Canadian non-profit environmental organization Age of Union, led by Emmy award-winning executive producer and Lightspeed Commerce Inc. CEO Dax Dasilva, has announced a strategic partnership with global conservation organization Re:wild. The collaboration, revealed at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Convention in Austin, Texas, will merge Age of Union’s expertise in storytelling and grassroots conservation with Re:wild’s extensive scientific and environmental initiatives.
Re:wild, co-founded by a team of conservation scientists alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, has made significant strides in protecting wildlife and ecosystems worldwide. Through this new partnership, both organizations aim to expand their impact, mobilizing resources, amplifying conservation efforts, and inspiring action through immersive storytelling.
Commitment to Protect Madagascar’s Biodiversity
The first major initiative under the Age of Union and Re:wild collaboration is a USD 1 million investment dedicated to protecting Madagascar’s fragile ecosystems. Madagascar, home to some of the world’s most unique yet endangered species, has lost over 90% of its original forest cover due to deforestation and unsustainable land use. To counteract this, Age of Union and Re:wild will support conservation programs focused on forest restoration, species protection, and local economic development.
The investment will be allocated over five years, with an initial USD 200,000 set for 2025. This funding will help:
- Strengthen the management of key biodiversity sites in Madagascar’s eastern rainforests.
- Support species conservation initiatives through the newly established “Madagascar Biodiversity Action Fund.”
- Expand community-led conservation programs that balance environmental protection with sustainable economic growth.
Dasilva, who personally visited Madagascar in 2024 alongside Re:wild’s Chief Conservation Officer Russell Mittermeier, emphasized the urgency of action. “Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, yet it faces severe environmental threats. Our partnership with Re:wild is about scaling solutions that work and empowering local communities to protect their own ecosystems,” he stated.
Strengthening Global Conservation Efforts
Through this partnership, Age of Union and Re:wild will integrate their conservation models to maximize effectiveness. Key areas of collaboration include:
- Scaling Conservation Funding – Re:wild will oversee financial and technical aspects to unify donor efforts and streamline project execution.
- Enhancing Scientific Impact – Age of Union’s initiatives will align with Re:wild’s conservation frameworks to ensure measurable outcomes.
- Expanding Storytelling and Advocacy – Age of Union will continue its emphasis on conservation-focused storytelling through films, immersive art installations, and global awareness campaigns.
Re:wild CEO and Chair Wes Sechrest highlighted the synergy between the two organizations: “Under Dax Dasilva’s leadership, Age of Union has developed an incredible network of conservation initiatives that complement Re:wild’s global strategy. By working together, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change for the planet.”
Launch Celebration and Future Outlook
To celebrate the partnership, Age of Union and Re:wild will co-host an exclusive event on March 14, 2025, in downtown Austin, Texas. The evening will feature Age of Union’s immersive art exhibit The Black Hole Experience (BHX) Season 2, a live discussion panel, an auction, and a performance by renowned DJ Tiga.
Looking ahead, the two organizations plan to expand their collaborative efforts beyond Madagascar, targeting critical biodiversity regions across Canada, Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Peru, Haiti, Trinidad, and West African waters. With Age of Union’s mission to unite humanity with nature and Re:wild’s focus on large-scale ecological restoration, the partnership aims to reshape the global conservation landscape.
