WILD Foundation

05/06/2026

There’s still time to apply 🌎

Mentee applications for the 2026 close tonight at 11:59pm. As a mentee, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with incredible mentors from around the world, gain valuable insights from experienced conservation professionals, and join a global network working toward a wilder future.

Apply here 👉 https://forms.gle/tTdi3XYauu6u1Zph9

04/29/2026

ONE WEEK left to apply to the 2026 Global Mentorship Program!

This program brings together emerging leaders and experienced mentors from around the world to exchange knowledge, build meaningful connections, and grow real impact for conservation.

If you’ve been considering applying, now is the time to take that next step.

Apply here by May 6 👉 https://forms.gle/tTdi3XYauu6u1Zph9

04/23/2026

“It all comes down to Earth.” 🌏

As Henry Quick Bear Sr. reminds us, the Earth is healing, but she still needs protection.

On this , we’re reflecting on both the resilience of our planet and the responsibility we carry to care for it.

Healing doesn’t happen on its own. It requires intention, action, and a shared commitment to protecting the lands, waters, and wildlife that sustain us all.

Let today be a reminder: the future of the Earth is in our hands.


04/22/2026

Mentorship shapes lives and the future of conservation. 🌿

For 34 years, WILD co-founder Ian Player mentored Vance Martin, building a relationship rooted in trust, guidance, and shared purpose. That connection helped shape the organization we know today.

Now, we’re continuing that legacy through the Global Mentorship Program. By becoming a mentor, you’ll not only support an emerging conservation leader, you’ll also grow in your own journey.

If you’re an experienced conservation professional, we invite you to join us! Applications for the 2026 Global Mentorship Program are open until May 27.

New Mentors Application: https://forms.gle/wMsCTQS2qJgicut18
Returning Mentors Application: https://forms.gle/WEJS9yhsM7mDgqYk8

04/17/2026

Are you an emerging conservation leader?

Our Global Mentorship Program pairs you with an experienced professional who can offer guidance, support, and real-world insight as you grow in your conservation career.

Mentee applications are open now through April 29th!

Apply here 👉 https://forms.gle/tTdi3XYauu6u1Zph9

04/01/2026

🔔 Applications for the 2026 Global Mentorship Program are now OPEN!

Join us as a mentor or a mentee for six months of cross-generational collaboration. 🌍🤝 Connect with emerging leaders in conservation and seasoned conservation professionals.

Apply through the links below!

Mentee Application: forms.gle/tTdi3XYauu6u1Zph9
New Mentor Application: https://forms.gle/wMsCTQS2qJgicut18
Returning Mentor Application: https://forms.gle/WEJS9yhsM7mDgqYk8

03/25/2026

What happens when experience meets emerging leadership?

The 2026 Global Mentorship Program is designed to foster meaningful, cross-generational relationships that strengthen the future of conservation.

Applications open Wednesday, April 1st. for this six-month virtual program that connects emerging environmental leaders with seasoned professionals to exchange knowledge, build skills, and grow together.

If you’re ready to mentor—or be mentored—this is your chance to contribute to a more sustainable future!

Stay tuned for the application link.

10/28/2025

📣 Motion 096 Passed at the IUCN: Setting Area-Based Targets on Scientific Evidence and Reversing Historic Injustices!

🌍 Motion 096 brings the Nature Needs Half vision into the center of global policy by: legitimizing the 50% scientific target for formal review, recognizes 30% as a milestone on the way to Half Earth, elevates Indigenous stewardship as essential to that journey, and embedes the moral dimension of healing people and planet together.

🔗Learn more: https://iucncongress2025.org/assembly/motions/motion/096

10/27/2025

📣 Join CoalitionWILD’s 2026 EXCELerator Program!

The EXCELerator program is a six-month leadership and capacity-building initiative designed to help youth implement projects that drive lasting change in their communities or environments.

If you’re passionate about making an impact in the conservation sector, this program could
be the perfect fit!

💬 ‘‘The program isn’t just about learning; it’s also about building confidence—in your project and in yourself as a leader.’ -Viviana Solange, EXCELerator alumni Yanez Gomez

🔗 Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7kvMjs5mp8eOvkYMPuRj3b37hcn80aki8o4eUKK7uYIfb5Q/viewform

10/22/2025

🎧 Viviana Solange Yanez Gomez is the force behind 18,000 Trees in Ecuador, a country famous for its incredible biodiversity, cities, and landscapes.

Although Viviana grew up surrounded by nature–hiking mountains and forests, she simultaneously watched these ecosystems get damaged. That early experience sparked her path toward conservation.

🌳 Today, she leads 18000 Trees, 18000 Puembeños, a community-led urban reforestation project in Puembo, Quito. Their goal? To plant 18,000 trees–one for every resident–over six years, restoring ecosystems, creating habitats, reconnecting green spaces, and building climate resilience.

Viviana is also an alum of CoalitionWILD’s EXCELerator FLEX program. With applications for the 2026 EXCELerator program opening on October 27th and running through November 24th, we thought there couldn’t be a better time to sit down and chat with such an inspiring individual.

📣 The EXCELerator program is a six-month intensive program that trains emerging conservation leaders to turn ideas into real-world action projects.

🔗 Find the episode here: https://smartlink.ausha.co/voices-of-wilderness/62

If you enjoy our podcast Voices of Wilderness, please consider supporting our work at WILD.org, which allows us to dedicate time to creating these conversations for you.

And please, leave comments and rate us on your favorite platform. ⭐

Viviana Solange Yanez Gomez is the force behind 18,000 Trees in Ecuador, a country famous for its incredible biodiversity, cities, and landscapes. Although Viviana grew up surrounded by nature–hiking mountains and forests, she simultaneously watched these ecosystems get damaged. That early experie...