How to Donate

Donations to the Institute of Ecotechnics are tax-deductible in the U.S. or the U.K. so should be sent to the appropriate branch. Letters stating that the donations are tax-deductible are sent to donors from either the IE-US or IE-UK offices, as the case may be.

Please indicate in the memo section whether your donation is for one of the following:

1. General purpose donation to the Institute of Ecotechnics
2. For the rebuild of the Research Vessel Heraclitus
3. For Hurricane Maria rebuild of our sustainable timber project in Puerto Rico, Las Casas de la Selva

Current Priority Funding Requirements

Ocean Going Research Vessel, Heraclitus

Research Vessel Heraclitus, the Institute of Ecotechnics’ research ship, since it was built in 1975 by the Institute in Oakland, California, has sailed 270,000 nautical miles in 40 years of exploration and pioneering research. Its expeditions have included studies of Amazonian ethnobotany, the world’s endangered coral reefs and documenting endangered sea cultures around the world. The Heraclitus conducts conservation research and action missions—protecting ecosystems and biodiversity and documenting the quickening cycle of decline in our oceans, including those affecting coastal cultures which live on and from Planet Ocean.

The ship is being completely rebuilt in Rosés, Spain for future generations. The rebuild is more than 80% complete, but funds are needed urgently this Spring for reconcreting its hull and decks and interior rebuild. Its next expedition will be to the north and south Atlantic commencing in 2020.

‘There is a fire burning over the Earth, taking with it ancient cultures, visionary wisdom, plants, animals, languages, all the best of our human nature. Quelling that flame, reinventing the poetics of diversity, is the greatest challenge of the next era. The HERACLITUS is a symbol of that hope. A moving platform of poets, artists, scientists exemplifying, by their own sincerity and intent, our own human quest, celebrating everything that we are.”Wade Davis, Explorer in residence, National Geographic Society, onboard RV Heraclitus Amazon expedition 1981

Hurricane Recovery Support to Rebuild Homestead at Las Casas de la Selva, Puerto Rico Sustainable Forestry project

On Sept 20, 2017, the eye of Hurricane Maria passed directly over the Las Casas de la Selva, Sustainable Forestry and Rainforest Enrichment project in Patillas, Puerto Rico, leaving behind devastating damage to trees, buildings and infrastructure. The project was recently awarded the prestigious National 2017 Energy Globe Award for Puerto Rico in recognition of its sustainable forestry program testing the efficacy of line-planting enrichment in the wet tropical forest as a means of achieving both economic return and protection of natural biological resources.

The future of this project involves land-restoration and design of buildings to withstand increasing, future climate challenges. The long-term involves continuing forest research, silvicultural practice, planting, care, raising, and harvesting of valuable hardwoods for use, and the initiating of world-class workshops, conferences, and seminars in arts and sciences.

Las Casas de la Selva is raising funds to develop resilient architecture with the help of the Schools of Architecture from University of Puerto Rico and  University of San Francisco. Together we can create a homestead to withstand hurricanes.

Your support is greatly appreciated!