Does WI also get involved locally? Are there also local actions?
In Germany, too, nature conservation is of essential importance and inspires us. That is why we are involved in campaigns for biodiversity and habitats on our own doorstep. One example is the "My Tree - My Dresden" initiative launched by us and other committed Dresdeners, in which 500,000 trees are planted in the city through civic engagement. The initiative is currently being extended to other German cities. More information on the initiative can be found here.
In addition, 20% of the money raised during the Wilderness Run is used for local projects at the participating schools. Examples of projects implemented so far can be found here. However, successful conservation requires wilderness refuges, which allow species to survive and re-populate. Therefore, existing habitats must be protected. Therefore, we at Wilderness International see the protection of untouched nature, the protection of intact habitats and the preservation of biodiversity as our top priority.
In Germany, there are no longer any wilderness areas of significant size. In Canada's temperate rainforest, there is still untouched nature, a high diversity of species and trees thousands of years old. Due to the low purchase price, we can permanently protect very large, ecologically valuable areas with little money in Canada in a legally secure way. We therefore find that this is an area where we can use donations and voluntary commitment most effectively.
Nature conservation projects in Germany are important and worthy of support. So is wilderness protection. Every organization must focus on core concerns; no one can change everything. Commitment achieves the most where it is done wholeheartedly. Wilderness International is committed to wilderness conservation.