When we preserve wilderness , we are not only protecting nature, but above all, our own means of survival and that of future generations.
What we will have achieved by the end of 2025.
0m² of forest purchased, of which …
0m² already protected for the long term by …
0One-time donations.
0metric tons of CO₂ sequestered
0Trees planted as part of the “My Tree – My Dresden” project
Rainer Kant
Forestry Graduate, Appraiser, and Senior Advisor at BAUM e.V.
“Wilderness International takes a comprehensive approach to the protection of primary rainforests, characterized by integrative thinking, systems thinking, multidimensionality, interdisciplinarity, and a holistic perspective.”
Forestry Scientist, Foundation Founder & Board Member
"Rainforests are ourmost important buffer againstclimate change —protecting them must beour top priority."
How We Protect wilderness .Our Guide to Saving the World.
1
Find land plot
In what are known as rapid assessments, we work with researchers to determine whether a forested area is worthy of protection. The key factors are whether the area has high biodiversity and CO2 storage capacity, whether it is threatened, and whether it is located in a strategically important place.
2
Buy in advance
The purchase of the land is financed with loans. We do not collect donations for land that we do not yet own.
3
Obtain land registry entry
We only work in countries with a high level of legal security and only buy land with a land register entry. All two or three foundations are entered in the land register.
4
Create georeferenced aerial images
We use drones to create high-quality aerial panoramas of our land. These are uploaded to our website. Each square meter is provided with specific geocoordinates.
5
Refinance through donations
Anyone can donate to a specific piece of this wilderness area. The donation refinances the purchase and ensures long-term protection. Each square meter is only allocated once.
6
Prove by certificate with geo-coordinates
Donors receive a personalized certificate with the exact geocoordinates of the piece of forest they have helped to protect. This makes the protection tangible and directly traceable.
7
Research, document, communicate
Environmental ambassadors and researchers visit these areas, conduct research together, and experience the forest they are protecting. They then use their research findings, photos, and videos for environmental education in schools and to wilderness people wilderness .
8
Ensure long-term protection
Regular visits, local partnerships, forest guardian, property taxes, and the foundation’s mission ensure the long-term protection and ecological integrity of these areas. For more information, see p. 40 (“Why a Foundation?”).
As of January 1, 2026
Our protected areas.
Secret Forest
Madre de Dios · Peru
0m²
Misty & Grizzly Forest
West Coast · Canada
0m²
Fully protected
Peru & Canada
0 m²
Overview of our “ ” protected areas.
Misty Forest, Canada
0m² old-growth forest
Grizzly Forest, Canada
0m² old-growth forest
Secret Forest, Peru
0m² old-growth forest
*As of January 1, 2026
Overview: Our Projects
2007 to 2017
Protecting the Peel River Watershed with the Gwich’in · Canada
2008 to the present
Research Projects and Expeditions
Collaboration with First Nations / Local Communities
At least 731 scientifically documented vertebrate species live in our Peruvian protected areas:
0Bird Species
0Bat species
0Species of Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles)
0large mammal species
For comparison
Only 21 species of amphibians, 15 species of reptiles, and 25 species of batslive in Germany.
There are various reasons for this, ranging from different climatic and geological conditions to human influence.
Canada
To date, we have documented 214 species in our protected areas in Canada:
0Bird Species
0Insect Species (using eDNA)
0Mammal Speciesof which 0 bat species
0Species of Herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles)
0Marine Invertebrates (using eDNA)
's Forest Guardians
In Peru, we maintain a presence in our forest areas and stay in contact with the local population. This task is carried out by local forest guardian.
0Research and Environmental Ambassador Expeditions
0Research Projects & Publications
0Research Station in Peru
> 0Researchers in the protected area year-round
From early 2008 to late 2025
Environmental Education Projects in Peru
The program fosters knowledge and enthusiasm for the rainforest and provides people in Madre de Dios with the tools they need to actively protect this fragile ecosystem.
0People reached directly through the program
0Educational Events in Local Communities
0School Visits to the Secret Forest
From August 2024 through the end of 2025
Our " " Agroforestry Project
Together with local partners, we train farmers in sustainable farming practices, create sources of income, and thereby help preserve virgin forests in the long term.
0.0 haFallow land converted to agroforestry area
0Seedlings Planted
0native species per area
From early 2024 through late 2025
Land acquired in Canada (since 2008) and Peru (since 2019)
0
Total hectares
2009
PeruCanada
Strong support for the old-growth forest protection –
The 2.8% of intact land area is based on a study by Plumptre et al. (2021), which identifies areas with minimal human impact and fully intact fauna. Due to its global scope, the study excludes areas smaller than 10,000 km². Our protected areas therefore do not fall under these definitions. Nevertheless, we use this figure because it conveys a clear and memorable message about the urgency of nature conservation. It should be noted, however, that we do not aim to preserve the 2.8% of “ wilderness ” identified in this study, but rather wilderness areas in a broader sense.
You can see exactly how we define “ wilderness ” on page 20. We’re currently still working on an overview of which areas meet these wilderness criteria. Until then, we’re using the best available data and remaining transparent about our nature conservation strategy.
