Global Gathering 2025

Between the 4^th and 9^th May, HIEF participated in the Conservation Collective Global Gathering in Cyprus.

The Conservation Collective are a family of 20 locally-based foundations, similar to HIEF, who collectively protect and restore nature through funding grassroots projects in various locations worldwide. This year, the Cyprus Environment Foundation (CEF) hosted the Global Gathering in Kalopanayiotis, a village in the mountains of Cyprus, bringing together almost 50 individuals representing foundations from across the network.

It was a privilege to hear from projects that CEF had supported, such as protecting the Bonelli’s eagle, and increasing marine environmental awareness through the creative arts.

Throughout the week, it was incredibly powerful to share stories with other foundations from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Sally McNaught, Executive Director HIEF, presented a case study on Scottish Islands Marine Litter, an ongoing project being led by the Marine Conservation Society and Scottish Islands Federation. Other foundations highlighted impactful and inspirational work that varied from reef conservation in the Mediterranean to preventing sea-turtle poaching in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Having all 20 foundations together in the same place also presented opportunities to plan for activities going forwards. One session focused on defining, measuring, and communicating impact, while another explored how we could fundraise collectively through themed portfolios. Discussions were both very positive and encouraging, and we are looking forward to taking these ideas forward over the coming months.

We also celebrated success through the annual ‘Collectives’ awards ceremony, recognising particularly impactful initiatives from across the network.  Congratulations to all the winners! More can be found here.