How we protect forests
Effective, transparent and easily traceable
A tree has a lot to tell
Some of the giant trees in the forests that we want to protect are already 1,000 years old. And they could live for another 1,000 years. How can we ensure that they are not destroyed before then?
For everyone’s future
During our fleeting human lives, we can only protect a tree for a short time. We therefore want to create structures that will continue to guarantee the protection of these ancient living beings for generations to come – regardless of political changes.
How we protect the wilderness
Our guide to saving the world
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Find a plot of land
In what are known as rapid assessments, we work with researchers to determine whether a forest area is worthy of protection. The key factors are whether the area has a high level of biodiversity and CO₂ storage capacity, whether it is under threat, and whether it is situated in a strategically important location. -
buy on a prepayment basis
The purchase of the plot of land is being financed by a loan. We do not collect donations for a plot of land that we do not yet own. -
Received a land registry entry
We operate only in countries with a high degree of legal certainty and purchase only land that is registered in the land register. All two or three foundations are entered in the land register. -
Creating aerial photographs
We use drones to create high-quality aerial panoramas of our land. These are uploaded to our website. Each square metre is tagged with specific geographical coordinates. -
refinance through donations
Anyone can make a donation towards a specific plot of this wilderness area. The donation helps to fund the purchase and ensure its long-term protection. Each square metre is allocated only once. -
substantiate by means of a document containing geographical coordinates
Donors receive a personalised certificate showing the exact geographical coordinates of the area of woodland they have helped to protect. This makes the protection tangible and directly traceable. -
research, document, communicate
Environmental ambassadors and researchers visit the areas, carry out joint research and experience the forest they are protecting. They then use the research findings, photos and videos for environmental education in schools and to inspire people to appreciate the wilderness. -
ensure long-term protection
Regular visits, local partnerships, forest guardians, property taxes and the foundation’s approach ensure the long-term protection and ecological integrity of the areas.
I’d like to grow as old as a tree.
Why set up a foundation?How much does it cost to protect the forest?
Transparent use of funds
Every euro goes directly towards protecting valuable woodland. This is how we use your money.
1 € schützt
1 m2 Wald!
1 m2 Wald!
One-off costs
38 Cent
Buying land and the purchasing process
19 Cent
Preparing to buy land
Long-term costs
20 Cent
Environmental education and communication
18 Cent
Long-term protection and research
5 Cent
Administrative costs
Would you like to travel to Canada or Peru one day?
Then visit our interactive forest! There, you can take a virtual journey through our protected areas, explore the different regions in a 360° view and discover lots of exciting audio clips, videos and photo galleries from our expeditions. This way, you can stand beneath a real primeval forest giant and experience the forest you’re helping to protect (almost) up close!
Start your journey opens in a new tab
Would you like to help protect forests on a regular basis?
Take out a nature conservation subscription and help protect an ever-increasing area of valuable habitat each month or each year. You can cancel your subscription at any time.
Find out more
The primeval forest I’m standing in right now is thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of years old. This ecosystem has evolved over so many years and become so intricately intertwined that losing it would not only be a shame – it would be a disaster.
