Leonardo DiCaprio is expanding his long-running environmental work with one of the biggest conservation commitments ever announced for endangered wildlife. The actor’s conservation organization, Re, has joined forces with the Bezos Earth Fund to launch the Phoenix Species Project, a global initiative backed by an initial $200 million investment. The ambitious programme is designed to help prevent the extinction of 100 critically endangered species across dozens of countries by supporting long-term conservation efforts instead of short-term funding.
The announcement marks a significant step in global biodiversity protection at a time when scientists continue to warn that thousands of species face increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change, pollution and illegal wildlife trade. By combining financial resources with scientific expertise and local partnerships, the initiative aims to accelerate recovery efforts where they are needed most. Organisers say the project will work closely with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, conservation experts and governments to create solutions tailored to each species and ecosystem.
Phoenix Species Project targets 100 endangered species
The Phoenix Species Project will focus on recovering 100 species that are considered to be at immediate risk of extinction. The programme spans a broad range of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and plants. Conservation work will take place across 30 countries, covering diverse ecosystems such as oceans, forests, wetlands, grasslands and volcanic landscapes.
Rather than distributing small grants for limited periods, the initiative has been designed to provide sustained financial support that allows conservation teams to develop long-term recovery plans. More than 100 local and international organisations are expected to lead projects on the ground, ensuring that conservation strategies are adapted to the unique environmental and cultural conditions of each region. The approach is intended to give endangered species a stronger chance of long-term survival instead of relying on temporary interventions.
The programme also supports countries working toward Target 4 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an international agreement that calls on governments to halt human-driven extinctions and improve the conservation status of threatened species. The Reverse the Red Action Partnership will assist participating governments in identifying priority species and activating recovery measures, while the IUCN Species Survival Commission, the world’s largest volunteer conservation science network, will serve as the project’s global knowledge partner.
DiCaprio and Bezos Earth Fund back record investment
The $200 million commitment represents the largest single philanthropic investment dedicated specifically to recovering critically endangered species. The Bezos Earth Fund will contribute $100 million, while Re will match that amount with support from Leonardo DiCaprio, Age of Union, and the Todd Graves Family Foundation. The scale of the funding reflects growing recognition that reversing biodiversity loss requires consistent investment over many years rather than isolated conservation campaigns.
DiCaprio has been an outspoken advocate for environmental protection for decades, supporting projects focused on wildlife conservation, rainforest preservation and climate action. Since its launch in 2021, Re has worked alongside scientists and conservation groups to restore biodiversity and protect vulnerable ecosystems around the world. The organisation was founded by DiCaprio, Dr. Wes Sechrest, and other conservation scientists with the goal of creating stronger collaborations between local communities and global environmental experts.
The Bezos Earth Fund, established by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, funds projects that address climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental restoration through scientific research and strategic partnerships. The organisation is led by CEO Tom Taylor under the direction of Chairman Jeff Bezos and Vice Chair Lauren Sánchez Bezos, supporting initiatives intended to produce measurable environmental outcomes around the world.
Why the initiative could reshape wildlife conservation
Conservation experts have increasingly argued that many endangered species fail to recover because funding often ends before meaningful progress can be achieved. Wildlife restoration frequently requires years of habitat protection, breeding programmes, scientific monitoring and community involvement before populations begin to stabilise. The Phoenix Species Project aims to address that challenge by creating a longer financial runway for recovery efforts instead of limiting support to short-term conservation cycles.
If successful, the initiative could become a model for future global biodiversity programmes by demonstrating how philanthropic organisations, scientists, governments and Indigenous communities can work together on a large scale. As the number of threatened species continues to rise worldwide, projects that combine substantial funding with local expertise may play an increasingly important role in preventing irreversible biodiversity loss. For Leonardo DiCaprio, whose environmental advocacy has become as well known as his film career, the Phoenix Species Project represents another major step in his ongoing effort to protect the planet’s most vulnerable wildlife.
