Every year, as the world celebrates World Tourism Day, travelers are reminded of the profound connection between adventure and conservation. This year, the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF) takes the opportunity to rally its community once again with the 2024 Travel Conservation Auction, running from 27 September to 16 October, 2024. This is a chance for travelers and adventure lovers to not only explore the world but to protect it.
The Impact of the Annual Travel Conservation Auction
In recent years, the ATCF has expanded its reach, funding almost $600,000 worth of projects aimed at preserving the natural and cultural treasures that make adventure travel so meaningful. The Travel Conservation Auction plays a central role in enabling this mission—it has become the largest adventure travel and gear auction in the world benefiting conservation! The infographic below helps explain how it all works:
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Unlike a typical fundraiser, this auction brings together leading adventure travel companies and outdoor brands who donate unique trips, experiences or gear. Bidders have the chance to secure exclusive trips, gear, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences at incredible prices. Yet, every winning bid carries more than just personal gain. Each dollar raised supports the ATCF in funding conservation projects around the globe.
“In just over six years, we are proud to have awarded over $585,000 of support to 39 conservation projects in 28 countries,” says ATCF Board Chair and founder of Eagle Creek, Steve Barker. “For this year’s fundraising auction, the quality of trips and gear that have been donated is unprecedented and speaks to the commitment the adventure travel industry has for the work that we do to protect our wild and natural places around the world.”
Last year, the auction set a new fundraising record, generating $60,000, which is double the amount raised in the previous year. With these funds, the ATCF was able to support a variety of grassroots projects, from wildlife conservation in Africa to Indigenous community empowerment in Latin America—here are all the previous grant winners and this article features inspiring stories of ATCF grant recipients. This year, the goal is even higher: $100,000 to fund an even broader scope of initiatives.
“This auction is more than just a chance to bid on incredible journeys and gear. It’s an opportunity to invest in a future where tourism sustains and protects the very places we love to explore,” Soraya Shattuck, Executive Director of the ATCF.
As the world faces more and more challenges, these funds are not just numbers on a page; they translate into tangible change. To date, 28% of the funded projects are located in Africa, 18% in South America, another 18% in North America, and 15% in Asia, with the rest spread across the remainder of the world. This global distribution highlights the ATCF's commitment to addressing conservation issues on every continent and the importance of ensuring that diverse ecosystems and communities benefit from these initiatives. The auction gives participants a unique chance to directly support these efforts and turn their passion for adventure into a force for good.
Who are the ATCF 2024 Grant Finalists?
This year’s 12 grant finalists offer a unique approach to addressing pressing environmental and cultural challenges. These finalists were carefully selected from a pool of 32 nominated projects, showcasing the ATCF's commitment to supporting high-impact, grassroots conservation efforts. The winners will be announced on 9 October at the Adventure Travel World Summit in Panama City.
Bahsahwahbee National Monument: Root for the Swamp Cedars (USA)
This project aims to protect water resources in some of the driest states in the U.S. through a native-led coalition advocating for the designation of the Bahsahwahbee National Monument, which would be managed by the National Park Service. The initiative seeks to integrate the indigenous perspectives of the Western Shoshone people, enhancing visitor experiences while ensuring the preservation of cultural and natural resources.
Indigenous Guardians to Educational Guides (Panama)
Geoversity’s project transforms indigenous and rural community members into educational guides focused on sustainable monitoring of Panama’s vital watersheds. By training these individuals, the initiative aims to empower them economically through eco-tourism, fostering self-sustaining conservation efforts while promoting ecological and cultural integrity in their communities.
Whale Heritage Areas (Global)
The Whale Heritage Areas project seeks to protect cetaceans by empowering local communities and fostering sustainable tourism. Through an online platform for collaboration and the establishment of new Whale Heritage Areas, the initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and community resilience, promoting best practices for marine conservation and driving collective action for cetacean protection.
Pumping Water 4 Wildlife and People (Zimbabwe)
This project addresses critical water shortages in southern Hwange National Park by establishing water sources for wildlife and supporting local communities through sustainable food gardens. By alleviating human-wildlife conflicts and providing essential resources during droughts, the initiative aims to improve both wildlife conservation and community livelihoods.
Co-creating Climate Resilient & Climate Responsible Destinations (India)
By Resilient Destinations Foundation
The foundation's project focuses on enhancing community resilience to climate change through sustainable development and responsible tourism initiatives. By integrating eco-friendly practices such as mangrove conservation and community-based early warning systems, the initiative aims to create low-carbon, livable spaces while fostering economic stability and biodiversity protection.
Empower Ocean (Indonesia)
By Women in Ocean Science Charity
The Empower Ocean project trains local women in Raja Ampat in marine conservation, diving, and ecosystem monitoring. By restoring degraded coral reefs and developing sustainable eco-tourism, the initiative seeks to empower women as conservation leaders while enhancing community resilience against environmental challenges and promoting biodiversity.
Conserving Machu Picchu’s Spectacled Bears (Peru)
By Conservación de los Osos de Anteojos
This project focuses on conserving spectacled bears and their habitats through scientific research and community engagement in Machu Picchu. By collecting ecological data and educating local communities about bear conservation, the initiative aims to reduce human-bear conflicts and incorporate conservation messaging into sustainable tourism practices.
Jaguar Identification Project (Brazil)
By The Wetland Research Center, Inc.
The Jaguar ID Project aims to protect jaguar populations in the Northern Pantanal through community involvement in monitoring and research. By engaging citizen scientists and conducting educational outreach, the initiative seeks to enhance understanding of jaguar ecology while promoting ethical tourism practices and coordinated fire response efforts.
Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project (Uganda)
By Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust
This project conducts a large carnivore census to monitor and protect lion populations in Queen Elizabeth National Park. By training local youth in conservation techniques and engaging the community in scientific monitoring, the initiative aims to foster a healthy lion population while addressing human-wildlife conflicts and enhancing community livelihoods.
Sea Turtles & Plastic (Philippines)
By SEE Turtles
SEE Turtles connects coastal communities with sea turtle conservation efforts by providing resources for beach cleanups and recycling initiatives. The project aims to reduce plastic pollution while generating income for conservation, helping communities develop sustainable practices that protect endangered sea turtle species.
#LiveTheWildPledge (Canada)
By The Ocean Legacy Foundation
This initiative encourages beach-goers on Northern Vancouver Island to participate in ocean cleanup efforts by removing plastic debris from shorelines. Aiming for the collective removal of 20,000 pounds of marine debris, the project seeks to empower individuals to take action against plastic pollution while promoting community stewardship of the environment.
Building Climate & Economic Resilience Via Bee Fences
By WildLandscapes International
WildLandscapes International is helping the Mugie Conservancy in Kenya establish a beekeeping project to empower local Pokot women, boost income, and enhance biodiversity. The project uses beehives to reduce human-wildlife conflict while improving pollination. It will also serve as a tourist attraction, educating visitors on honey production and local culture. Success will be a thriving, self-sustaining beekeeping industry that strengthens the local economy, improves livelihoods, and fosters climate resilience.
How You Can Get Involved in Conservation Efforts and Bid in the Auction
For the 2024 Travel Conservation Auction, participants can expect not just to support these efforts, but to indulge in some of the most exciting and exclusive travel packages on offer. Adventure travel companies, from eco-lodges in remote wildernesses to guides in breathtaking locations, have donated experiences that are as enriching as they are rare. It's a win-win—travelers get to satisfy their sense of adventure, while helping to safeguard the future of these remarkable destinations.
You can preview the 60 adventure trips, lodging, and gear that are being auctioned before the auction launched. These are only a few amazing examples:
- an 11-day snow leopard quest in India
- a 7-day trek in Peru
- a 7-day bike tour of Sardinia, Italy
- a 5-day walking tour of Patagonia
- a 5-day kayaking and whale watching trip in Baja, Mexico
- an 8-day adventure in Bali, Indonesia
- a 4-day hike in Sedona, Arizona
- Gear from brands such as Eagle Creek, Patagonia, Peak Design, Cotopaxi, Helinox
- And much, much more!
Once the auction launches on World Tourism Day (September 27), head to the official Travel Conservation Auction website and bid on your favorite item. According to ATCF, best practices recommend keeping an eye on a favorite item in order to not be “scooped” at the last minute. Remember to bid early, bid often, and bid high!
The ATCF invites all those who cherish adventure to join them—not just as travelers, but as stewards of the world. With every bid placed, you're helping to ensure that the lands we roam remain vibrant and protected for generations to come.