Jeff Bezos and Leonardo DiCaprio have pledged $200 million to the Phoenix Species Project, an effort to restore 100 Critically Endangered species across 30 countries via the Bezos Earth Fund and Re:wild. The announcement drew mixed reactions: supporters praised the funding for conservation, while critics accused the duo of "greenwashing" and said philanthropy cannot erase broader environmental impacts. DiCaprio unveiled the initiative on Instagram, stressing that protecting keystone species helps safeguard whole ecosystems.
Bezos and DiCaprio’s $200M Phoenix Species Project Sparks Praise — and 'Greenwashing' Criticism
Jeff Bezos and Leonardo DiCaprio accused of ‘greenwashing’ with launch of $200 million project to save endangered species
Jeff Bezos and Leonardo DiCaprio have launched the Phoenix Species Project, a $200 million campaign to recover 100 of the world’s most threatened species across some 30 countries. The initiative, announced through the Bezos Earth Fund and Re:wild, is described by its backers as the largest single philanthropic effort dedicated to the recovery of Critically Endangered species.
Project Scope: The Phoenix Species Project aims to support targeted conservation actions for 100 species deemed closest to extinction, with work spanning habitat protection, species reintroduction, and partnership with local conservation groups and governments.
Jeff Bezos and Leonardo DiCaprio have launched the Phoenix Species Project, a $200 million effort to save endangered species (Getty)
Swift Public Reaction
The announcement prompted an immediate public response. Many commentators praised the potential for large-scale funding to accelerate species recovery. Others accused the initiative of "greenwashing" — presenting a pro-environment image while sidestepping broader criticism of the founders' businesses and lifestyles.
"As soon as people realize and actually feel the effects of what the very wealthy have done to our planet, they sometimes launch a greenwashing campaign," a commenter wrote on Reddit.
Critics pointed to ongoing environmental concerns linked to corporate operations and argued that philanthropy cannot fully offset systemic harms. Typical objections highlighted private jets, yachts, and corporate activities such as construction of data centres that some say can damage ecosystems and local communities.
DiCaprio famously attended the funeral of conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, where he delivered a touching eulogy (Getty)
Support and Context
Supporters of the project noted that large philanthropic commitments can provide crucial, targeted resources for species recovery and ecosystem protection. Many singled out Leonardo DiCaprio’s longstanding record on environmental causes — including his public association with conservation figures such as Dr. Jane Goodall — as evidence of sincere commitment.
The Independent has contacted representatives for both DiCaprio and Bezos for comment.
Announcement
DiCaprio first announced the initiative on Instagram, sharing a montage of wildlife and habitat footage. In a voiceover he said:
"When I co-founded Re:wild, we set out to scale the protection and recovery of threatened species in critical ecosystems around the world. Over the years, it's become clear that the species closest to extinction are often the ones holding entire ecosystems together. Save them, and we save every forest, every river and every life in their habitat."
Whether the Phoenix Species Project becomes a model for effective, accountable conservation — or a high-profile public relations exercise — will depend on measurable outcomes, transparency about how funds are allocated, and how the initiative engages with local communities and governments on the ground.
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