YOUTH-LED BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

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FRIENDS OF ALDABRA

The Seychelles’ remote and pristine Aldabra Islands are under threats from a luxury hotel development. Public outcry has saved these islands before. Join us to protect Aldabra once and for all. Learn more!

PROTECT THE PEARL ISLANDS

We are thrilled to announce a new youth-led project to protect critical migratory corridors with our partners, The Leatherback Project. Join this new effort now: Tracking Turtles to Protect Panama’s Pearl Islands

WATCH

Youth Action on Screen—Short Film Features Reserva, EcoMinga, and Dracula Reserve

28 mins • A film by HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, Part2Pictures, and Wild Elements now streaming on PBS.org and PBS Nature YouTube

This new documentary features Reserva’s unique collaboration with Fundación EcoMinga to save Ecuador's Dracula Reserve from gold mining. The film is bringing this critical issue to light online and in festivals now, as a 2023 Jackson Wild Finalist in Conservation, Long Form; 2023 World Wildlife Day Film Showcase Official Selection; DC Environmental Film Festival Official Selection; EcoAdor Official Selection (Ecuador); and EDOC Official Selection (Ecuador). A Spanish version of the film will be coming soon!


PROJECT COMPLETE

1,050 Acres of primary cloud forest have been added to the Dracula Reserve corridor in Ecuador’s Carchi Province.

DRACULA RESERVE CORRIDOR EXPANDED BY 1,050 ACRES

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! This 1,050-acre cloud forest site in Ecuador, once threatened imminently by mining interests, is now protected by our partners Fundación EcoMinga. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who made this youth-led campaign successful!

WHAT NEXT? While the land purchase is complete, Reserva will continue to fight mining activity and support youth leadership in science and conservation at Dracula Youth Reserve and the wider Dracula Reserve corridor.

Revisit the project page.


a dense cloud forest with a white rocky cliff

Dracula Youth Reserve

A CONSERVATION FIRST — Youth-funded Nature Reserve Established in Ecuador

EXPANDED IN 2023 — Partnership with Orchid Conservation Alliance Leads to 1,050-acre Expansion

1 Million Letters #ForNature

Calling all youth! You're one in a million, and so is your opinion. Our 1 Million Letters #ForNature campaign makes it possible for you to save important ecosystems simply by writing a letter.


 
 

RESERVA EMPOWERS YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE A MEASURABLE DIFFERENCE FOR THREATENED SPECIES AND HABITATS THROUGH CONSERVATION, EDUCATION, AND STORYTELLING.


We create youth-funded nature reserves around the globe, starting with this one:
Click here to learn about Dracula Youth Reserve in Ecuador, our flagship project!

Want to do more? Write a letter for our 1 Million Letters campaign! We will match every letter we receive with $3 toward a youth-led conservation project.


 

Read our latest field notes:

 

THE RESERVA YOUTH COUNCIL

Reserva relies on an international group of active youth as project ambassadors and advisors. Co-founded by Youth Director Bella Lack (19, UK), the Youth Council now consists of more than 80 members from around the world. From Quito to Lahore, from London to Washington, D.C., as young as 8 years old and up to our “youth” cap of 26, these environmental change-makers share a common biophilia and a core belief in solution-based optimism. Meet the entire youth council here!

Flame-faced Tanager at Dracula Youth Reserve. Photo by Callie Broaddus

Becoming a member of Reserva was something truly important in my life because it allowed me to work in collaboration with other passionate young conservationists from around the globe and to see our efforts having a real impact for the protection of the environment.
— Lorena Patrício Silva | 19, Brazil
 
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