“How we treat beings in need is a reflection of society" - Tierhilfe FELiciTA is a small animal welfare association based in the Salzburg region that has grown to achieve remarkable impact. Thanks to an outstanding team of animal-loving volunteers, the organization is able to help nearly all small animals in distress in the Pongau region and beyond. The main focus is on cats that depend on human support, but other small animals are also assisted whenever possible. In practical terms, FELiciTA cares for animals that require help, thereby relieving the wider community. Even when not every animal can be taken in, FELiciTA usually finds someone who can help. Over the course of its five-year existence, the association has given hundreds of animals a new perspective and a loving home. Medical treatment, care, and compassion help many animals recover and go on to live lives filled with joy and love.

Oceans Alive Conservation Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered sea turtles across Southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. Working with regional Sea Turtle Rescue Networks, the project combines hands-on conservation with marine science and advanced technology to protect turtles at every life stage, from vulnerable hatchlings to injured or displaced adults. Nearly all sea turtle species are endangered due to poaching, habitat loss, and the impacts of climate change on nesting beaches. A key component of the project is turtle tagging, using satellite and acoustic tracking devices to study turtle movements, behaviour, and migration patterns. Every turtle rescued and returned to the ocean helps improve survival rates and supports the long-term future of these ancient marine species for generations to come.

ADEC Rwanda (Action Pour Le Développement de l’Ecotourisme Communautaire), active since 2017, empowers communities around Volcanoes National Park to protect biodiversity while improving local livelihoods. Working with conservation partners, ADEC trains ex-poachers as conservation ambassadors and supports local leaders, youth, and cooperatives in sustainable development. Through community awareness, capacity building, and the Volcanoes Green Youth Association, the NGO strengthens environmental education, food security, and ecotourism skills. A key focus of ADEC’s work is the protection of endangered mountain gorillas, promoting peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife while reducing poaching and habitat pressure. By identifying ecotourism sites such as river trails, viewpoints, and waterfalls, ADEC helps rural families generate income while conserving nature. Legally registered and working closely with government authorities, ADEC advances long-term conservation and socio-economic progress despite ongoing challenges.