ORTLIEB has been working together with the Wilderness International Foundation since 2022 on the mission to protect the last intact primeval forests on our planet. ORTLIEB not only provides valuable equipment for our expeditions, but also directly protects valuable rainforest in the ORTLIEB company forest in Western Canada - and with it the habitat for a huge variety of species and the basis for a healthy climate.
Let's continue on this path together and preserve even more unique wilderness in the long term: Protect a piece of the ORTLIEB rainforest now.
Wilderness International stands for authentic sustainability and is therefore the ideal partner for us to make a real difference in this area. This is also evident in the area of trading with CO2 certificates. Like us, WI has taken a stand against the current trade in CO2 certificates, as this is not yet regulated and is often criticized as greenwashing.
Peter Wöstmann
Senior PR & Communications Manager
ORTLIEB was born out of the desire to develop "indestructible", sustainable products that accompany people for a lifetime. The company's actions are guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on "Affordable and clean energy" and "Sustainable consumption and production".
As part of its "To be free" campaign (2025), ORTLIEB has given Wilderness International a stage to emphasize the importance of wilderness and species conservation.
The wilderness areas that ORTLIEB protects in the temperate rainforest are located on Porcher Island on the west coast of Canada. They are the most species-rich ecosystem in the northern hemisphere. Their ancient giant trees provide a secure habitat for an incredible number of animal and plant species.
A view of the impressive treetops in the temperate rainforest. Some of the giant trees here are over 100 meters high!
A majestic bald eagle was successfully on the hunt.
The dry bags serve us particularly well on the stormy west coast of Canada.
An American mink searches for food in the intertidal zone.
Many starfish and small crabs live there.
The temperate rainforest is full of ferns and mosses - a magical sight.
We have a big vision: to protect the last real wilderness areas of our world forever! 1€ donation protects 1m2 old-growth forest - forever. Donors receive a certificate with the geo-coordinates and an aerial photo of the protected forest area, as well as a tax-deductible donation receipt.
Concrete use: 1 € donation protects 1 m² rainforest
Good for the climate: 60 kg of CO2 remain permanently stored in living biomass
Transparent: you will receive a certificate with the geo-coordinates and an aerial photo of the protected forest area
Lasting impact: your one-time donation guarantees the permanent protection of the area
Tax-deductible donation with donation receipt
Immediately after your donation, you will receive a personalized certificate about the piece of wilderness you have protected. It also makes a great gift!
The foundation, which is based in Peru, Canada and Germany, purchases legally secure wilderness areas and protects them for the future. The purchases are refinanced through donations, which ensure the long-term protection of the areas, supports environmental education projects, and research into CO2 storage and biodiversity.
Wilderness International purchases primary rainforest areas with land title and legally protects them for all future. Donations refinance the purchases and at the same time finance long-term protection as well as environmental education and research. Donors receive a personalized certificate with the exact geo-coordinates and aerial photograph of the forest area they are protecting. Thus, the use and impact of the donation is tangible and directly traceable. We are currently working in the temperate rainforest of Western Canada and the Amazon rainforest of Peru, where we are protecting ancient primary rainforests.
It is important to protect the rainforest because this is the only way we can stop species extinction and climate change. They are home to the world's greatest biodiversity and store huge amounts of CO2. It is also important to protect rainforests because they are the basis of our existence: they provide us with clean air, clean water and stable rainfall. They also cool the environment.
In Canada, good legal security helps us, as well as the legal situations and sanctions that even prohibit trespassing.
In Peru, we have additionally started a forest guardian program with local people. To ensure long-term protection, we also have several other measures in place. In general, we visit the areas on regular expeditions to check on them. We also work with local partners who inform us of any irregularities if necessary. The donations per square meter also already include the costs for property taxes.
Like no other, the legal form of the foundation allows a (charitable) purpose to be realized permanently and independently of outside interests, thus achieving the desired effects in the long term. It is thus the most long-term organizational construct currently known. Not even states, companies or national parks are designed for such a long term. This makes the foundation the only one that is oriented toward the lifespan of the ecosystems we protect.
