SavingSpecies is a collective of senior, conservation professionals, profoundly committed to preventing species extinctions. Preventing species extinctions is the collective’s only objective. We provide a ratings service of projects that seek to do this and connect individual donors to NGOs directly. The projects we evaluate protect existing habitats or restore degraded ones.

SavingSpecies is an all-volunteer organization. We do not do the protection. We do not collect money. As an organization, we do not occupy office space, have staff, or charge overhead or other expenses.

SavingSpecies evaluates projects from typically small, local non-governmental organizations, and promotes those we consider to be doing a great job.

SavingSpecies also evaluates how much carbon dioxide will be “soaked up” by the land purchased and restored. Many of us wish to become carbon neutral —that is, to have trees growing and taking carbon dioxide out of the air equivalent to our use of fossil fuels.

SavingSpecies provides the scientific background for our recommendations in a transparent way so that donors know exactly who wants to do what, where, and why it is important to do so. Like every scientific endeavor, our work is in the peer-reviewed literature where colleagues can evaluate and criticize it.

SavingSpecies solicits proposals globally that identify specific direct conservation actions with a high potential to directly prevent extinctions.

SavingSpecies arises out of a certain frustration. As “mud-on-boots” professionals, we work with and meet wonderful dedicated, passionate, — and often young — people in the various countries we visit. Were you to ask us, “to whom should we give money to save species?” we’d have no trouble providing answers. Can you find these people on the web? Often not, and, in any case, how could you be sure they are doing a great job?

Conversely, you can find organizations on the web that are concerned with species. But exactly which ones — and exactly what would your money do if you gave it to them? Simply, we connect you directly to the people and places that do the work. You can talk to them, perhaps even visit them. (Not all the places are readily accessible, for example).

SavingSpecies monitors progress. We have considerable skills in GIS and remote sensing. So, first, we’ll show you the places we recommend using Google Earth (and tell you how to use that free program if you do not know how to use it.) Then, using other products, including satellite imagery we’ll continue to show you how the purchased lands recover their forests. Forest cover is not a sufficient measure and cannot show the species we seek to protect, but that’s when direct contact with those you are supporting makes such a difference.

SavingSpecies asks you: Would you buy a stock without checking its rating on MorningStar or checking with your broker? Or go to a restaurant in New York without checking Zagats first?

SavingSpecies provides a similar service for gifts to the environment. We are small and focused and back up our picks with science that you can read about — in the most prestigious journals. Science works because it is transparent and open to constant criticism; we tell you our picks, warts and all, tell you who agrees, disagrees, and the rest of it.