As 2024 draws to a close, we turn the page on a meaningful chapter. After 5 years of action for Nature, Equestrio Foundation is coming to an end. Alicia Heiniger will be pursuing her philanthropic commitment to the environment and animal welfare as a private donor. A wonderful, shared adventure that ends with the conviction that our fight will continue to resonate and evolve in new and lasting ways.
5 years in 5 words
We won’t be leaving without a last review of our actions. Because let’s be frank, we’re proud and above all happy with what has been achieved! A lot has happened since 2019 and the launch of Equestrio Foundation. What’s there to remember? Everything, of course, and especially these few words:
Impact
In 2020, we funded our first project: Lampedusa Turtle Rescue, a rehabilitation centre for sea turtles in southern Italy. 4 years later, we are celebrating the 41st project supported, with more than CHF 1.4 million invested in our philanthropic endeavor.
From oceans and lakes to Alpine mountains, from Jura wildlife to mistreated Spanish horses, from endangered Genevan bees to elephants retired from circuses and zoos, from stray dogs and cats to the hunted gorillas of the Democratic Republic of Congo, from Senegalese mangroves to the biodiversity of Lake Geneva, we have selected and supported impactful initiatives, that are close to our hearts.
Equestrio Foundation has always remained true to its utmost commitment to traceability and impact and stood by its key principle of allocating 100% of donations to projects. The associations face a cruel lack of resources, and they need all the support they can get to carry out their work.
Collective action
In all sincerity, we did not suspect the strength and multitude of local grassroots collective commitments which, for lack of resources, all too often go unnoticed. We are pleased to have contributed to their development.
Just like the invisible ecosystems that are the beating heart of our biodiversity, the day-to-day commitment of all these local associations which work so hard for the protection of the environment is the basis of all change.
On so many occasions we have been surprised, deeply moved, and profoundly inspired by these encounters, which truly bring to life the meaning behind those powerful words: ‘Each action counts’ and ‘Together, we are stronger.’
Raising awareness
In addition to financial support, through our various articles and communications, our aim has always been to shine a spotlight on projects and the behind-the-scenes heroes who support them, in order to raise awareness of the fundamental causes they uphold.
It is greatly thanks to these inspiring personalities that environmental and animal issues are increasingly gaining visibility. Whether in the field or via the media, they strive in many innovative ways to reach out to the general public and inspire change, especially among the younger generations, the backbone of change.
Images
To raise awareness, there are voices and words. And images. They speak for themselves.
For each project funded by the foundation, we also financed a photo or video report shared with the largest number. Over time, we’ve explored new formats, to always stay in tune in with our audience, as shown on our social networks or by our new web series “Equestrio Foundation in Action” that takes you into the field, to the heart of the reality of those who make commitment a way of life.
A total of 17 reports and 8 episodes of EF in Action have been produced by our foundation.
We trust that these beautiful images will live on and resonate in their own right. Timeless, just like Nature in so far as we respect it…
Thank you
Thank you to the associations we have worked with. For your commitment, for your optimism, for your generosity and for all the shared emotions. We are grateful to have had the chance to team up with wonderful people who not only brought us to a deeper understanding of nature but also enabled us to take action, knowing that we were having a real impact.
Thank you to our donors, large and small, who have contributed to the success of our Foundation.
Thank you to Nature, who sustains us – never let us forget this – and who will continue to enable us to thrive if we give her back everything she provides.
And now, let’s raise our voices one last time, together, for Her! Let us each continue, in our own way, to speak in her name and act for her sake by supporting these wonderful projects individually,