3.79 million
m2 old-growth forest
protected forever, from that
102,732
m2 old-growth forest
Thanks to YouTopia and
15,641
m2 old-growth forest
through cross-country runs.
Our protected areas
Together with you, this year we were able to protect an incredible 3.79 million m2 of old-growth forest in Canada and Peru for ever – and we even managed to beat last year’s fantastic result!
In Peru, we were able to purchase new plots of land totalling 191.65 hectares, and in Canada, 91.26 hectares. On our online map, you can see all the areas we are currently protecting, as well as the latest aerial photographs and their conservation status.
Our agroforestry project
Revolutionary biodiversity research
Self-sufficient energy in the Secret Forest
New drone footage from Peru
First scholarship holders in the rainforest
Our expeditions
At the end of May, we set off on an expedition to our protected areas on Porcher Island in British Columbia, Western Canada. The fierce wind and extremely high waves, which on more than one occasion nearly washed our camp away, posed a challenge not only for us but also for the content creators who accompanied us. Nevertheless, the expedition was a resounding success! We expanded the scientific monitoring of our protected areas and, for the first time, deployed camera traps and audio sensors in Canada and collected eDNA samples. We also had some breathtaking encounters with wildlife during our expedition – firstly with the elusive coastal wolf, and secondly with a family of orcas right by the beach!
Our creators – Felix Michels (aka Tomatolix), Jacob Beautemps (aka Breaking Lab), Rick Azas, Theresa Kirchner and Dennis Schmelz – captured these and many other moments in their videos.
Strong voices in support of environmental protection
Our ambassadors
Campaigns for the rainforest
This year, once again, there were lots of fantastic initiatives in which we worked together with our partners, ambassadors and, of course, you to champion the protection of threatened wilderness areas.
For example, since February, visitors to the Panometer in Dresden have been able to immerse themselves in a life-size rainforest experience amidst a 30-metre-high 360° panorama. This includes an exhibition packed with fascinating facts about the Earth’s ‘green lungs’, in which we are, of course, also featured.
In September, together with our partner DIAMIR, we celebrated Tropical Forest Day at the Panometer, where we unveiled our interactive forest for the first time. At the DIAMIR Globetrotter Days in November, we also took you on a virtual journey to Canada and Peru and had many fascinating discussions.
Our ‘Treasure Hunt’ event at the Dresden Elbhangfest in June was a joint initiative with our ambassadors Fabian Kahl and Yvonne Arnolds. Together with his “Bares für Rares” colleagues Julian Schmitz-Avila, Christian Vechtel and his brother Tobias Kahl, Fabian examined the items brought in by more than 250 Dresden residents and discovered quite a few treasures in the process. Thanks to the donations collected, 2,500 m2old-growth forests were protected for good this weekend!
But of course, these were by no means the only initiatives. We keep receiving emails and messages about initiatives that you plan and carry out yourselves to raise funds for the conservation of the rainforests. We can only take our hats off to such a high level of voluntary commitment and creativity!
A virtual tour of our protected areas
YouTopia 2024
New to the team
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Stephen Gabrysh
Executive Board, WI CanadaI grew up on Vancouver Island, exploring the mountains, the sea and the forests. It was only later that I came to understand how everything is connected and how humans impact nature. During my career as an entrepreneur in the extractive industries, I saw first-hand how these industries harm nature – and that never sat right with me.
Today, as an ecotourism operator, I show people nature up close. Our tours combine education, conservation and inspiration. Guests experience the sheer power of nature – and many end up changing their perspective as a result.
Wilderness International has inspired me to take action on a larger scale. Its mission is crucial to saving our species and charting a different course. I am honoured to be part of this strong organisation.
In my private life, I spend time with my family – my wife and two daughters – travelling and exploring. I also enjoy being outdoors, fishing, playing golf and camping.
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Tyler Bruce
Executive Board, WI CanadaNature and the wilderness are my home. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, the mountains and the sea have shaped who I am. Every day, I see just how much we are changing these ecosystems – that’s why I’m involved with Wilderness International.
These ecosystems give us everything. I want to give something back and protect them – so that my children can grow up in the wilderness and nature can teach them who they are. For future generations.
I recharge my batteries by boating and skiing. My involvement with Wilderness International gives me the chance to take action – to give nature a voice before these ecosystems disappear forever. I’m grateful to be part of this movement and hope to inspire others to follow my example.
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Tyra Bain
Marine BiologistTyra Bain supports us with her vast knowledge of marine mammals – particularly orcas and other whales – and is responsible for communications within the Canadian team. -
Claudia Römer
AccountingMy path to WI was a bit of a surprise: after completing my business studies degree, the last thing I wanted to do was work in accounts. But WI had me hooked right from the start. A friend persuaded me to join – and although he’d sugar-coated the job description, I’m happy to take on challenges like that. Today, I’m glad to be able to help the trees through my work with numbers.
After graduating, I first ended up in newspaper advertising, then in the cultural sector. After two further training courses and various theatre jobs, I gave up, feeling disappointed. But I’d learnt a great deal: public relations, marketing, human resources, event management, networking – valuable skills that serve me well today.
At WI, I finally feel I’ve found my place – in a team that’s passionate about the cause. My passion for culture lives on as a theatregoer and stilt walker. I love being outdoors most of all: hiking, skiing, camping. That’s where I’m in my element.
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Ulrike Pröschild
CommunicationsForests are my happy place – this is where I find peace, recharge my batteries and simply feel at home. I love telling stories. At Wilderness International, I can combine both.
After completing my Master’s degree in English Studies, I started working at a communications agency. There, I deal with forward-looking topics, but the desire to get more involved in nature conservation and environmental protection has always been there. I’m now joining the communications team at Wilderness International and want to show just how much of a difference active wilderness conservation can make.
In my spare time, I’m out and about at concerts and festivals – music has been a part of my life since childhood. Afterwards, though, I’m drawn back to nature, where I enjoy the silence. It makes me realise that we must give something back to nature, which gives us so much, and preserve intact ecosystems. Together, we can do it. -
Chris Hoffmann
Head of Partnerships, Ambassadors & Special ProjectsTowering trees, mist-shrouded mountains and valleys. Greenery as far as the eye can see – my love of travel and the urge to be in the wilderness continue to shape who I am to this day. At Wilderness International, I devote part of my time to preserving these places and protecting biodiversity.
For the past 20+ years, I have worked in marketing and communications at Red Bull, Google and YouTube, managing major projects and community events, creating campaigns and content, and initiating collaborations with content creators. I hope that, through the foundation’s work and effective partnerships, amongst other things, we can succeed in preserving the last 2.8 per cent of intact terrestrial habitats on our planet for our generation and those to come. They are essential as a global lever for carbon sequestration and are simply beautiful.
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Xiomara Banegas
Forest GuardianMy career in nature conservation began in Peru – I wanted to protect the rainforest. After studying environmental engineering and completing a research placement with Wilderness International, I became a forest ranger. There, I worked directly with researchers studying amphibians, mammals and birds, and honed my skills in wildlife monitoring.
Today, I collect biological data in our protected areas – to inform decisions that safeguard fragile ecosystems. The rainforest teaches me something new every day. Every day brings surprises in the form of colours, sounds and shapes you’d never otherwise discover. That’s the best thing about this job.
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Anne Magoltz
CooperationAnne establishes and manages new long-term corporate partnerships; the donations from these partnerships enable us to protect large areas of forest reliably and over the long term, and to promote greater sustainability within companies. -
Vincent Schöning
Partnerships ManagerEven as a child, I loved being outdoors – running through the countryside with my dad, playing, and spending time with my pets. Nature documentaries fascinated me like nothing else. At Wilderness International, I can combine my passion and my strengths – it feels just right.
Previously, I worked in the tech and logistics sectors for European clients, managing internationalisation projects.
In my spare time, you’ll find me on the beach volleyball court or out on the waters of northern Germany on my SUP. I’ve been brewing craft beer creatively with a friend for years. I’m always up for a chat about sport, food and the latest innovations!