During the first day of the OutDoor trade fair in Friedrichshafen, the European OutDoor Conservation Association (EOCA) will be unveiling the 8 conservation projects it will be funding this year. In total, €181,000 is being committed to conservation by the association this year, ensuring that vital conservation work can take place around the world.
EOCA, which will also be celebrating signing up its 100th member at the fair, puts 100% of all the membership fees it receives from its members into conservation work, together with 100% of all monies it raises at OutDoor and other shows. Each project that EOCA funds can apply for up to €30,000 for their work.
This year, 57,000 votes cast by consumers chose 3 projects to be funded by EOCA. These projects will carry out work to conserve snow leopards in the Indian Himalaya, orangutans in Borneo and high value landscapes in Romania. Following this, members of EOCA voted to support projects to conserve bears in Spain, snow leopards in the Altai Republic and woodlands in Mali. Two members of EOCA have also decided to fund proejcts entirely themselves this year. Original Buff, S.A. will be enabling 9 weeks of volunteer work in the Catalonian mountain forests to restore habitats, and improve access to walkers. The North Face will be enabling Respect the Mountains to run an EPIC – Exploring (& Education about) Peaks, Inspiring Conservation- day for 50 young people in the Massif Central in France. More details on all of these projects can be seen in the project section of the website.
Catherine Savidge, Joint General Manager of EOCA said ‘Through the generosity of our forward-thinking members, all from the European outdoor industry, we are able to provide substantial support for conservation work around the world. All of the projects EOCA supports will benefit threatened species and habitats, and all have a clear link to the outdoor enthusiast, enhanching their outdoor experience or reducing their impact on the environment.
