ATCF members provide direct funding to support natural and cultural projects in destinations around the world
YAANA Ventures, owner of Khiri Travel and Grasshopper Adventures, is proud to announce its membership in the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF), an international non-profit organization focused on funding on-the-ground conservation projects around the world. The ATCF provides members in the travel and outdoor industry an avenue to directly support projects that are critical to protecting the future of adventure travel.
“YAANA Ventures fully supports the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit in responsible tourism,” said Willem Niemeijer, CEO of YAANA Ventures. “Our membership of ATCF reinforces the ‘people and planet’ part of that commitment.”
ATCF Board Member, Shannon Stowell, who is also President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, welcomed YAANA Ventures, saying, "We're thrilled that YAANA Ventures has chosen to join industry leaders in supporting the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund. As this initiative grows and unites us all in the ATCF cause, we believe we will make a positive impact. We applaud YAANA for having such vision."
ATCF members include adventure and outdoor organizations that have come together to protect international travel destinations. “Without the conservation of these unique environments, cultures and communities, we risk losing the very experiences that we seek when we travel,” said Soraya Shattuck, ATCF Executive Director.
The adventure tourism industry is highly dependent on conserving the world’s natural and cultural resources. YAANA Ventures and ATCF members from across the globe have therefore united to help protect threatened communities, cultures and wild places.
Once a year, the ATCF awards grants to organizations seeking conservation funding. Grant recipients are nominated and voted on by members of ATCF. One hundred per cent of ATCF membership dues fund chosen conservation projects.
“The adventure travel community has the power, the resources, and the responsibility to make an incredible impact on the world,” said outdoor industry pioneer Steve Barker, Founder of Eagle Creek and ATCF Board Chair. “Through ATCF, companies around the globe unite their influence and passion to support organizations that protect, preserve and improve destinations, resources, and indigenous cultures so they’ll be around for years to come.”
Both non-profit and for-profit organizations, which may include conservation groups, indigenous people groups, tour operators, or accommodations, can receive project funding from ATCF. To learn more about the funding criteria, or to apply for a future ATCF grant, please visit the projects page on the ATCF website. To learn more about joining ATCF and becoming a member organization supporting global conservation, visit adventuretravelconservationfund.org.