IDEA WILD was founded in 1991 to minimize the loss of biodiversity by empowering people who work on the front lines of conservation efforts in developing countries. We initiated work in Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Venezuela during 1992-1995. Additional South American countries were added in 1996-1999, with the Philippines, Madagascar, Caribbean, and West Africa added in 2000-2002. More recently, in 2003 - 2005, we have begun to expand the model into more countries in Southeast Asia.

IDEA WILD is unique to the conservation arena and provides basic equipment and supplies for biodiversity research and conservation education projects. We receive requests daily for basic tools from professors, students, activists, and non-profit staff working to minimize the loss of biodiversity within their countries.

IDEA WILD:

■ Provides Equipment and Supplies - In fourteen years IDEA WILD has provided binoculars, mist nets, climbing equipment, computers, printers, global positioning systems, slide projectors, video and 35mm cameras, and other equipment, directly to more than 1500 conservation projects in 45 countries.
■ Promotes Recycling - IDEA WILD encourages equipment transfer from one project to another when the first is completed. On average, the equipment cycles through at least three projects. Consequently, over 4500 projects have used, or are currently using, equipment provided by IDEA WILD.
■ Collects Data - Hundreds of theses, management plans, technical reports, scientific papers, videos and educational materials for children have been created with the enormous amount of data collected with IDEA WILD equipment donations.
■ Facilitates Training - Professors, graduate and undergraduate students, non-profit staff, and other nationals have all gained experience and skills using equipment donated by IDEA WILD.
■ Fills Professional Positions - IDEA WILD recipients have moved up to fill positions in national parks, eco-tourism operations, zoos, universities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies with individuals experienced in biodiversity conservation.
■ Creates Symbiotic Relationships - IDEA WILD has created mutually beneficial relationships with numerous equipment suppliers resulting in discounted equipment, and consequently, more projects funded per dollar donated.

IDEA WILD receives funding from direct mailings, slide presentations, merchandising, benefit auctions, individuals, corporations, and private foundations and has increased funding every year since 1991...

IDEA WILD is just warming up!

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