Question 1

Who is Wilderness International, and what does the organization do?

Accepted Answer

Wilderness International is a non-profit environmental organisation with a single goal: to protect the Earth’s last remaining unique forests and wilderness areas for good. To achieve this, Wilderness International purchases plots of land through land registry entries, ensuring they are legally protected and safeguarded for the long term. The land purchases are funded by donations for so-called wilderness sponsorships. Wilderness sponsors receive a personalised certificate with the exact geographical coordinates of the protected forest area.

Question 2

What exactly is wilderness – and why do we need it?

Accepted Answer

Wilderness is not simply an empty stretch of land that has not yet been ‘used’. It is an ecosystem that functions according to its own rules – without constant human interference. A place where trees fall, plants sprout, predators and prey play their roles, and a complex network of millions of organisms works in balance. In Germany, this has become a rarity. Only around 3% of our land area can still be described as true wilderness – mostly small forest reserves or protected moors. The rest is developed, farmed, criss-crossed by roads and fields. This fragmentation is the real problem: wild animals lose their corridors, plants cannot spread, and genetic diversity is shrinking. Why do we need wilderness? Because untouched ecosystems function like a flawless filtration system. Moors sequester carbon and store water. Primeval forests provide a home for species we have not yet discovered and produce the oxygen we breathe. Wild river floodplains purify our water. A functioning wilderness network mitigates flooding and moderates extreme weather. More importantly: wilderness reminds us that we do not have to control everything. That there is a world greater than ourselves – and that this world secures our future.

Question 3

Who is Wilderness International and what does the organisation do?

Accepted Answer

Wilderness International is a non-profit environmental organisation with a single goal: to protect the Earth’s last remaining unique forests and wilderness areas for good. To this end, Wilderness International purchases plots of land through land registry entries to ensure their legal and permanent protection. The land purchases are funded by donations for so-called wilderness sponsorships. Wilderness sponsors receive a personalised certificate with the exact geographical coordinates of the protected forest area. WI Germany and WI Canada were founded in 2008 by 25 people from six countries, representing 24 different professional fields and aged between 18 and 69. In 2019, the Peruvian organisation for the protection of the tropical rainforest joined the initiative. Today, Wilderness International consists of three sister foundations: Behind Wilderness International Germany, in addition to the founding donors, are eight members of the Board of Trustees, three members of the Executive Board, our operational team, many volunteers and countless donors, partners, sponsors and supporters. You can find out more on the “Wilderness International Germany” page . At Wilderness International Canada , alongside Tobias Hürten and Kai Andersch, Marco Lou, Tyler Bruce and Stephen Gabrysh manage our partnerships, land purchases, expeditions and the protection of our forest areas directly on the ground. Volunteers, donors and supporters are also actively involved here. You can find out more under “Wilderness International Canada” . At Wilderness International Peru , the seven founders form the Board of Trustees. On the ground, the organisation’s President, Dr Chris Kirkby, works alongside a team of forest rangers and the rest of the operational team to oversee the protected areas, conduct research and biodiversity monitoring in the forests, identify and purchase new plots of land, and manage projects with local schools, communities and partners. You can find more information on the “Wilderness International Peru” page .

Question 4

What sets Wilderness International apart from other NGOs?

Accepted Answer

We want to do something very concrete , highly effective and immediately tangible , and give every single person the opportunity to get involved by helping to protect a unique piece of precious nature for all time. The tangible impact of our work and donations Every €1 donated protects a specific square metre of ancient rainforest for all time. We have purchased this land with a land registry entry, and it is now being refinanced by the donors. We work out of a passion for protecting irreplaceable ecosystems. Our reward is every additional square metre of habitat that we can protect for all time. The effectiveness of our work was also recognised in 2023 with the Phineo WIRKT! seal of approval. Transparency We use precise coordinates to ensure that every donation can be traced down to the exact square metre. We know the areas we protect very well because we carry out rapid assessments before purchase and visit them regularly on expeditions, or, as in Peru, have them guarded by our forest rangers. Direct involvement is extremely important to us. We also create transparency through the use of drones and other technical aids by capturing high-quality, georeferenced aerial images. Effectiveness, Urgency & Irreversibility Primeval forests are habitats for a vast array of biodiversity and are therefore incredibly important for the preservation of species diversity. They are also hugely important for the climate (CO2 sinks, cool environments, clean air, water reservoirs, regular rainfall, nutrient-rich soils, etc.). For us, these forests are also a place of peace and relaxation. This makes primeval forests an all-round solution to the environmental problems of our time. Yet only 2.8% of the Earth’s surface remains wild nature ( Plumptre et al., 2021 ). This means we must act now to protect these last remaining areas. Once they are gone, they are irretrievably lost. Long-term sustainability It is important to us that protection is absolutely secure and long-term, as we are guided by the lifespan of ancient ecosystems and trees, which can survive for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The foundation’s organisational structure enables this long-term and secure protection, as foundations are not tied to individual persons or political constructs. In this way, we protect forest areas in a truly sustainable manner, and not merely for the next 30 years (as many nature conservation organisations do), or just for the duration of our own lifetimes. We only purchase forest areas with a land registry entry. This ensures the maximum possible long-term legal certainty of protection. A positive focus in our work, positive motivation We rely on positive communication, inspiration, motivation and enthusiasm to achieve our shared goal. We do not try to appeal to your conscience by constantly highlighting all the terrible things happening in the world and for which we are responsible. Instead, we prefer to show you solutions—concrete and effective actions you can take right here and now to make a tangible difference and contribute to a future worth living. We want to motivate you positively by informing you about the importance of wild nature and thus sparking your enthusiasm. The scientific foundation of our work The diverse professional backgrounds of our active staff ensure a multidisciplinary approach. Through collaborations with scientific partners such as the Leipzig Centre for Environmental Research, ETH Zurich, the Senckenberg Natural History Collections and Fauna Forever, we ensure the quality of our work. We also conduct long-term studies on biodiversity and CO2 sequestration in our protected areas during scientific expeditions. Everything from a single source From research, through the purchase of land and long-term conservation, to documentation in photos and films, CO2 calculations, expeditions and more, we have no middlemen. We do everything ourselves and thus have full control over and responsibility for the process. This also helps us save costs. A small and flexible organisation Volunteer work is a cornerstone of our work. Since our foundation, Wilderness International’s administrative costs have always been below 10%, and in most years even below 5%.

Question 5

What is a carbon footprint and how is it calculated?

Accepted Answer

The carbon footprint is a measure of all greenhouse gas emissions associated with a particular entity, such as a person, an organisation, a product or an activity. Emissions are not only released when we actually fly or buy a new mobile phone. Greenhouse gases are also produced during the construction of infrastructure, the extraction and processing of raw materials, and later during the transport and disposal of production waste. All emissions from this so-called life cycle of a product or activity are included in the carbon footprint. The carbon footprint is calculated using so-called carbon factors. This calculation takes into account not only CO 2 emissions but also those of other climate-impacting gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. These emissions are in turn converted into CO 2 equivalents, which is why the focus in communication is on CO 2 , even though other greenhouse gases are also included. Ideally, there is a scientifically determined CO 2 factor for every product or activity, which indicates how many kilograms of CO 2 equivalents are emitted through the use of the product or the carrying out of the activity. For example: according to a source from the German Federal Environment Agency, a medium-sized car emits 0.214 kg of CO 2 over a distance of one kilometre. Based on this, your carbon footprint is calculated using your details on the number of vehicles you own and your activities involving them (kilometres driven to work or school, on trips or to business appointments). The calculation of your carbon footprint is based on a one-year period. Your activities will, of course, continue to generate emissions, which may vary (sometimes significantly) from year to year. The forest with which you offset your footprint last year will, of course, remain protected. However, as you are generating emissions again, these should be offset by protecting further forest areas to prevent further CO 2 emissions caused by deforestation, as well as the loss of habitats and biodiversity. By using our calculator annually, you can also assess the progress you have already made in reducing CO 2 emissions. The aim is for your carbon footprint to decrease year on year and for you to optimise processes within your business, school or family to the extent that as few emissions as possible are generated.

Question 6

What are CO 2 equivalents?

Accepted Answer

We use electricity, travel and heat our homes – and in doing so, we produce emissions that affect our atmosphere and harm the climate. These include not only CO 2 , but also emissions of other greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. These can be calculated and expressed in CO 2 equivalents. Methane, for example, is also released in excessive quantities as a result of human activity. 1g of methane is approximately 25 times more potent than 1g of CO 2 . 1g of methane therefore equates to 25g of CO 2 equivalents.

Question 7

How can organisations, companies or institutions collaborate with Wilderness International Germany?

Accepted Answer

We welcome partners who share our passion for protecting wild ecosystems. This can take many different forms: nature conservation organisations can work with us to secure and restore land. Schools and universities contribute their research and expertise. Companies support our projects through donations or staff involvement. And local communities work with us to develop their own wilderness areas. What matters is authenticity: together, we must create genuine wilderness – not just greenwashing projects. If you’re interested in protecting specific areas of land, facilitating research or supporting wilderness education, please get in touch. Together, we’ll explore how your strengths can benefit our mission.

Question 8

What does ‘wilderness’ mean to Wilderness International?

Accepted Answer

We define wilderness as ecologically intact natural landscapes that have been little or not at all affected by human activity.

Question 9

What role do wilderness areas and primeval forests play in the global climate? Why do we need to protect them?

Accepted Answer

Wilderness areas are the only places where natural processes can take place undisturbed. It is only here that countless species can find a suitable habitat and a refuge in which to survive. Even when areas are restored to their natural state, biodiversity can only spread again from ecologically intact areas. Rainforests are of particular importance to us because they are the most species-rich ecosystems on Earth and are therefore incredibly important for species conservation. Rainforests and their palm swamps and forest bogs are also essential for a healthy climate on our planet. They store huge amounts of CO 2 , cool the surrounding environment and ensure stable rainfall. Furthermore, they form an important part of our livelihood: many of our everyday products originate from them, ranging from foodstuffs such as bananas and coffee to timber, personal care products and medicines. In general, wilderness areas – wherever they may be – have many positive effects on us and the entire planet: clean air, clear water, nutrient-rich soils, biodiversity and climate preservation. They offer havens of peace for retreat and relaxation, fantastic landscapes, as well as space for adventure, challenge, or even a return to our roots. Natural areas largely untouched by human influence are becoming increasingly rare and are therefore treasures for us and future generations. Nature altered by industrialisation, mining or agriculture can only be restored at great expense in terms of both labour and cost. That is why we are convinced that the protection of (still) intact ecosystems brings the greatest benefit to environmental conservation. In Germany, too, there were once vast primeval forests with ancient trees. The fact that nothing remains of them today shows that wilderness cannot be taken for granted. It is our responsibility to protect the remaining 2.8% of intact wilderness areas on our planet. The natural balance can only be maintained if we stop merely taking and start giving back. It is therefore time to finally give back to nature. Let us say thank you for everything it provides us with, and let us protect it.

Question 10

Why doesn’t Wilderness International have the DZI charity seal of approval?

Accepted Answer

In March 2015, our Foundation Board and Executive Committee decided that Wilderness International would not apply for the DZI Seal of Quality, but would instead join the Transparent Civil Society Initiative. This decision is based, amongst other things, on the recommendations for action set out in the master’s thesis by our long-standing Foundation Board Chair, Ellen Weiland, on the topic of ‘Responsible Management in the Foundations Sector – Deriving Recommendations for Action Using the Example of Wilderness International’. Key points against applying for the DZI donation seal: Misappropriation of donation funds to cover the costs of applying for certification a high workload and cost burden for a small foundation run like an NGO “In addition to examining the state of the relationship of trust between the stakeholders and the foundation, it was necessary to clarify whether it is ethically correct to spend part of the collected donations on the costs of applying for the DZI Donation Seal. From the foundation management’s perspective, this amounts to a misuse of funds, as the management fulfils its responsibility to use the donations for their intended purpose in a very concrete and correct manner and should not incur any costs in the form of time and resources for submitting the various documents required for an application for the donation seal.” – Ellen Weiland, Senior Manager in the Charitable Sector – Deriving a recommendation for action using the example of Wilderness International Furthermore, there are also large, very well-known associations recognised as charitable organisations that do not hold a DZI donation seal, such as BUND, WWF and Grüne Liga. Since 2023, however, we have held the PHINEO Wirkt! seal, of which we are very proud. Read more here: What is the PHINEO Wirkt! seal? To reassess our impact, we also commissioned a comprehensive process assessment from BAUM e.V. in spring 2025. BAUM is a non-profit business network in Europe that advocates for sustainable business practices and climate protection. The assessment was carried out by Rainer Kant, a qualified forester and Senior Advisor for Biodiversity and Ecosystems at BAUM e.V., one of Germany’s leading sustainability experts in this field. You can find out more about the assessment here .

Question 11

What is the PHINEO Wirkt! seal?

Accepted Answer

The non-profit organisation Phineo offers an independent and reliable assessment of the effectiveness of social engagement. In doing so, it saves private donors and companies looking for projects for impactful engagement the time-consuming and laborious task of conducting their own research. The Phineo “Wirkt!” seal confirms that our work has a demonstrable impact and that we are a high-performing and transparent organisation. To obtain it, we underwent a six-month, four-stage assessment by independent experts. As a donor or partner, you can therefore be confident that your contribution is being put to effective use with us. You can find out more about the PHINEO Wirkt! seal and the analysis process here .

Question 12

How can I get actively involved with Wilderness International?

Accepted Answer

Thank you very much for your interest in supporting us! If you’d like to support us in ways other than through donations, please help spread the word about our mission and tell the people around you about the importance of protecting the environment and the rainforest. Are you perhaps writing your final thesis on a topic that might be of interest to us? If so, please get in touch – perhaps we can collaborate on your research. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer internships or volunteer placements. You can find advertised vacancies in our News section and on social media. If there are no vacancies advertised at the moment, you can also leave your details in our talent pool . If you’d like to be on the ground and help out, for example in Peru, the best way to do so is through our partner organisation Fauna Forever ( https://www.faunaforever.org ). Fauna Forever runs fantastic research projects that you can help with, as well as offering other opportunities to visit, for example as part of an internship. These take place right in the heart of the rainforest, partly within our conservation areas. This way, you’ll get to know our conservation areas first-hand and support us by contributing to biodiversity research in our areas. Simply get in touch with them and mention that you found out about them through WI.

Question 13

How can I support Wilderness International?

Accepted Answer

Of course, you can support us by making a donation – just €1 protects 1 m², and every square metre counts. You can make a one-off donation or set up a long-term monthly or annual subscription, which you can adjust or cancel at any time. Monthly subscriptions are particularly helpful to us, as they allow us to plan our activities and land purchases more effectively in the long term. But you also help us greatly by spreading the word about our mission – whether on social media, amongst your friends and family, or within your workplace. You can give a wilderness sponsorship as a gift , for example at Christmas or for a birthday, or consider including Wilderness International in your will . If you’re thinking about volunteering, please feel free to email us at kontakt@wilderness-international.org . We also offer a wide range of opportunities for companies to actively support us and contribute to the protection of biodiversity and the stabilisation of our climate – from employee gifts and a company-owned forest to long-term partnerships. You can find more information here and from our Partnerships team.

Question 14

What is the Wilderness Run and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

The Wilderness Run is a charity run for all types of schools in the DACH region. Participating pupils have one hour to run as many laps as possible at a suitable location chosen by their school. In the run-up to the event, they independently seek out sponsors who will donate a pre-agreed amount to Wilderness International for every lap completed. With the donations from their sponsors, the pupils provide concrete, long-term protection for a specific area of rainforest in Peru. More information is available here .

Question 15

How are the funds raised by the Wilderness Run used?

Accepted Answer

Every euro donated protects 1 square metre of rainforest forever. In practical terms, this means that you are helping to fund the purchase of primary rainforest areas in Peru, ensuring their long-term protection and enabling environmental education and research projects. Here’s what’s involved: 38 cents: Land purchase and acquisition process In addition to the cost of purchasing the land, this includes costs such as the notary and land registry fees, as well as property taxes. 19 cents: Preparation for land purchase – identifying, researching and documenting relevant nature reserves Through rapid assessments, we work with researchers to determine the area’s biodiversity and CO 2 storage capacity. Aerial images from drones help us to document the areas. 18 cents: Long-term protection and research Through regular visits, local partnerships and on-site forest rangers, the ecological integrity of the areas is monitored and ensured. Environmental ambassadors and scientists visit the areas, conduct joint research and experience the forest they are protecting. 20 cents: Environmental education and communication This portion goes directly towards our projects, such as wilderness runs and environmental education initiatives with schools, workshops, and our web platform. 5 cents: Administrative costs Numerous in-kind donations also enable us to keep costs for equipment and events low. For example, companies support our wilderness runs and other activities by providing water, catering, tables, van hire, public transport tickets and through communication. We also often receive in-kind donations of equipment, clothing and food for our expeditions. The figures are calculated based on actual expenditure since our foundation in 2008.

Question 16

What is a wilderness sponsorship?

Accepted Answer

A wilderness sponsorship is a one-off donation towards the permanent protection of a specific piece of woodland. A €1 donation protects 1 square metre of woodland for life . The land has already been purchased by Wilderness International, and your donation will help to cover the costs of this purchase. There are no further obligations for you; the sponsorship is purely symbolic. You will receive a wilderness conservation certificate with the exact geographical coordinates of the plot, as well as a donation receipt after 14 days. This makes the donation tax-deductible. Find out more here about how we protect forests with your donation.

Question 17

Where can I make a donation?

Accepted Answer

You can make your donation via our donation portal . If you would prefer to make a direct bank transfer, please email us at kontakt@wilderness-international.org.

Question 18

How can I take out a nature conservation subscription?

Accepted Answer

You can set up a regular donation directly via our donation form. Simply select your preferred amount as usual and, to the right of that, choose your payment frequency – monthly or annually. Immediately after your first donation, you will receive a confirmation from us and your first certificate.

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