Metalheads, we have a big goal!
Let’s do something together for nature and protect rainforest in Peru. In the coming years, we aim to protect an area the size of the entire festival grounds and thus protect an ecosystem as habitat for countless animal species and plants.
The organizers of the Wacken Open Air have already protected the first 1000 m2 of the Wacken Community Rainforest - and together we now ask you to support us in our goal.
Keep Wacken Wild! Protect the most biodiverse place in the world together with the Wacken community!
In the Madre de Dios region there are 10 times more reptiles and amphibians than in Germany, about 10 % of all bird species in the world can be observed here and on one hectare of forest you can find about 400 tree species, more than in all of Europe north of the Alps.
The Wilderness International team in front of a tree with large buttress roots in the tropical rainforest of Peru.
Jaguars are rarely seen - but their tracks are everywhere.
When the sun rises over the rainforest along the Tambopata River, the forest begins to breathe.
Weighing up to 75 kg, capybaras are the largest rodents in the world.
The huge diversity of species in the Peruvian jungle is simply overwhelming!
Ancient tree giants in the tropical rainforest
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 ofCO2 remain permanently bound in living biomass
transparent: you will receive a certificate with the geocoordinates 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!
Thank you to these great supporters for preserving unique habitats and a huge diversity of species. These people are making a contribution to a healthy climate on our planet.
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.
As Wacken Community we want to protect together 4 million square meters old-growth forest in Peru forever! This area corresponds to the size of the entire Wacken site. The first 1000 m2 have already been protected by the organizers of the Wacken Festival. The aim of the action is to take responsibility and to say thank you to nature. By protecting valuable primeval forests, we preserve the habitat of a unique biodiversity and ensure a healthy climate.
We want to protect 4 million square meters of rainforest by 2032, i.e. within the next ten years. That would be a € 5 donation per festival visitor per year.
There are no further obligations for you. The donation is one-time, and enables us as a foundation to ensure the long-term protection of the area. The sponsorship is a symbolic one. The forest area remains the property of the Foundation.
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.
In Peru, for example, we work intensively with local people as part of our forest guardian program. They regularly walk the protected areas and represent our organization in the community. They put up signs, talk to local people about our forest protection projects and confront unauthorized activities if necessary. Thereby, the forest guardians also generate a sustainable income.
In Canada, we not only work with partner companies, but also look back on great collaborations with First Nations. These include a sponsored run and several conservation expeditions with the Cowichan First Nation of Vancouver Island, as well as the joint effort to protect the Peel River Watershed with the Gwich'in of Fort McPherson.
