Nature's Heartbeat

A Rocha field team by Ceiba pentandra in Atewa forest Photo credit Jeremy Lindsell

Nature’s Heartbeat is a global conservation initiative led by IUCN Netherlands in partnership with four regional hubs across Ghana, Uganda, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Bolivia. The project focuses on strengthening grassroots and community-led conservation efforts in critical biodiversity landscapes through an innovative trust-based funding model.

The programme recognizes local conservationists community groups, indigenous peoples, youth, and NGOs as the “beating heart” of global conservation, and seeks to embed their work into the broader international conservation system.

Running from 2025 to 2029, the project will support 40 local conservation organisations working across 14 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), covering more than 3.7 million hectares of ecologically significant landscapes.

Project facts:

Countries: Philippines, Indonesia, Uganda, Ghana and Bolivia
Partners: Armonia Bolivia, A Rocha Ghana, Ecotrust, and NTFP-EP
Duration: 1 June 2025 – 30 May 2029
Donor: Postcode Lottery

Focus on biodiversity hotspots under pressure from:
Deforestation
Mining
Climate change
Weak governance systems

“Conservation is strongest when the people closest to nature are trusted to lead it.”

Overall Objective

To anchor local conservationists and their organisations within the global conservation system, enabling them to effectively protect biodiversity while influencing a shift toward trust-based, locally-led conservation financing.

Nature’s Heartbeat approach

To improve the position of nature conservationists and the financing of nature conservation, we are working along two pathways, together with a strong coalition of local organisations. We have identified the steps needed to achieve our goals within both pathways.

  1. Strong conservationists on the frontline

We support around 30 selected conservation organisations on the basis of trust. These organisations receive three-year, flexible financial contributions to pursue their mission. In addition, we offer them capacity building through coaching, training and tailored advice.

2. A shift to trust-based funding

We work to increase the visibility of local nature organisations among the global public. At the same time, we advise parties on how to reach even more local nature organisations.

Ghana Focus

In Ghana, the project is implemented by A Rocha Ghana and targets two priority KBAs:

  • Atewa Forest Reserve – a critical upland evergreen forest and major water source for over 5 million people
  • Mole National Park – Ghana’s largest protected area, rich in savannah biodiversity including elephants and large carnivores

The Ghana component emphasizes:

  • Community-led conservation (CREMAs)
  • Sustainable livelihoods (e.g. beekeeping, ecotourism)
  • Combating illegal mining, logging, hunting, and wildfires
  • Strengthening local conservation governance and partnerships
  • Increase awareness and advocacy through media and local engagement

Key Components

1. Trust-Based Funding Model

  • Flexible, unearmarked funding to local organisations

  • Simplified reporting and reduced bureaucracy

  • Emphasis on local decision-making and ownership

2. Capacity Strengthening

  • Tailored coaching, mentoring, and training

  • Focus areas:

    • Financial management

    • Conservation practices

    • Advocacy and communication

    • Organisational development

3. Landscape-Level Approach (Ghana)

  • Multi-stakeholder collaboration:

    • CREMAs

    • NGOs and CBOs

    • Media organisations

    • Government agencies

  • Joint planning and governance at landscape level

4. Coalition & Network Building

  • Four regional hubs supporting grassroots actors

  • Knowledge exchange across countries

  • Linking local actors to global platforms

5. System Change & Advocacy

  • Influencing international donors and funding mechanisms

  • Developing a Nature’s Heartbeat Standard for trust-based funding

  • Promoting locally-led conservation globally

Expected Results

Global Results

  • 40 strengthened grassroots organisations
  • Over 3.7 million hectares of biodiversity conserved
  • Protection of 40+ endangered species
  • Increased global adoption of trust-based funding models

Ghana Results

  • Reduced threats (illegal mining, logging, hunting, fires)
  • Restored habitats in Atewa and Mole
  • Stabilized or increasing populations of key species (e.g. elephants, pangolins)
  • Strengthened local conservation governance
  • Increased public awareness and advocacy
  • Improved collaboration among local stakeholders

Our Local Partners in Ghana

Nature’s Heartbeat in Ghana works through a network of grassroots and specialist partners—each playing a unique role in protecting Atewa and Mole.

Together, they form a landscape-wide conservation coalition, combining community action, science, media, and advocacy.

 Atewa Landscape Partners

  • Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape (CCAL)

A community-rooted organisation leading local mobilisation to protect Atewa from destructive activities such as illegal mining and logging. CCAL strengthens local stewardship and community voice in conservation.

  • Herp Conservation Ghana

A science-driven conservation organisation focused on amphibians and reptiles. They provide biodiversity monitoring, species research, and ecological data to guide conservation decisions.

  • Eco-Conscious Citizens

An advocacy-focused organisation driving environmental education, citizen action, and policy influence to strengthen protection for Atewa.

  • Environment Report

A conservation media platform amplifying environmental stories, raising awareness, and strengthening public accountability.

  • GH Extractives

A media organisation focused on extractive governance, helping expose mining impacts and influence public dialogue on environmental justice.

  • CREMAs (Community Resource Management Areas)

Local governance structures leading habitat restoration, fire management, community sensitisation, and sustainable resource management. The CREMAs involved are;

Atewa, Atiwa West, and Ayensuano CREMAs 

Mole Landscape Partners

  • Pure Trust Foundation

A community-based organisation connecting conservation with sustainable livelihoods, helping reduce hunting pressure and promote nature-positive incomes.

  • Mole CREMAs

Community governance groups leading fire prevention, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and conservation awareness in communities surrounding Mole.

Murugu-Mognori, Yazori Kumbo, BKJ, Guwado CREMAs

Nature’s Heartbeat Project Launched in Ghana’s Savannah and Eastern Regions
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