The European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) has announced that its public vote to help choose the first of its conservation projects for 2024 is now open. You can now vote to help vital conservation funds reach the mountains we love. Whether that's clearing barbed wire and scrap remaining from the Second World War (in the Hautes-Alpes and Savoie regions) or clean-up events in Switzerland and Italy on the mountains where we love to ski, bike and hike.
There are lots of other deserving projects you can vote for too, but the mountain projects are close to our heart. Get your vote in now
With a potential reach into the millions, this is an opportunity for all the shortlisted organisations to present themselves on an international platform to gather support and showcase the vital work they do. Twice a year, non profits are invited to apply to EOCA for funding for a specific nature conservation project of up to €30,000. The funding comes from the collective support of the European outdoor leisure sector, encompassing nearly 150 brands. These companies, big and small, are taking their responsibility for looking after wild places seriously, and, by pooling funds and working together, making a bigger difference on the ground, at a grassroots level than if they were working alone.
All projects funded by EOCA must address a threat to a habitat and species, involve education, and have the support of and benefit the local community, mitigate climate change and biodiversity loss, and finally, have a link to the outdoor enthusiast.
Joint General Manager of EOCA, Catherine Savidge, commented,
“This funding round, we received a huge number of applications and, after an extensive and rigorous selection process, we are delighted to present our shortlisted projects. Through this public vote, we want to give all outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers the opportunity to help us select which projects EOCA funds this spring, whilst at the same time raising awareness of urgent conservation issues that need addressing around the world”.
Voting ends on 9th May at 12.00midday (BST) / 13.00 (CEST).