Purpose over Profit. Travel Light. Build Right. Protect Wildlife.
A circular model where species protection, habitat restoration, and environmental action is powered by every stay at our nonprofit, sustainably built hostel.
Beyond the Backpack is a nonprofit organization founded to protect the world we love and the animals that inhabit it. We shine a spotlight on wildlife conservation efforts and climate change events around the world by being more than just travellers, by going beyond.
Protecting threatened wildlife through hands-on projects in one of Earth’s richest biodiversity hotspots.
Harnessing tourism revenue to offset its impacts and fuel meaningful wildlife conservation efforts.
Using travel to share conservation efforts and drive awareness of urgent environmental issues.
Advising on sustainable design, with every consulting dollar fueling wildlife and habitat protection.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Protecting What Matters Most
Sri Lanka has the highest number of elephant deaths in the world, as farming and industry expand into their roaming grounds. Our conservation work will focus on rapid-response protection, coexistence with local communities, and creating safe corridors. We also look to safeguard dugongs, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, along with seagrass and mangrove restoration. Direct action paired with education drives lasting change for both people and wildlife.
NONPROFIT HOSTEL
Travel That Funds Change
The world’s first nonprofit, low-carbon hostel built as a model for sustainable tourism. Designed with reclaimed materials, passive cooling, and solar power, it doubles as a hub for changemakers, travelers, and NGOs to connect and collaborate. Every stay fuels our mission and proves there’s a better way to build and travel.
MONTHLY GIVING
Change That Adds Up
Big change starts small. By giving as little as a dollar a month, you join a growing community of changemakers turning spare change into lasting impact for wildlife and our planet. Together, thousands of small monthly gifts add up to protection on the ground, sustainable solutions, and a future where wildlife can thrive.
EXPANDING OUR MISSION
Our Circular Model In Action
Wandering With Purpose
A throwback to the golden age of backpacking. Affordable, social, and more sustainable transport that funds our conservation mission with every ride.
Storytelling for Change
Sharing powerful stories of wildlife and climate events through travel and media, turning awareness into action for our planet’s future.
Building for Impact
We advise on sustainable design, circular business models, and nonprofit setup, helping projects launch with purpose and impact.
We partner with organizations and businesses across the world to conserve wildlife and their natural ecosystems.
