Leonardo DiCaprio, in partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund and other collaborators, has launched an ambitious $200 million initiative focused on recovering the planet’s most critically endangered species. The new Phoenix Species Project will focus on targeted, long-term conservation efforts to help 100 species on the brink of extinction and the ecosystems they anchor.
- $200 million initiative led by Re:wild and Bezos Earth Fund
- Focus on 100 critically endangered species across diverse habitats
- Collaboration with 100+ partners for sustained conservation impact
What happened
Leonardo DiCaprio’s organization Re:wild has teamed up with the Bezos Earth Fund to launch the Phoenix Species Project, a groundbreaking conservation effort with a $200 million commitment. Half of that funding comes from the Bezos Earth Fund and the other half from Re:wild and supporting foundations, marking the largest philanthropic initiative solely dedicated to critically endangered species recovery.
The project targets 100 species facing imminent extinction in 30 countries. These species represent mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, invertebrates, and plants living in diverse environments. The initiative focuses on locally tailored strategies and is designed to provide sustained support rather than small, short-term grants.
Why it feels good
This effort goes beyond saving individual species; it recognizes that many endangered animals and plants play crucial roles in maintaining the health of entire ecosystems. By protecting these cornerstone species, the project also safeguards forests, wetlands, oceans, and grasslands that support countless forms of life including human communities.
Conservationists involved are excited by the scale and long-term vision of this initiative. The project offers hope that with sufficient resources and collaboration, species once on the brink can recover, restoring biodiversity and strengthening resilience against climate change. Local leaders emphasize that success also brings economic and cultural benefits through ecotourism and community involvement.
What to enjoy or watch next
The Phoenix Species Project will share progress updates on population recoveries and threat reductions via its website and social media channels. Watch for heartening stories of species like Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka, which is vital to local forest health and community well-being, as well as lesser-known species from around the world gaining renewed hope.
The initiative’s collaborative model invites global support and engagement, encouraging people to learn about and advocate for endangered species and their habitats. The coming years will be an important period to observe how sustained investment and partnership can transform conservation outcomes, inspiring further efforts to protect our planet’s natural heritage.