About us
Who we are
We are a team committed to the long-term survival of endangered species by supporting science-based conservation initiatives by local decision-makers and community-based environmental stewardship.
1wild Foundation is a non-profit charity established in 2024 according to Swiss law. It amplifies a nature conservation commitment started around 30 years ago privately and continued through a private business. Why create another foundation instead of donating through existing institutions? We have a special focus on particularly important species (so-called EDGE species and keystone species), as well as key ecosystems. We also look out for conservation programmes which are effective, but inadequately recognized and supported. Another reason for creating our own foundation is that we want to make the most of our funds, including by reducing overhead losses which can be high in large, corporate charities based in developed countries.
Our vision
A planet where humans care for the wild, for intact ecosystems and for the future of wild species.
Our mission
Our renewable grants to conservationists world-wide help save key life forms from extinction.
Through this platform we aim to contribute to the following goals:
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Build awareness for both ecological and ethical aspects of degrading ecosystems.
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Protect high-value species and ecosystems – irrespective of their appeal – through financial support and advice to selected conservation activities, and reduce and prevent further degrading of ecosystems.
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Support well-conducted, but underfunded programmes.
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Identify and develop future leaders in species and ecosystem conservation
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Network conservation-minded individuals among scientists and laypersons.
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Encourage crowdfunding of conservation activities to expand our outreach and impact.
What we do
We help save key life forms from extinction.
We offer renewable grants to effective conservation initiatives addressing particularly precious ecosystems or species (EDGE or keystone species).
We provide expert advice to conservationists in the field and developing future leaders in conservation.
We build awareness of the extinction crisis through this platform.
We network conservation-minded scientists and non-scientists and encourage crowdfunding in support of 1wild conservation programmes.
What difference can small grants make?
With the vast majority of charities supporting human needs, many conservation activities are severely underfunded.
Therefore, even small grants awarded to carefully selected partners can make a real difference on the ground. They act as seed capital allowing to kick off programmes and keep them going.
Requests for our repeatable grants are reviewed online twice annually. Grants preferably support conservation measures that are not already financed by large institutions, but have a good track record or a concept that suggests impactful outcomes.
In addition to grants, we may also offer expert advice and provide contacts to relevant conservation experts.
We welcome additional donations for funding conservation programmes. Potential donors can contribute microfunds or larger amounts.
Our Team
1wild foundation is managed by a board of directors deliberately kept small. This allows for an efficient grant review, which is nevertheless based on sound principles and evidence.
Peter Kistler
PhD, MSc; Chairman. After earning a diploma in wildlife biology, Peter Kistler worked as Medical Editor, then Global Oncology Communications Manager in a large pharmaceutical company. In 1997 he founded a globally acting medical education agency. In his role as CEO, Scientific Director and head of the Science Department, he was responsible for the development and implementation of continuing medical education symposia and other advanced medical training projects world-wide, mostly in oncology/ haematology. Having supported various conservation programmes through his business, he founded 1wild in 2024 to expand his commitment to conservation after his retirement in 2017.
Rebekka Blumer
Managing Director. From the start of her career, Rebekka Blumer had a profound interest in conservation. Since 2013 she has been managing the finances and operations of the conservation NGO “International Takhi Group” which has reintroduced Przewalski’s Horses into the wild and engages in conserving the 18’000 km2 Great Gobi B sanctuary in Mongolia. Originally trained as a travel agency head, she joined a globally acting medical education agency. Starting as a Senior Event Manager, she soon headed the Events Department and later became COO and Partner. From 2000 to 2017 she was responsible for implementing hundreds of continuing medical education symposia and other advanced medical training projects in over 60 countries world-wide, mostly in oncology/ haematology. In addition to her vocational roles in conservation, she manages her boarding horse stable.
Reinhard Schnidrig
PhD, MSc; Scientific Advisor. A wildlife biologist by training, Reinhard Schnidrig has built his career in the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment. Before his retirement in 2024, he was Deputy Head of the Biodiversity and Landscapes Division and responsible for Species Conservation, Forest Biodiversity and Wildlife Management. In his field of activity he was also responsible for international aspects and represented Switzerland in various international conservation agreements, including the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS or Bonn Convention) and the Convention on Wetlands, especially as habitat for waterfowl and wading birds (Ramsar Convention). In the negotiations on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework KM-GBF, he was Switzerland's expert for the area-based conservation targets and the target to halt species extinction, to protect genetic diversity and to manage human/wildlife conflicts. Since 2015 he has also been President of the conservation NGO “International Takhi Group” dealing with the reintroduction of Przewalski’s Horses into the wild and the conservation of the 18’000 km2 Great Gobi B Specially Protected Area in Mongolia. He is co-author of three German-language books about wildlife: Die Gemse (The chamois; Publisher: Salm), Der Bär (The bear; Publisher: Stäpfli) and Wildtiermanagement (Wildlife management; Publisher: Haupt).
Contact us
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