The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) and the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) are thrilled to announce a generous $1 Million donation from ISF, founded by actor and activist Ian Somerhalder, which will provide transformative support for JGI’s programs to protect the natural world we share and improve the wellbeing of people, other animals, and essential ecosystems around the world.

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/14/2021 -- The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) and the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) are thrilled to announce a generous $1 Million donation from ISF, founded by actor and activist Ian Somerhalder, which will provide transformative support for JGI's programs to protect the natural world we share and improve the wellbeing of people, other animals, and essential ecosystems around the world.

Dr. Goodall, Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed have a shared understanding that everything is interconnected, and that the most essential relationships we have are with the planet we call home and all the other beings with whom we share it.

Through this investment, the Jane Goodall Institute has shared they will be able to expand and deepen their programs which innovate through Jane's visionary approaches to the renowned global youth empowerment program Roots & Shoots, community-led great ape conservation, habitat protection, restoration and regeneration, progressive animal-welfare and sanctuary care, world-changing advocacy and climate action. As Ian, Nikki and Jane all live with a conviction to inspire the next generation to make the world a better place and spread compassion for animals, this grant was a beautiful fit and demonstrates the power of individuals to make a world of difference and shape a better future for all.

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, is a global phenomenon celebrating six decades of innovations in science, advocacy in animal welfare, conservation and environmentalism generating positive impacts in Gombe and beyond, for today and for generations to come. Ian Somerhalder, Founder of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation and UN Global Goodwill Ambassador, is a committed conservationist, philanthropist and inspirational leader as a voice for positive planetary change, action and the empowerment and education of young people. Through a generous $1 Million donation from the Ian Somerhalder Foundation to the Jane Goodall Institute, Jane will be acting upon their shared passion for the natural world and a commitment to empowering the next generation.

The Jane Goodall Institute will use this opportunity to invest in the things that matter most to them – protecting our shared planet through innovative science, community-led conservation initiatives, habitat restoration and regeneration, progressive animal-welfare and sanctuary care, world-changing advocacy and climate action and global youth empowerment. As the Ian Somerhalder Foundation has worked to empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures for over a decade, this grant seemed to be a wonderful fit with the mission and work of the Jane Goodall Institute to make a world of difference and shape a better future for all.

Learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute here.

Photo Credits
1. Trademark Logos/Ian Somerhalder Foundation and Jane Goodall Institute
2. Glass Jar Photography
3. Glass Jar Photography
4. © the Jane Goodall Institute/By Anna Mosser
5. Frame X Frame Films
6. © the Jane Goodall Institute/By Fernando Turmo

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Flint, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/15/2018 -- The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) will visit Flint on May 19 to conduct a Youth Volunteer Day cleanup at Bluebell Beach. Members of the ISF Youth Team from across the nation, along with local children and their families, will participate in an environmental cleanup to help free Flint's waterways from plastic and other damaging pollutants.

Upon arrival, youth will be introduced to other eco-friendly, likeminded participants before they tackle the shoreline of Bluebell Beach, enjoy a picnic lunch together, and take a trip cleaning up along the bike path to where the Flint River becomes Mott Lake at the beautiful Stepping Stone Falls. During their visit, youth will have the opportunity to share their passions and ideas for a greener future and brainstorm with ISF Director of Youth, Jules Trace, the importance of raising environmental awareness to positively impact our planet. "A cleanup is not just a lesson on littering, recycling, or keeping our water clean, but a larger awakening to our individual consumption of plastics, one use items, or even items that could have been reused," explains Trace. "Even though our waste might not be right in front of us now, it remains somewhere. Any age can rethink plastic consumption."

Local ISF Youth Volunteer Alumni Dylan Fournier adds, "It's important for youth to come together and learn from each other ways to protect our environment and our future before we cross the point of no return. I'm happy to see ISF coming to an area I've lived my whole life to help spread this crucial message."

Those interested in joining ISF for this Youth Volunteer Day opportunity can register via email to youth@isfoundation.net. All ages are welcome but bringing a youth is encouraged. Pre-registration is appreciated but not mandatory.

All press inquiries should be sent to ISF Director of Youth Jules Trace at jules@isfoundation.net.

ISF sends a special thanks and appreciation to Kroger of Shelbyville, Nature's Path Organic, individual donors and many more for making this Youth Volunteer Day possible.

The Ian Somerhalder Foundation Youth Team informs and encourages the rising generations to take action, inspire hope and create change for our planet with various programs and services for kids. ISF Youth Volunteer Days are impactful and uniting one day events where kids and teens join ISF, collaborating organizations and hosting facilities in a hands-on volunteer day to help the planet. The purpose of the ISF Youth Days Program is to support like-minded initiatives while cultivating passion driven collaboration and facilitating unique personal growth experiences for youth.

To learn more about these programs visit us at http://www.isfoundation.com/youth.

About ISF
The Ian Somerhalder Foundation, founded by actor and environmental and animal advocate Ian Somerhalder, is dedicated to empowering, educating and collaborating with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures. ISF focuses on raising awareness about environmental and animal protection issues, and supporting initiatives to promote green energy, global conservation and anti-animal cruelty programs, as well as empowering youth to become a united and spirited force for change.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Youth Volunteers Come Together with the Ian Somerhalder Foundation to Visit Rescued Animals and Provide a Day of Summer Clean-Up

Saugerties, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/28/2017 -- The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) organized a Youth Volunteer Day visit to Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, New York. Members of the ISF Youth Team, along with local children and their families, not only learned what goes into taking care of rescued farm animals, but also showed their appreciation by lending a hand to clean up areas within the sanctuary.

Upon arriving at the 123-acre refuge, the group of volunteers were greeted by Founder and Executive Director, Kathy Stevens. She explained how the sanctuary came into existence and why it is important for animals to live a life free of suffering and exploitation. The group then took a tour of the sanctuary, led by Education Coordinator Kaden Maguire, who introduced the group to many of the rescued farm animals the facility cares for. These furry and feathered friends included Tucker the cow, Violet the goat, and a chicken named RJ. Along the way, youth learned interesting facts about each species. For instance, chickens have a vocabulary of over three-hundred words and communicate with each other by forming a series of sentences.

During their visit, youth had the opportunity to brainstorm with ISF Youth Director, Jules Trace, on ways they can use their passions to come together and positively impact our environment. "It's important to help animals in need because sometimes animals can't survive on their own," explains ISF Youth Volunteer, Logan. "This is why organizations like Catskill Animal Sanctuary and ISF are important. They're drawing attention to animals who can't speak for themselves."

The volunteers concluded their visit at the refuge by doing what they do best—giving back! Together, they cleared away brush within the sanctuary and painted fences, chicken coops and a barn that needed sprucing up for the geese. When asked about the Youth Volunteer Day, Kathy Stevens said, "Anyone who wonders about the future should meet the kids of ISF. They opened their hearts to the animals and jumped right in helping care for their home. If these kids are the future, then we're in good hands." ISF sends a special thanks and appreciation to Catskill Animal Sanctuary for making this Youth Day possible.

The Ian Somerhalder Foundation Youth Team informs and encourages the rising generations to take action, inspire hope and create change for our planet with various programs and services for kids. The ISF Youth Team is predominantly composed of kids and teens who participate in a 1 year volunteer program with ISF by creating and enacting multiple campaigns, projects and Youth Volunteer Days.

ISF Youth Volunteer Days are impactful and uniting one day events where kids and teens join ISF, collaborating organizations and hosting facilities in a hands-on volunteer day to help the planet. The purpose of the ISF Youth Days Program is to support like minded initiatives while cultivating passion driven collaboration and facilitating unique personal growth experiences for youth.

To learn more about our programs visit us at http://www.isfoundation.org/youth.

About ISF
The Ian Somerhalder Foundation, founded by actor, environmentalist and animal advocate Ian Somerhalder, is dedicated to empowering, educating and collaborating with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures. ISF focuses on raising awareness about environmental and animal protection issues, and supporting initiatives to promote green energy, global conservation and anti-animal cruelty programs, as well as empowering youth to become a united and spirited force for change.

To learn more about ISF visit www.isfoundation.org.

About Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Catskill Animal Sanctuary rescues farmed animals, ignites social change to end their exploitation, and champions vegan living. The Sanctuary is a 123-acre refuge in New York's Hudson Valley for eleven species of farmed animals rescued from cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. Thanks to the generosity of people like you, over 4,000 animals have been rescued since 2001. Between 250 and 350 residents call the Sanctuary home at any given time.

To learn more about Catskill visit www.casanctuary.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) invites its volunteers and supporters to learn about pet adoption and veterinary skills while extending a helping hand at Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) for an upcoming Youth Volunteer Day.

Rancho Santa Fe, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/28/2017 -- On Sunday, September 24, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Ian Somerhalder Foundation is collaborating with HWAC on an event for youth between the ages of 9 and 17. The volunteers will learn hands-on animal care skills. To fill the available 75 spots, registration is open to ISF supporters and the general public on August 24.

For those interested in becoming a Veterinarian, the Become A Vet camp has many appealing activities, including: Exotics Physiology Lab, Equine Care and Management 101, Veterinary Surgical Nursing 100, Basics of Canine CPR, Intro to Anatomy, and Lagomorph Parasitology 100.

Volunteers will also participate in Spay/Neuter activities designed to inform kids about the benefits of pet altering and its impact on cat and dog populations. They will have the opportunity to act out skits revolving around Remember Me Thursday®(RMT), HWAC's annual September orphan pet awareness campaign to light a candle for pet adoption. Most importantly, the kids will get a chance to enjoy animal interactions and crafts while giving back and helping HWAC with their mission. ISF's President Ian Somerhalder and Vice President Nikki Reed are continued celebrity luminaries for RMT and ISF.

To register, please go to: https://campscui.active.com/orgs/HelenWoodwardAnimalCenter#/selectSessions/2089104.

For confirmation, you will then need to email ISF's Youth Director, Jules Trace, at Jules@isfoundation.net.

The Ian Somerhalder Foundation Youth Team informs and encourages the rising generations to take action, inspire hope and create change for our planet with various programs and services for kids. The ISF Youth Team is predominantly composed of kids and teens who participate in a 1 year volunteer program with ISF by creating and enacting multiple campaigns, projects and Youth Volunteer Days.

ISF Youth Volunteer Days are impactful and uniting one day events where kids and teens join ISF, collaborating organizations and hosting facilities in a hands-on volunteer day to help the planet. The purpose of the ISF Youth Days Program is to support like-minded initiatives while cultivating passion driven collaboration and facilitating unique personal growth experiences for youth.

To learn more about our programs visit us at www.isfoundation.org/youth.

About ISF
The Ian Somerhalder Foundation, founded by actor and environmental and animal advocate Ian Somerhalder, is dedicated to empowering, educating and collaborating with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures. ISF focuses on raising awareness about environmental and animal protection issues, and supporting initiatives to promote green energy, global conservation and anti-animal cruelty programs, as well as empowering youth to become a united and spirited force for change.

http://www.isfoundation.org

About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where "people help animals and animals help people." Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world.

For more information, go to: www.animalcenter.org.

About Remember Me Thursday®
Animal lovers and organizations across the globe unite on the fourth Thursday in September to light a candle in remembrance of the millions of orphan pets who lost their lives without the benefit of a loving home and to shine a light via social media on the millions of orphan pets still waiting for their forever homes. The Remember Me Thursday® global awareness campaign is championed by Mike Arms, President of Helen Woodward Animal Center, and creator of both the International Pet Adoptathon and successful Home 4 The Holidays program which, in partnership with national animal organizations, has placed over 13 million pets in homes since 1999.

For more information, please visit www.remembermethursday.org or via hashtags #RememberMeThursday and #RememberTheRescue on social media.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Kids from Several States Rally Together with the Ian Somerhalder Foundation to Put A Stop To Litter and Plastic Consumption

Flint, MI -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/07/2017 -- The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) organized a full day community and water cleanup for Bluebell Beach and For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum. Kids and teens of the ISF Youth Team and their families not only helped the habitat and local wildlife, but also learned about the Flint, Michigan water crisis.

The group of 15 carpooled to the beach and were first taught by ISF Youth Director, Jules Trace, about the tremendous negative impact of plastic on our waterways and creatures. They were then broken into smaller groups to participate in a cleanup and scavenger hunt to pick up all of the litter from the water and shore and sort it into trash versus recyclables. Throughout the day, over 1,000 pieces of litter (mostly recyclable items) were collected and disposed of correctly. The most common items found along the beach were: plastic bottles, glass bottles, plastic straws, fast food wrappers, plastic bags, cigarettes and random, small pieces of plastic. The oddest items found were: an old picnic basket, clay pigeons, roof shingles and a $20 bill. During the cleanup, the group was able to talk to locals about their efforts and spread the mission of ISF.

Jules Trace said, "As humans, we must make a drastic change in our plastic consumption. The largest and most motivated group of changemakers is our Youth, who instinctually realize the way we have been living, consuming and disposing is destroying their future. In one day, this group of kind hearted and strong youth were able to correctly dispose of over 1,000 pieces of trash that other humans had discarded without thought to the habitat or creatures in their own town. This group from ISF made a significant difference in Flint, Michigan, and everyone can make this kind of impact in their own communities by organizing clean ups – or even better, reducing their consumption of throw away materials. Thank you to everyone involved in this successful ISF Youth Day."

The volunteers ended the day at For-Mar Nature Preserve where the kids had a "litterless lunch" and got a chance to brainstorm with other ISF members about ideas for future projects. Together, they plotted from their own passions with ideas for recycling bins in their schools, advocating for pit bull type dogs in their cities and how to expand clean ups in their own communities.

ISF sends its thanks and appreciation to all who helped sponsor this event: Courtyard Flint Blanc for hosting the volunteers; Brita for donating water filter coupons to be distributed to Flint citizens; Kroger for donating gift cards, organic juices and snacks; Rural King for donating recycling bags and eco gloves; Walmart for donating gift cards.

The Ian Somerhalder Foundation Youth Team informs and encourages the rising generations to take action, inspire hope and create change for our planet with various programs and services for kids. The ISF Youth Team is predominantly composed of kids and teens who participate in a 1 year volunteer program with ISF by creating and enacting multiple campaigns, projects and Youth Days. Youth Days are 1 day volunteer opportunities for kids, teens and their families throughout the United States that help animals, the environment and/or teach skills for planetary change.

To learn more about these programs visit us at www.isfoundation.com/youth

About ISF
The Ian Somerhalder Foundation, founded by actor and environmental and animal advocate Ian Somerhalder, is dedicated to empowering, educating and collaborating with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures. ISF focuses on raising awareness about environmental and animal protection issues, and supporting initiatives to promote green energy, global conservation and anti-animal cruelty programs, as well as empowering youth to become a united and spirited force for change.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/08/2016 -- The Ian Somerhalder Foundation proudly celebrates the two-year anniversary of their Medical Emergency Grant Program for Animals. This program was established on Feb. 14, 2014, to provide financial assistance to animal welfare organizations, agencies and individual rescuers responsible for the care of animals recovering from abuse, neglect or injuries suffered from a traumatic event. The goal of the grant is to provide animal victims a second chance by alleviating their rescuers of the financial stress of treatment, so rescuers can focus on facilitating the animal's adoption into a permanent home or release back into the wild.

Over the past two years, ISF has helped almost 1,000 animals via more than 400 individual grants. The animals who have been helped range from domestic, to sanctuary living and wild animals. They include dogs, birds, cats, bats, horses and even one lion, among many others. In 2015 alone, 230 grants were awarded to multiple organizations, totaling $111,000. Eligible grant recipients include nonprofit rescue organizations, individuals, and private and public shelters.

ISF believes that every animal is truly special and unique and each ISF animal grantee has their own inspiring story. Athena, a Chocolate Labrador, was found malnourished, chained and suffering from a badly broken leg. After receiving an ISF grant to help with her medical care, Athena is now healthy and able to run and swim in her new forever home. ISF awarded $2,500, the maximum grant amount, to California based International Bird Rescue to assist wild seabirds in the San Francisco area who were suffering due to a mysterious substance which coated their feathers. ISF's Medical Emergency Grant helped the rescue treat and release over 250 birds back into their natural habitat. Grant decisions are made within seven days, with funds awarded within two weeks of receipt of the grant application.

"We launched ISF's first grant program, The Medical Emergency Grants for Animals, on Valentine's Day two years ago with the intention of helping our furry friends overcome injuries and abuse. The past two years we have been inspired by the strength and resilience of these animals as they overcome their past and show a remarkable ability to continue to love despite the horrendous situations they have endured. I look forward to continuing our work alongside the brave rescuers of these animals in 2016." Said Ian Somerhalder

ISF's Medical Emergency Grant Program will continue in 2016, with a recently announced budget of $100,000 for the year. To learn more about the Ian Somerhalder Foundation Medical Emergency Grant Program and to read the many inspiring stories of the animals and rescuers who benefit from this program, please visit http://www.isfoundation.com/grants.

About Ian Somerhalder Foundation
The Ian Somerhalder Foundation, founded by actor and environmental and animal advocate Ian Somerhalder, is dedicated to empowering, educating and collaborating with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures. ISF focuses on raising awareness about environmental and animal protection issues, and supporting initiatives to promote green energy, global conservation and anti-animal cruelty programs, as well as empowering youth to become a united and spirited force for change.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

ISF Joins Forces with Two Prestigious Organizations to Aid in the Fertility Control of Wild Horses and Mustangs

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/20/2016 -- The American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign (AWHPC) recently launched a program to humanely manage iconic animals on Nevada's historic Virginia Range. The Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) and AWHPC announce a new partnership to keep the historic horses of Nevada's Virginia Range wild and free. This innovative program will use a safe and humane approach to manage the more than 1,500 wild horses that inhabit the magnificent Virginia Range, which encompasses more than 280,000 acres in northern Nevada. By year two, it will be the largest humane management program for wild horses in the world.

The program is being implemented through a cooperative agreement between AWHPC, under the auspices of its founding organization, Return to Freedom, and the Nevada Department of Agriculture.

ISF has generously provided a $15,000 grant to underwrite the fertility control portion of the program, a vaccine aimed at safely and humanely managing the Virginia Range horses. Use of the vaccine, which is not harmful to horses and causes no harm to the surrounding environment, will help manage population numbers and reduce the risk of horses venturing into nearby neighborhoods and roadways. It provides an alternative to the cruel and costly removal of wild horses from their homes on the range.

"We are proud to be part of this historic public-private partnership to keep the Virginia Range horses free and safe on the range," said Ian Somerhalder. "This program establishes a model for humane management of wild horses to keep wild horses wild, and prevent them from being removed from their homes and families in the wild."

The Virginia Range program is the largest-ever public-private partnership created to manage wild horses and will benefit public safety and Nevada taxpayers, while preserving the health and safety of the area's native horses. Nevada groups assisting with the program include the Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund, Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Association, Wild Horse Preservation League, Virginia Range Sanctuary and Wild Horse Connection.

"Without the support of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation and the hard work done by folks on the ground in Nevada, we wouldn't have the resources to make this program possible," said Deniz Bolbol, AWHPC director of programs and head of the Virginia Range project. "This public-private partnership shows how local, national, and private and public entities are working together to make humane management of wild horses a success."

In order to further the initiative of wild horse fertility control, ISF announces an additional grant in the amount of $5,000 awarded to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for Advancing Immunocontraception Fertility Control.

The HSUS' project, titled PZP Purdue Research—Advancing Immunocontraception Fertility Control, seeks to make fertility control the primary management standard for wild horses, deer and other problem wildlife populations in the United States. Since 1992, HSUS has worked with researchers to test the porcine zona pellucida (PZP) immunocontraceptive vaccine on populations of wild animals, beginning with the famous wild ponies on the Assateague Island National Seashore.

The PZP vaccine has been well-tested on wild horses and deer, and has been proven to be safe, effective and humane. Mares and does vaccinated with PZP produce antibodies which bind to the membranes surrounding their eggs, blocking fertilization. This initial methodology and process was developed more than 30 years ago. This new research into which proteins and epitopes are critical for an effective anti-fertility response is needed to develop a synthetic recombinant PZP that is more consistent and cheaper to produce without the need to use animals to produce it. PZP would be better for wildlife—and more appealing to government agencies and communities— if the delivery process is improved, and made more cost-beneficial and sustainable.

This research will allow for the humane regulation of various wildlife species that are deemed a nuisance or worse. Additionally, it will save taxpayers money by eliminating costly roundups and culls, as well as advance a more humane and innovative approach to managing wildlife.

The HSUS, in partnership with Purdue University, proposes a five-year project to make improvements to the existing vaccine by implementing the following:

- Increase the efficacy of the vaccine, reducing the cost to use it and, the use of animals to produce it
- Increase the initial immune response to PZP in wild horses, burros and deer
- Develop a longer-acting vaccine; reduce the number of times animals will need to be retreated over their lifetimes

ISF, AWHPC, HSUS and Return to Freedom are all working diligently to protect humans and animals alike with numerous initiatives to control the fertility and population of wild animals. There are countless benefits to these programs that will lead to a greater ecosystem and, subsequently, a greater world.

About ISF
ISF, founded by actor and environmental/animal advocate Ian Somerhalder, is dedicated to empowering, educating and collaborating with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures. ISF focuses on raising awareness about environmental and animal protection issues, supporting initiatives to promote green energy, global conservation and anti-animal cruelty programs, and empowering youth to become a united and spirited force for change.

About The American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign
The American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign (AWHPC) is a coalition of more than 60 horse advocacy, public interest, and conservation organizations dedicated to preserving the American wild horse in viable, free-roaming herds for generations to come, as part of our national heritage.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

ISF assists in the preservation of crops through the use of beehives

Los Angeles, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 12/21/2015 -- The Ian Somerhalder Foundation announces a grant in the amount of $6,000 to be awarded to Silent Heroes Foundation. The titled project, "A Beehive Fence Outside of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, as a Form of Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation and an Entrepreneurial Venture for Marketing Honey," will be completed in 2016. The project's multifaceted goals are to deter crop raiding elephants with the use of beehives along an active corridor. Farmers will benefit from secure crops, and the beehives can provide an additional form of sustainable agriculture. Elephants and humans can avoid dangerous conflicts with each other, thus allowing park rangers to concentrate efforts on anti-poaching patrol. The following is a summary of the issue and project's goals.

Elephants in Tanzania are not confined to national parks and reserves. Thus, interactions with farmers and specifically crop-raiding by these elephants pose serious social, political, economic and conservation problems in Tanzania. These interactions are commonly referred to as human-elephant conflict (HEC) and it is an increasing problem throughout Africa. Research conducted with free-ranging elephants has revealed that elephants will run from the sound of disturbed honey bees. Additionally, when they do run away, elephants emit a unique low-frequency 'bee alarm rumble' vocalization, which warns the herd. This knowledge led to the innovation of the 'beehive fence', which when placed around a farmer's crops, successfully prevents the elephants from destroying them. To date, these beehive fences have been extremely successful in stopping elephants from breaking through to enter the farms. The participating farmers also benefit from harvesting their elephant-friendly honey, and humans and elephants coexist in a more peaceful community.

This initiative aims to develop a pilot bee fence outside of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, an area known for having a high amount of HEC. By constructing a pilot fence, we aim to monitor HEC, and expect a reduction of both human and elephant mortalities associated with such conflict. This initiative will allow rangers to shift their focus to other critical priorities, such as anti-poaching operations. It will also allow farmers to yield a sustainable agricultural supply, as well as harvest honey for consumption or marketable distribution and income.

"This is a great example of conservation in action; it goes one step beyond the research process, and utilizes information in an innovative way that is simple yet effective for problem-solving at the interface between humans and wildlife in Africa," said Hayley Adams, Director of Operations at the Silent Heroes Foundation. "It is just this sort of balance we need to continue to introduce throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, where we find increasing human populations and decreasing wildlife populations, along with the protected lands they inhabit."

Primary funds granted by the Ian Somerhalder Foundation will be used to construct and monitor a pilot fence over a one-year research period. Additional funds will go to support community education and awareness, to instruct farmers on proper care of their hives and harvesting of honey, and to identify future sites for bee fences. On the ground, efforts will be coordinated by the Silent Heroes Foundation in partnership with the School of Field Studies in Tanzania.

"This initiative is what ISF aims to do, supporting sustainable solutions that promote a more peaceful co-existence between humans and wildlife," said Ian Somerhalder.

About The Ian Somerhalder Foundation
The Ian Somerhalder Foundation, founded by actor and environmental/animal advocate Ian Somerhalder, is dedicated to empowering, educating and collaborating with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures. ISF focuses on raising awareness about environmental and animal protection issues, and supporting initiatives to promote green energy, global conservation and anti-animal cruelty programs, as well as empowering youth to become a united and spirited force for change.

About Silent Heroes Foundation
Silent Heroes Foundation believes in the One Health philosophy: humans and animals are intricately connected to their environment. With One Health in mind, Silent Heroes Foundation is committed to enhance both animals and human health in Africa, as well as to aid in the protection and conservation of its wildlife and endangered species. This is achieved by providing supplies, equipment, and training to veterinarians and conservationists in Africa embracing the motto at the Silent Heroes Foundation: "Educate, Equip, Empower."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm