As 2024 comes to a close, we pause to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had at OneNature. This year was marked by deep connections—among people, wildlife, and nature—with research and projects that put community well-being at the heart of conservation.
From Rwanda to Texas, from global conferences to your support through Giving Tuesday, every step we’ve taken has been fuelled by our mission: to create a world where humans and nature thrive together.
Key Highlights from 2024:
- Wild Happiness in Rwanda:
Partnering with Red Rocks Initiative, we supported communities near Volcanoes National Park as they adapt to park expansion, ensuring their well-being remains central to conservation success. Through surveys and community-led workshops, we laid the foundation for thriving futures for people and wildlife. - Wild Happiness Framework:
In 2024, we further developed and shared our Wild Happiness approach, a methodology that integrates community well-being into conservation practices. Presentations at the International Wildlife Co-existence Network Conference in Italy, the Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference in Washington DC, ACES ( A Community of Ecosystem Services) last week in Austin Texas, or through local workshops, we inspired conservationists worldwide to embrace holistic, people-centered solutions. - Deepening Cultural Connections to Wildlife:
We created “10 Ways to Be Connected”, a downloadable guide to help people strengthen their bonds with nature. We also completed vital research that amplifies stories of spiritual and cultural relationships to nature and wildlife, such as the chapter OneNature staff and Advisors co-authored for the Rutledge Handbook on Cultural Ecosystem Services and a collaborative paper on the importance of cultural keystone species. - Our Well-being Harmonization Project engaged a fantastic group of Master’s students completing their final Capstone Project at Columbia University in which they reviewed existing wellbeing measures and defined best practices for integrating community well-being into conservation work globally.
- Your Support Made It Possible:
From generous donations to participation in our campaigns, YOU have been the backbone of these achievements. Together, we’ve shown that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife—it’s about honoring the people and traditions that make this harmony possible.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With your continued support, 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking year:
- Nepal Snow Leopard Expedition: In collaboration with fellow Explorer’s Club members Joe Rohde, and Natalie Schmidt, and our local partner Pangje, our project will be an Explorers Club Flagged Expedition, pioneering new approaches to community collaboration and well-being in a remote corner of Nepal.
- Workshops and Certification Launch: We will officially roll out the Wild Happiness Certification Scheme, empowering conservation organizations to measure and improve well-being outcomes.
- Publication Milestone: The Rutledge Handbook on Cultural Ecosystem Services will be published in early 2025, along with collaborative research paper on spiritual and ancestral connections to nature. We will also publish our well-being in climate research and framework to better ensure community benefits in climate projects.
As part of our end-of-year fundraising, your gift can go twice as far thanks to a generous matching donation from our Board and Advisors. Join us in building a future where people, wildlife, and nature can thrive together.
Together, we can enter 2025 with the momentum to create lasting change for communities and wildlife around the world.
Click here to donate. We are extremely grateful for your support.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Wishing you all a peaceful, joyous holiday season and a new year filled with connection, purpose, and hope.
With gratitude,
The OneNature Team
