Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos, through foundations they fund and co-found, launch the Phoenix Species Project, a $200 million initiative aimed at helping recover critically endangered species. Multiple outlets report the programme is designed to support the recovery of 100 of the world’s most threatened species, including animals such as endangered lemurs, salamanders, pangolins, pigs and echidnas. Rolling Stone and other coverage describe the initiative as one of the largest single philanthropic efforts focused exclusively on recovering critically endangered species. The Economic Times, ABC News and City News Toronto also frame the project as a coordinated effort backed by the foundations associated with DiCaprio and Bezos.
Some reporting in The Independent also notes that the initiative faces criticism, with the project being accused of “greenwashing,” though the specific nature of the criticism is not detailed in the provided excerpts. Across the reports, the central elements remain consistent: the launch of the Phoenix Species Project, a $200 million funding commitment, and the goal of bringing 100 threatened species back from the brink.
