A conservation initiative aimed at protecting the critically endangered Silverleaf Fern has successfully raised $250,000 through a month-long Twitter campaign. The project, led by the Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA), attracted over 10,000 donors worldwide. Funds will support habitat restoration and anti-poaching efforts in Costa Rica’s rainforests.
(A Certain Endangered Plant Protection Project Raises Funds Through Twitter)
The Silverleaf Fern, native to Central America, faces extinction due to deforestation and illegal harvesting. Fewer than 1,000 mature plants remain in the wild. The GBA launched the Twitter campaign to raise awareness and secure urgent funding. Supporters shared donation links, educational threads, and videos showcasing the fern’s ecological importance.
The campaign relied on hashtags like #SaveTheSilverleaf and #TinyButMighty. Viral posts highlighted the fern’s role in stabilizing soil and filtering water in rainforest ecosystems. Influencers partnered with the GBA to amplify messages, sharing stories about the plant’s cultural ties to local Indigenous communities. Followers could join virtual tours of conservation sites or participate in live Q&A sessions with biologists.
Dr. Elena Marquez, GBA’s project director, stated, “Social media let us reach people who care about nature but don’t know how to help. Twitter made it easy for anyone to contribute, no matter where they are.” The campaign generated over 15 million impressions, with 50,000 retweets of key posts. Corporate donors matched 30% of individual contributions in the final week.
The funds will establish three fern nurseries in protected zones. Rangers will monitor wild populations and remove invasive species. A portion of the money will train local communities in sustainable land management. The GBA plans to expand the project to other endangered plants in 2024.
(A Certain Endangered Plant Protection Project Raises Funds Through Twitter)
Scientists warn that losing the Silverleaf Fern could disrupt rainforest biodiversity. The species supports insects and birds unique to the region. Previous conservation attempts failed due to limited resources. The Twitter campaign marks the first time social media has funded a large-scale rescue effort for this plant.