Conservation International

Conservation International
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Formation	N/A
Type	Non-governmental organization
Headquarters	Arlington, Virginia, United States
Membership	N/A
Language	N/A
Leader title	N/A
Leader name	N/A
Website	conservation.org

Conservation International (CI) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of nature for the benefit of humanity. Founded in 1987, CI works to spotlight and secure the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity. The organization employs a combination of science, policy, and partnerships to achieve its goals.

History

Conservation International was founded in 1987 by Spencer Beebe, a former employee of The Nature Conservancy. The organization was established with the mission to conserve the Earth's living heritage, our global biodiversity, and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Conservation International is to empower societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity. CI envisions a healthy, prosperous world in which societies are forever committed to caring for and valuing nature, our global biodiversity, and the long-term benefits it provides for people.

Key Areas of Work

Conservation International focuses on several key areas to achieve its mission:

1. Science

CI conducts scientific research to understand the natural world and the impacts of human activity on ecosystems. This research informs their conservation strategies and helps to identify priority areas for conservation efforts.

2. Policy

CI works with governments, businesses, and communities to develop and implement policies that promote sustainable development and conservation. This includes advocating for the protection of critical habitats and the sustainable use of natural resources.

3. Partnerships

CI collaborates with a wide range of partners, including local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, to achieve its conservation goals. These partnerships are essential for implementing on-the-ground conservation projects and influencing policy at all levels.

4. Field Programs

CI implements field programs in biodiversity hotspots and other critical ecosystems around the world. These programs focus on protecting species, restoring ecosystems, and improving the livelihoods of local communities.

Notable Projects

Conservation International has been involved in numerous high-profile conservation projects, including:

• The Amazonia Conservation Corridor, which aims to protect the Amazon rainforest and its biodiversity.
• The Coral Triangle Initiative, focused on preserving marine biodiversity in the Coral Triangle region.
• The Great Bear Rainforest project, which works to conserve one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world.

Impact

Since its founding, Conservation International has helped to protect over 6 million square kilometers of land and sea across more than 70 countries. The organization has played a critical role in the establishment of protected areas, the development of sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and the advancement of global conservation policies.

Criticism and Challenges

Like many large conservation organizations, CI has faced criticism regarding its approach to conservation, particularly in relation to the displacement of indigenous communities and the prioritization of certain projects over others. CI continues to address these challenges by engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that conservation efforts are inclusive and equitable.

Also see

• World Wildlife Fund
• The Nature Conservancy
• Biodiversity
• Sustainable development
• Environmental policy