May 13, 2025 2025 conservation wins: EOCA funds forest to mountain projects
The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) has announced the results of its 2025 spring funding round. Chosen by public and member votes, six grassroots projects will receive support for restoring habitats and protecting species.
Following a tense month of voting, first online with the public and then among EOCA’s members, the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) has selected six projects for funding in 2025. With over 40,000 public votes across the categories of Forest, Mountain, and Wild Places, the competition was intense and concluded with three additional projects selected by EOCA’s member businesses.
The shortlist featured 16 conservation initiatives from around the world. The high engagement of voters and member organizations highlights growing concern for environmental restoration and biodiversity protection.
Protecting and restoring Austral Patagonia’s UNESCO jewel, Argentina
Restoration strategies in the Las Vueltas River Valley will include forest restoration, invasive species control, feral livestock management, endangered species monitoring, and sustainable trail development in partnership with local communities.
Rocks and pebbles under the river Coe, Glencoe, Highlands on a sunny Scottish day. The three sisters mountains, blue skies and a tree are all visible above the water line. (Photo: Mark Kirkland)
Glencoe Riverwoods, Scotland
Glencoe Riverwoods will create wildlife-rich corridors of native woodland along the iconic River Coe and River Etive. Through the creation of tree islands, new ponds, and wetlands, the project will enhance connectivity with surrounding floodplains.
(Photo: Udruma BIOM)
Climbing to new heights for the golden eagle, Croatia
This project focuses on protecting the habitat and population of cliff-nesting birds, with special emphasis on the golden eagle. As an apex predator, its survival is key to healthy ecosystems.
(Photo: Borders Forest Trust)
Reviving the wild heart of Southern Scotland
Led by Borders Forest Trust, this landscape-scale restoration will include planting 10,500 native trees, creating 15 hectares of broadleaved woodland and montane scrub, and removing invasive Sitka spruce.
(Photo: FON Nepal)
Promoting tourism through whistling hunters, Nepal
FON Nepal will lead efforts to protect the recently regionally extinct Asiatic wild dog (Dhole) in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Strategies include alternative livelihoods, wildlife tourism, clean-ups, trail development, snare removal, and water hole construction.
(Photo: Sustainable Ceder)
Reviving critically endangered clanwilliam cedar in Cederberg, South Africa
This project will protect the Clanwilliam cedar, found only at higher altitudes in the Cederberg Mountains. Threatened by logging, fire, and low seed survival, the species will be revived through targeted planting and 30 educational events.
About EOCA
The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) funds high-impact conservation initiatives selected through public and member voting. It is supported by the outdoor recreation industry and aims to enable direct environmental contributions through targeted grants.
Lead Photo: Aves Argentinas/EOCA
