will receive bear-proof fencing for beehives, and 10 will receive shepherd dog puppies trained to scare away bears that get too close. 500 native plants and fruit saplings will provide bear food away from farms. Ecotourism will be encouraged to highlight the benefits of nature to the local population and a trail which visits the farmers and beekeepers en route will be developed.

Voting has ended
Cochamo Landscape

Sustainable Trails in Cochamó Valley, Chilean Patagonia

Website: https://friendsofcochamo.org

With 1000-metre granite walls, crystal-clear waters, and thousand-year old Alerce trees, Cochamó is known as “the Yosemite of South America.” However, unlike Yosemite, Cochamó is not a national park, and hence has no official protection from the harmful effects of tourism, or large scale industrial projects. Thousands of people visit annually, and heavy use of the main access trail—featuring knee-deep mud in places—has caused significant braiding, severe erosion, and pollution of the Cochamó river. Together with the local community, Source International will repair 12 km of trail, installing durable structures, and establishing restoration areas where necessary. The project will provide compensation to local community members for their trailwork and expertise, and create informational panels to educate visitors on good stewardship. Finally, it will work to bolster the efforts of local NGOs to secure Nature Sanctuary status—a powerful conservation designation in Chile—for the entire Cochamó valley.

Voting has ended
 
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Projects

If you are an individual who loves the great outdoors and would like to support our projects, please click the donate button below.
The funding is enabling us to repair a damaged section of the iconic Three Peaks long distance footpath and restore an area of internationally important upland habitat. Voting for our project was a simple but highly effective way for our supporters to show how strongly they felt about improving access and protecting the landscape of this wonderful area. Thank you, EOCA!
Don Gamble, Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust