Fund good science

to protect biodiversity

Dedicated to funding research to solve the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth

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Featured RESEARCH

CONSERVE WILDLIFE TO Prevent the next pandemic

Hernán Cáceres-Escobar, PhD DVM
Dr. Cáceres-Escobar a scientist with Sapienza University of Rome and a consultant for international organizations like TRAFFIC and IUCN.
Increasing human-driven impacts on nature causes planetary change and extensive biodiversity loss. Unchecked encroachment into wilderness and unsustainable use of biodiversity create new opportunities for disease emergence.
Dr. Cáceres-Escobar combines his veterinary and conservation expertise to manage disease risk. Click here to read his article in *The Lancet Planetary Health* on keeping diseases in check by extending food safety systems to the wildlife trade.

SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES AND MARINE CONSERVATION

Leslie Roberson, PhD
Dr. Roberson is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Queensland and a Visiting Scientist at CSIRO, the Australian government’s scientific research agency.
Fisheries are one of the most poorly monitored extractive industries on Earth. Dr. Roberson combines statistical methods with new technologies to improve fisheries sustainability. To reduce impacts on vulnerable species like sea turtles, sharks, and marine mammals, she works closely with fishers in an array of contexts, including traditional canoes in West Africa, shark fisheries in Pakistan and some of the world’s most lucrative tuna fleets.
Dr. Roberson recently discovered that more than 90 endangered species are caught in industrial fisheries. Read her article in *Nature Communications* here.

Donate today to support conservation research

“Effective conservation always starts with knowledge. Nature suffers when conservation research is underfunded. Atlas Conservation Initiative supports critical research that keeps our lands and oceans healthy.”

- Professor Hugh Possingham
Chief Scientist of the Queensland Government, Australia
Professor of Mathematics and Professor of Ecology at the University of Queensland

About Us

Canadian registered charity no. 777370206RR0001

OUr Mission: Fund high quality, high impact research to make a positive difference for our shared biodiversity.

Focal area for funding

Biodiversity conservation

Funding eligibility

Early-career scientist at a university in Canada or around the world*

* Must be listed as a qualified donee by the Canada Revenue Agency

Targeted disbursement (1st round)

~ CAD $25,000

Good science is the foundation of effective conservation.

The UN estimates that we invest just 15% of what’s needed to preserve healthy ecosystems.
Atlas Conservation Initiative is working to ensure that the science our biodiversity depends on gets done.
We raise funds to issue grants to universities who will administer these funds to leading scientists for research that will improve biodiversity outcomes.
Maximizing the impact of your contribution is our commitment. We select our grantees through a rigorous evaluation process. Demonstrating clear biodiversity impact is a key selection criteria.

Make a lasting contribution to biodiversity today

Sign up for our e-newsletter with a monthly or annual donation

Donate and receive your Atlas Conservation Brief

FAQs

What does Atlas Conservation Initiative do?

Launched in 2021, Atlas Conservation Initiative raises funds to issue grants to universities who will administer these funds to leading scientists for research that will improve biodiversity outcomes research. The research we fund will make a positive impact for our shared biodiversity.

What is biodiversity conservation?

Biodiversity conservation is how we protect the magnificent variety of life on Earth. This involves policy and action, all of which starts with good science to be effective.

How can I donate to Atlas Conservation Initiative?

There are many ways you can donate to Atlas Conservation Initiative.

Online

Donate

Mail

Please post your check or money order (Canadian banks only), payable to Atlas Conservation Initiative, through your national postal service to:

Atlas Conservation Initiative, P.O. Box 10014, North York RPO Yonge & Finch, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M2N 0B6

To send a package via courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.), please contact us at info@atlasconservation.org for a courier delivery address.

Non-cash gifts or services

Atlas Conservation Initiative accepts a variety of non-cash gifts from our generous supporters, including:

Tangible personal property gifts. These are gifts that Atlas Conservation Initiative can sell (e.g. a piece of jewelry, land and real estate).
In-kind goods. These are goods that Atlas Conservation Initiative can use (e.g. donated office space).
In-kind services. These are professional services that are donated to Atlas Conservation Initiative (e.g. pro bono marketing services).

To donate gifts or services, please email info@atlasconservation.org for more information.

Is Atlas Conservation Initiative a registered charity?

Atlas Conservation Initiative is a registered charity in Canada. Our charitable registration number from the Canada Revenue Agency is 777370206RR0001.

I’m a conservation scientist. How do I submit a research funding proposal?

Please send an initial inquiry via email to info@atlasconservation.org with:

Your full academic CV;
A one-page research brief describing your expertise and your proposed research;
A half-page impact statement on the anticipated impact of your proposed research on biodiversity; and
A half-page ‘plain-language summary’ of the above.

We review applications on a case-by-case basis for scientific rigor and biodiversity impact.

At the time of grant issuance, you must be affiliated with or employed at a university in Canada or at a university overseas that is listed as a qualified donee by the Canada Revenue Agency. Grants are issued to your university for administration.

Our Leadership Team

Dr. Hubert Cheung

PRESIDENT
Hubert has a PhD in conservation science. His research explores the human dimensions of conservation, with a focus on wildlife trade and conservation geopolitics.
Hubert has professional experience putting conservation science into action through his work in environmental organizations.
Read more about Hubert's research at www.hcxconservation.org.
Joseph Cull

DIRECTOR
Joseph is a professionally licensed archaeologist. He has worked in cultural heritage since 2011 in North America and Europe, including on UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Joseph works alongside Indigenous communities, and has a deep respect for Indigenous conservation practices in both cultural heritage and environmental protection.
Connect with Joseph on LinkedIn.
Michael Wong

DIRECTOR
Michael is the founder and president of Todotoronto, a media agency based out of Toronto.
He is deeply passionate about building organizations that have a lasting impact, whether in marketing or conservation.
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.