Conservation International

Conservation International
Name	Conservation International
Founded	0 1987
Founder	Peter Seligmann, Spencer Beebe
Location	Arlington, Virginia, United States
Key people	M. Sanjayan (CEO), Harrison Ford (Vice Chair)
Focus	Biodiversity, Climate change, Sustainable development
Website	conservation.org

Conservation International is a global environmental organization dedicated to protecting nature and its benefits for humanity. Founded in 1987, it works at the intersection of science, policy, and partnership to address the interconnected crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. The organization operates in over 30 countries, emphasizing the critical role of indigenous peoples and local communities in stewarding vital ecosystems. Its work is guided by the belief that a healthy natural world is essential for sustainable economies and human well-being.

History

The organization was established in 1987 by Peter Seligmann and Spencer Beebe, who left The Nature Conservancy to create a new entity focused on rapid, science-based action in biodiversity hotspots. An early and influential scientific paper by Norman Myers helped shape its initial strategy of targeting these critical regions. A pivotal early project was the 1990 Debt-for-nature swap in Bolivia, which set a precedent for innovative conservation finance. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, it expanded its geographic scope and scientific influence, establishing key partnerships with entities like the World Bank and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. In 2017, leadership transitioned to scientist and communicator M. Sanjayan as CEO, marking a new phase focused on integrating human well-being with ecological health.

Mission and approach

Its core mission is to empower societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature for the benefit of people. The approach is fundamentally science-driven, utilizing research from its own Moore Center for Science and collaborations with institutions like the University of Oxford. It emphasizes the concept of natural capital and ecosystem services, arguing for the economic value of intact nature. A central tenet is partnership, working with governments, corporations, and indigenous peoples to design solutions. This includes promoting protected areas, advancing sustainable finance mechanisms like green bonds, and supporting rights-based conservation that recognizes the stewardship role of local communities.

Key programs and initiatives

Major initiatives are often large-scale and interdisciplinary. The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, launched with the World Bank and Government of Japan, provides grants to civil society in biodiversity hotspots. The Blue Carbon Initiative is a global program focused on conserving coastal ecosystems like mangroves for climate mitigation. In the Amazon rainforest, it supports the Amazon Conservation Vision through partnerships with regional bodies. The Verra carbon standard, which it helped establish, is widely used for certifying projects under the REDD+ framework. Other significant efforts include the Sustainable Landscapes Partnership and work on deforestation-free supply chains with major agricultural companies.

Organizational structure and leadership

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, it maintains a network of country programs and offices across Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Americas. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors that has included notable figures such as Harrison Ford, who serves as Vice Chair, and former CEO of Walmart Rob Walton. The executive leadership team, under CEO M. Sanjayan, includes scientists, policy experts, and finance specialists. It operates through a matrix structure combining regional expertise with global thematic programs on issues like marine conservation and climate policy. Key funding comes from private donors, philanthropic foundations like the MacArthur Foundation, and partnerships with multilateral institutions.

Impact and recognition

The organization claims significant conservation impacts, including helping to protect over 6,000 square kilometers of ocean and supporting the management of millions of hectares of terrestrial area. Its scientific contributions, such as mapping global biodiversity hotspots and wilderness areas, have been highly influential in the field. It has played a role in shaping major international policies, contributing to discussions under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Its work has been recognized through various awards and high-profile media coverage, often amplified by celebrity ambassadors like Harrison Ford and Penélope Cruz.

Criticism and controversies

The organization has faced criticism from some environmental groups and academics over its partnerships with large corporations, including those in the extractive industries and agribusiness, raising concerns about greenwashing. Its early support for market-based mechanisms like REDD+ has been debated regarding impacts on indigenous peoples' rights and land tenure. Some critics argue its "nature for people" philosophy can be overly anthropocentric and utilitarian. It has also been involved in disputes, such as a 2020 incident where Survival International accused it of contributing to human rights abuses against the Baka people in Cameroon, allegations it has denied while reaffirming its community rights policies.

Category:Environmental organizations based in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1987 Category:Conservation organizations