Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

Research shows that only 0.16% of global philanthropy supports the conservation of intact habitat—far less than is needed for this critical solution to the compounding climate change and biodiversity loss crises—and funding for youth-led organizations is severely limited. Our organization was formed in 2019 by a group of young, solutions-oriented environmentalists to help create new pathways for young people globally to become experienced conservation leaders. We work collaboratively to fundraise for and implement conservation projects proposed by youth, shifting the financial power that has traditionally driven conservation into the hands of the next generation.

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The average age of an American donor is 65, but Gen Z is the only generation to highly prioritize the environment in their giving. Our approach to reducing emissions by empowering youth to establish protected areas paves social and cultural pathways for youth in climate solutions, amplified by visual storytelling. 

Protected areas prevent deforestation and degradation, which are major contributors to carbon emissions. By preserving forests and other intact ecosystems, these areas maintain their ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Global assessments are clear that protected areas are critical to meeting SDGs and maintaining nature’s contributions to people both regionally and globally. 

To date, Reserva has funded the conservation of 2,269 acres in northern Ecuador entirely through youth action—a novel approach to protecting intact habitat in one of the most endemic biodiversity hotspots in the world. These areas were in the path of agricultural expansion and under mining concessions, making the loss of this carbon stock highly likely.

A recent Climateworks Foundation analysis of funding for youth-led climate organizations asserts that “there are huge opportunities for foundations to help accelerate ambition on climate mitigation by directing more funding to youth-led climate justice movements,” finding that “foundation giving to youth-led climate justice initiatives is extremely limited — accounting for just 0.76% of climate mitigation funding from the world’s largest climate foundations.”

Our work not only prevents the loss of carbon stores through youth action, but it equips young people with skills to be effective leaders in the climate crisis as they enter their early careers.

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Reserva empowers youth to realize and act upon their power to impact the protection of the wild spaces critical to restoring the Earth’s carbon balance. Through our flagship program, we create and support protected areas in biodiversity hotspots through youth action. Reserva’s programs are guided by the Reserva Youth Council, an international group of environmental leaders aged 26 and younger who design, share, and implement initiatives. The Youth Council provides opportunities for young people to network, share resources, and gain experience in the governance of a conservation non-profit. 

Currently, 5 out of 10 members of the Board of Directors are aged 18-26. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are also core principles of Reserva, as understanding who we are tells us who we have reached. 

Through Reserva’s 1 Million Letters #ForNature matching campaign, youth of all backgrounds and income levels can contribute to conservation and help influence global environmental policy. This empowers young people–including Indigenous youth neighboring the reserve sites in Ecuador–to help protect our natural world. To date, we have delivered more than 5,000 letters from the world’s young people directly to world leaders and country delegations at UN conventions.

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