EcoWB volunteers are actively engaged in preserving and restoring coastal mangrove ecosystems in Mexico's Marismas Nacionales region addressing threats posed by agriculture, shrimp farms, dams, and deforestation. EcoWB along with our corporate partners, ERM, are working with local partners to develop conservation strategies and restoration techniques to safeguard these critical ecosystems for future generations.

EcoWB volunteers are working with communities in Mulegé, México where the squid fishing industry collapsed a decade ago due to rising ocean water temperatures, resulting in socio-economic instability and hardship. In collaboration with our local partners, EcoWB volunteers are aiding local fishermen in transitioning to alternative, sustainable fishing practices by implementing a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP). The FIP provides Mulegé fishermen, fishing cooperatives, and fishery managers with data and recommendations on optimal fishing times and locations, as well as the use of eco-friendly fishing gear, to protect the Gulf of California ecosystem and improve livelihoods.

EcoWB volunteers are helping the residents of Nairobi address environmental and public health issues caused by pollution in the Nairobi Reservoir. Once a popular recreational spot, the reservoir is now surrounded by the informal settlement of Kibera.  The reservoir is now heavily polluted with human waste, non-biodegradable plastic, sediment, and invasive aquatic weeds, all of which pose serious health risks to Kibera residents. EcoWB and our corporate partner, POWER Engineers, are working with local partners to clean-up the reservoir and restore the natural functioning of its tributaries.

EcoWB is working with local partners in Fiji to transform abandoned sugar cane farms into a vibrant community agroforestry initiative. The project is being led by the Rugby Academy of Fiji and engages young rugby players in nurturing the land and fostering biodiversity by planting breadfruit and various fruit trees. EcoWB’s lead volunteer on the project is collaborating to further develop the project, aiming to secure a volunteer coordinator who will play a key role in raising the funds necessary to propel the project forward, ensuring its success and sustainability.

EcoWB is supporting a grassroots organization in Cameroon dedicated to safeguarding endangered chimpanzee populations in the remote forests of Somié. Human activities such as bushfires set by cattle grazers and deforestation for fuel and farmland have intensified the strain on the forest ecosystem. EcoWB volunteers helped coordinate initial proposal writing and strategic planning to secure funding, and are now aiding the development of a community forest project to promote sustainable forest management and socio-economic well-being.

Launching in 2025, this project will use LiDAR and remote sensing technology to map and monitor the mangrove forests of Jiquilisco Bay, one of El Salvador’s most biodiverse coastal ecosystems. These tools will help assess mangrove loss, identify degradation hotspots, and guide targeted restoration efforts. This data-driven approach will support fisheries, wildlife, and coastal communities that depend on Jiquilisco Bay.

EcoWB volunteers are working with fishing communities in the Winam Gulf region of Lake Victoria in Kenya who are struggling with the devastating socio-economic and ecological impacts of an invasive aquatic weed called water hyacinth. Water hyacinth has choked vast stretches of the lake shoreline, making it impossible to launch fishing boats and gain access to safe drinking water. EcoWB volunteers and our local partners developed an innovative strategy to remove water hyacinth, restore the waterways, and convert harvested plants into beneficial products such compost, charcoal, and animal fodder. These byproducts are then sold at discounted prices to stimulate demand and jobs, which in turn generates enough revenue to allow the lake restoration work to continue.

Launching in 2025, this project in Ethiopia’s Gamo Zone focuses on restoring degraded lands to support communities displaced by conflict and environmental degradation. In partnership with local organizations, EcoWB volunteers will implement sustainable land management practices, including reforestation, soil conservation, and water resource management, to revive ecosystems, support livelihoods, and strengthen community resilience.

EcoWB's volunteer freshwater specialists worked with pike perch fisheries and local communities in Lakes Hjälmaren, Vänern, and Mälaren to enhance sustainability in the Swedish Lakes. Through the project, the fisheries obtained Marine Stewardship Council certification, ensuring practices that protect fish populations and ecosystems. Meeting widely accepted certification standards for sustainable fisheries management and conservation helps protect the unique socio-ecological systems of these lakes, benefiting endemic as well as commercially important fish species.  This proactive approach benefits both fishers, consumers, and local fish populations while promoting overall lake ecosystem health. 

EcoWB collaborated with Homes of Hope (HoH), a Fijian non-profit offering long-term care for traumatized girls, women, and their children. Together, EcoWB volunteers designed and built an aquaculture and hydroponics facility, including five fishponds and a vegetable garden capable of generating 150 lbs of nutritious food each year. EcoWB volunteers trained HoH staff and residents to operate and maintain the facility, and organized workshops to educate HoH residents in ecological, engineering, and management concepts and techniques related to small-scale aquaculture and agricultural production.

EcoWB volunteers worked with researchers in Maranhão, Brazil to monitor the long-distance migration patterns and habitat use of several species of large-bodied fish in the Amazon basin. The initiative contributes to the ongoing conservation of the Amazon River basin's unique ecosystems. This knowledge is crucial for assessing the vulnerability of these species to habitat loss, fishing, and other human activities. Additionally, the project sheds light on poorly understood aspects of fish migration and ecology, informing conservation efforts and helping prevent biodiversity loss in the Amazon basin.

EcoWB volunteers assisted local partners in Peru's Bay of Sechura on the Pacific coast to enhance environmental and social practices in scallop sea ranching and farming. As part of a pre-evaluation based on Marine Stewardship Council sustainability standards, EcoWB volunteers assessed practices to safeguard scallop populations and associated ecosystems, addressing challenges like poor diver safety. This initiative ensures ongoing ecological research and promotes improved economic, social, and environmental outcomes in the region.

In 2023 EcoWB co-organized the first LACFC, a regional event that brought together policymakers, scientists, and industry stakeholders to address sustainable fishing practices in the region. The event promoted the sharing of innovative research and best practice to influence policy development and ensure the long-term health of aquatic ecosystems. By supporting events like this, EcoWB plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable fisheries management that benefit both marine environments and the communities dependent on them.

EcoWB volunteers worked with partners in several community forests across Nepal to analyze and interpret images captured by wildlife camera traps to inform conservation strategies for protecting Nepal’s community forests and their unique fauna. These cameras collect data on species distribution, population sizes, and interactions, helping us understand the human impacts on wildlife and habitats. 

EcoWB is partnering with 4P SCIENSEAS, a French NGO dedicated to coastal conservation through citizen science research. Their "Plastic Road™ project combines scientific research with beach cleanups along the Atlantic coastline of France, raising awareness about ocean conservation. Volunteers walk along sandy coastlines, collecting debris, conducting scientific sampling, and hosting public awareness events. This project fosters social connections, raises awareness about plastic pollution, and provides valuable scientific data. EcoWB and 4P SCIENSEAS aim to expand the Plastic Road™ to other countries, contributing to global research, engaging new partners, and influencing public policy to reduce plastic contamination.