Braiding biotechnology, Indigenous science, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge to conserve biodiversity.

Access our platform

Complete Hawaii Survey

The Wise Ancestors platform interweaves genomic sequencing, biobanking, and Indigenous Knowledge to create, fund and complete Conservation Challenges, accelerating the conservation of Earth's biodiversity for the benefit of all.

A transparent and equitable way to collaborate on biodiversity conservation.

Proboscis Monkey Mother & Child, Steve Mandel Photography

Cheetah Family, Steve Mandel Photography

Our name Wise Ancestors is both an acknowledgement of the important role that ancestors played in stewarding land for millenia, and the need for humans to be wise ancestors for the future.

Wise Ancestors Model

While the details vary, this is what we do

Multi-sided decision making and upfront benefit-sharing

Each Wise Ancestors Conservation Challenge includes an upfront benefit-sharing component determined by the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities we are collaborating with.

Participatory project co-design with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities is essential to respect their rights over decisions related to their species, land and future. Terms and conditions will be mutually agreed upon prior to project initiation, including the rules around sample and data access, resource labeling, resource usage, and benefit-sharing plans.

Biodiversity conservation initiatives must include Indigenous Peoples & Local Communities

Pygmy Elephant, Steve Mandel Photogrpahy

Beth Shapiro

Director, Wise Ancestors

"I'm thrilled to be part of Wise Ancestors' mission to empower future generations to safeguard biodiversity by preserving genomes and species that are alive today."

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Join our platform
to collaborate on our Conservation Challenges

Apply to contribute to Conservation Challenges. Each Challenge is centered around conserving one or more species and involves tasks such as collecting, sequencing and biobanking.

For Indigenous Peoples &
Local Communities

Contact us to co-create a Conservation Challenge to conserve culturally salient or endangered species before they are lost forever, ensure benefit sharing with, and promote land stewardship by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

For Scientists

Whether you are a sample provider, sequencer, bioinformatician or biobanker, join forces with us to advance the frontiers of conservation biotechnology and help save biodiversity.

For Philanthropists

Whether you are an individual or a corporation, contribute funds to help support our Conservation Challenges and benefit-sharing projects in support of Indigenous People and Local Community driven conservation activities and land stewardship.