An ecosystem of impact: The organizations European & UK brands turn to when they want to protect wild places
The environmental organizations working in Europe and the United Kingdom's outdoor spaces are doing critical work—tackling pressing issues from different angles. Some convene and mobilize the outdoor industry. Some fund conservation projects. Some get people active outdoors. And some provide the verification and accountability brands need to prove their impact is real.
The breadth and variety can feel overwhelming. But across the UK and Europe, these organizations have woven themselves into something stronger than the sum of its parts: a complementary ecosystem in which each fills a distinct role, and each makes the others more effective.
1% for the Planet is proud to be a driver for this rich tapestry of collaboration, comprising many 1% for the Planet Impact Partners that are tackling environmental challenges across Europe and the United Kingdom. This makes it easy for outdoor brands to support the causes that matter most to them through 1% for the Planet membership.
Here are the organizations in our network that are working together to create lasting change in the region:
European Outdoor Group
For more than two decades, Switzerland-based European Outdoor Group (EOG) has enabled outdoor brands to do global, profitable business in a way that gives back more than they take.
Last year, 1% for the Planet announced a strategic partnership with EOG to strengthen environmental action across the outdoor industry on both sides of the Atlantic. As an Associate Member of EOG—and with EOG as a 1% for the Planet Impact Partner—we're connecting our networks and expertise to help an industry that relies on thriving environments lead the way in corporate responsibility.
It's a partnership that's connected at every level. On top of that, EOG President David Ekelund is CEO of ICEBUG, a 1% for the Planet Member, helping to deepen the collaboration between our organizations.
"Protecting the places we love is bigger than any one organisation. By working together, we can combine our reach, expertise and resources, turning individual efforts into collective action that delivers greater impact for nature and the people who enjoy it."—Dr. Katy Stevens, Head of ESG at European Outdoor Group
European Outdoor Conservation Association
European Outdoor Conservation Alliance (EOCA) was founded by the European Outdoor Group a few years after its establishment. Their team saw an opportunity to help businesses have an even bigger impact by working together and using pooled funds to grant environmental organizations.
Rather than being the association representing brands and environmental advocates (like EOG), EOCA is a charitable organization that raises funds from the European outdoor industry. They mobilize that money to fund conservation projects in countries around the world, outside of the U.S. and Canada. Since 2006, EOCA has granted over €6 million to more than 220 projects across 67 countries.
“Partnerships allow us to learn from one another, avoid duplicating efforts and reach further than we could alone. By joining forces with organisations that share our goals, we can amplify our voice and deliver more effective, lasting action to protect the places that make outdoor experiences possible.”—Jordan Jones, Head of Communications at European Outdoor Conservation Association
The organization is a 1% for the Planet Impact Partner, and has received support from well-known 1% for the Planet Members such as Cumulus, Elements and Tentsile as part of their annual 1% commitments.
It’s Great Out There Coalition
It’s Great Out There Coalition has a simple mission: to get Europeans active outdoors.
In 2017, EOG and other members involved in the outdoor industry created It’s Great Out There Coalition to support citizens in getting active in nature. As an umbrella organization, it promotes diverse, equal access to outdoor sports and encourages people to focus on their physical and mental health outside of their homes.
The coalition is a 1% for the Planet Impact Partner supported by UK-based members like Dryrobe.
“We all bring something different to the table. Organisations like the EOG, EOCA and It’s Great Out There connect industry, environmental action and grassroots participation. We can make a bigger difference for both people and the outdoors if we work together.”—Margo de Lange, Secretary General at It’s Great Out There Coalition
Supporting environmental action in Europe and the United Kingdom
A lot is happening in our world right now. We need more boots on the ground delivering solutions than ever before—and outdoor brands have a responsibility to protect the wild places their businesses are built on.
When they support organizations like EOG, EOCA and It’s Great Out There Coalition through 1% for the Planet membership, these brands are protecting wild spaces while proving to consumers that their commitments are real and verified.
This level of accountability is more important than ever with the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive going into effect on Sept. 27, 2026. The new anti-greenwashing regulations mean that any business marketing sustainability credentials to EU consumers—regardless of where they’re based—must have third-party verification backing those claims.
The good news is that outdoor brands don’t have to navigate any of this alone. This network of trusted organizations is already putting in the work, and is ready to help turn your environmental commitments into meaningful impact.
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