Discover How Phoenix Zones Initiative Started

Working across six continents and over twenty years, physicians Dr. Hope Ferdowsian and Dr. Nik Kulkarni witnessed the global impact of climate change, hunger, disease, violence, and conflict on people, animals, and the planet. They also witnessed the incredible promise of resilience—how people and animals can heal in healthy environments.

Hope wrote about this phenomenon in her book, Phoenix Zones: Where Strength Is Born and Resilience Lives. Through a commitment to key principles, Phoenix Zones nurture what’s known in medical circles as the Phoenix Effect, where individuals and society can rise from the ashes and thrive—like a phoenix.

In 2019, with the help of key partners, Hope and Nik launched Phoenix Zones Initiative to advance the essential links between human, animal, and environmental health and wellbeing, and to fuel the creation of more Phoenix Zones. Nik and Hope provided the seed funding for the organization.

They are joined by a team of talented individuals, partners, and supporters dedicated to making the world a better place.

In a relatively short period of time, Phoenix Zones Initiative has had a global impact across seven continents. We have become an international voice for people, animals, and the planet, and we have taught others how to show leadership in these areas. Together, with partners worldwide, Phoenix Zones Initiative has advanced changes in policy and practice from Washington, DC, to the United Nations.