Grounded in the diverse landscapes of New Zealand and Switzerland, our family has been shaped by the beauty and the ecological diversity of these nations. Our experiences have instilled in us a profound appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and the importance of respecting the scientifically defined safe limits essential for preserving Earth`s vital systems and sustaining humanity. We pledge to leverage our resources, networks, and passion to focus on addressing the critical global challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.

Our philanthropic journey has been marked by extraordinary good fortune, which has instilled in us a profound sense of responsibility. In this regard, we founded the Villars Institute in 2022, dedicated to advancing the transition to a net-zero and nature-positive economy through interdisciplinary research, intergenerational collaboration, and systems leadership. The Villars Institute collaborates closely with experts, educators, and entrepreneurs to engage young people in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

Additionally, we are spearheading a nature-based investment platform to help preserve and restore native forests and biodiversity worldwide. This initiative combines leading science and business solutions to scale ecological restoration, benefitting biodiversity and local workforce development.

We are deeply honoured to have been invited to join the Giving Pledge. While our giving has been until now private, we are excited to become part of this community, to work together to make a meaningful difference for the planet, and to learn from the collective wisdom and experiences of partners from around the world.

We look forward to the journey ahead.

With respect and hope,

Marco Dunand and Suzan Craig Dunand