The artist and filmmaker Matto Barfuss is committed to the protection of cheetahs and biodiversity through his non-profit foundation, the Matto Barfuss Stiftung, established in 2025. At the Ascona Polo Cup, this commitment meets a tournament where respect for animals and a spirit of charity are firmly rooted. The foundation collaborates with the Cheetah Conservation Fund, with a particular focus on Botswana.
There are guests who do more than just say hello: you look forward to welcoming them. Matto Barfuss is one of these guests. The artist and filmmaker, whose heart has been beating for the cheetahs of Africa for decades, belongs to those personalities who make the Ascona Polo Cup much more than just a sporting event. Because where horse and rider trust each other unconditionally at a gallop, where respect for the animal comes first and the idea of charity is deeply rooted in the tournament's identity, there a person like Matto Barfuss feels at home.
From association to foundation: an idea that grows
The non-profit Matto Barfuss Stiftung was founded in 2025. It emerged from the association «Leben für Geparden e.V.», created by Matto Barfuss in 1998, which for many years was committed to the conservation of wild cheetahs. What began with the love for a single, fascinating species matured into a much broader awareness: a species only survives if the entire variety of biodiversity is protected and preserved globally. From this insight, the foundation was born: with a broader structure, a more far-sighted vision, and the courage to plan for the long-term future.
The cheetah remains the iconic animal, the species that must be protected in a special way. However, today the focus goes further, as our planet is facing the greatest loss of biodiversity it has ever known. Preserving individual species in isolation is not enough. The foundation, which replaces the association, intervenes exactly here: more effectively, more sustainably, and with a future-oriented approach.
What drives the foundation
The Matto Barfuss Foundation promotes cheetah protection in direct collaboration with the renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund. It supports educational measures that mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and pursues the goal of acquiring land in Africa in the future, with a view to "Biodiversity Credits," to expand and connect protected areas. A special focus is placed on the bridge between Europe and Africa, with a focus on Botswana: because species conservation is a global issue that can only succeed together.
Today, there are fewer than 7,000 cheetahs living in the wild worldwide. A central goal of the foundation is also education: it connects schools in Europe and Botswana and helps children understand the relationship with wild animals and to perceive species conservation as a global issue.
Emotion moves: the parallel to the pole
And it is precisely here that what is perhaps the most beautiful parallel to the pole emerges: it is emotion and enthusiasm that set people in motion. Matto Barfuss knows this like few others. With the power of his art, his films, and his presentations, he makes highly complex contexts visible and tangible, in a well-founded and at the same time deeply touching way. This is why the foundation consciously promotes creativity in art and film as well: because knowledge only unfolds its effects when it reaches the heart.
«With commitment, motivation, and respect, we can overcome the challenge of living in a world rich in species and diversity.»
Making a difference together
On Lake Maggiore, you meet people who not only know about responsibility but live it. They celebrate sport, style, and connection, while giving something back to the community. The Matto Barfuss Stiftung invites you to be part of this movement and to help promote, preserve, and expand biodiversity.
As a non-profit foundation under German law, it issues donation receipts; according to German tax law, donations are tax-deductible.
«Let's do something together.» – The members of the foundation's board of directors
Matto Barfuss Foundation · matto-barfuss-stiftung.de
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Matto Barfuss?
Matto Barfuss is an artist and filmmaker who has been committed to the cheetahs of Africa for decades. With his foundation, he is dedicated to the protection of biodiversity and is a guest at the Ascona Polo Cup.
What is the Matto Barfuss Stiftung?
A non-profit foundation, established in 2025 and originating from the association «Leben für Geparden e.V.» founded in 1998. It is committed to the protection of cheetahs and the conservation of global biodiversity.
What is the foundation committed to?
To the protection of cheetahs as a flagship species and to biodiversity as a whole. This includes educational measures, connecting schools in Europe and Botswana, as well as the long-term goal of expanding and connecting protected areas in Africa through «Biodiversity Credits».
Who does the foundation collaborate with?
The Matto Barfuss Stiftung promotes cheetah protection in direct collaboration with the renowned Cheetah Conservation Fund, with a particular focus on Botswana.
How is it possible to support the foundation?
Through a donation to the non-profit foundation. As a foundation under German law, it issues donation receipts; according to German tax law, donations are tax-deductible. Committed collaborators are also sought, for example for educational projects in municipalities and schools.