Why We Partner With the European Outdoor Conservation Association

By bringing together businesses in the European outdoor industry, the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) raises funds for conservation projects throughout Europe to protect our favorite wild places.

As a charitable organization directly funding environmental projects, EOCA wants to show that the European outdoor industry is dedicated to giving back to the outdoors. Over 140 members strong, EOCA’s efforts stretch from Norway to Spain to the United Kingdom and beyond.

As a Summit Member of EOCA, we were able to select a project near and dear to our hearts for the organization to take part in. Throughout October 2018, Smartwool held an innovative fundraising event—Socktober. For every pair of Smartwool socks bought from four UK retailers during the month, £1 was donated via EOCA to fund the restoration and repair of footpaths on England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike. The repair work will be carried out in the summer of 2019 by staff and volunteers of Fix the Fells and will include stone-pitching new sections of path, rebuilding drains and water bars, and reinforcing trail edges, all aimed at reducing erosion and protecting surrounding habitats. This year, the money raised in Socktober will go toward supporting the Fell Care Days in the same region, using volunteers to undertake a number of conservation activities throughout the park.

We are excited to continue working alongside the European Outdoor Conservation Association, in our backyard and theirs.

About

The mission of EOCA is to unite the outdoor community in an effort to protect the outdoor sector through conservation. As awareness of climate change and the significance of our carbon footprint grows, the importance of the work that the European Outdoor Conservation Association amplifies. They hope to continuously get more companies involved so they can increase their impact on the great outdoors.

Membership is open to any company operating within the outdoor industry, whether they are a retailer, manufacturer, supplier, or service provider.

Over the last 13 years, the European Outdoor Conservation Association has funded 121 projects in 55 different countries, which accounts for €3 million

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