Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos Launch Species Project

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund kick off the Phoenix Species Project aimed at recovering endangered species globally.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund have initiated the Phoenix Species Project, an ambitious program aimed at recovering endangered species. This landmark effort is designed to support the recovery of 100 species that are on the brink of extinction, encompassing a diverse range of animals and plants from 30 different countries.

The project, which is being financed by a significant initial commitment of $200 million, is being touted as the largest single philanthropic initiative aimed at conserving critically endangered species. Of this amount, the Bezos Earth Fund is contributing $100 million, a figure matched by Re:wild with support from DiCaprio, the Age of Union, and the Todd Graves Family Foundation.

Unlike previous endeavors that typically provided only short-term grants, this project is structured to allow for sustained investment, ensuring that comprehensive efforts are made toward the recovery of wildlife species. More than 100 local and international partners will work collaboratively on this initiative, customizing recovery plans to address the specific needs of each species and its habitat.

The Phoenix Species Project aligns with Target 4 of the CBD Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for worldwide governments to stop extinctions and enhance the conservation status of endangered species. The Reverse the Red Action Partnership will play a key role in this, helping governments identify priority species for recovery actions.

Additionally, the initiative is collaborating with the IUCN Species Survival Commission, the largest conservation science network of volunteers worldwide, serving as a vital source of global knowledge.

Founded in 2021, Re:wild aims to protect and restore biodiversity and vulnerable habitats globally, with DiCaprio, alongside Dr. Wes Sechrest and a team of conservation scientists, at the helm.

The Bezos Earth Fund focuses on innovative solutions and partnerships for the restoration of the natural environment. The project is directed by Tom Taylor, with oversight from Chairman Jeff Bezos and Vice Chair Lauren Sánchez Bezos.