Conservation International

Conservation International was founded in 1987 with the goal of protecting nature for the benefit of people.{{Cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-seligmann/disconnection-from-nature_b_1435769.html|first=Peter|last=Seligmann|title=Disconnection From Nature, a Dangerous Illusion|website=[[HuffPost2012 |date=19 April 2012 }}

In 1989, CI formally committed to the protection of biodiversity hotspots, ultimately identifying 36 such hotspots around the world and contributing to their protection. The model of protecting hotspots became a key way for organizations to do conservation work.{{cite web |author=Roach, John |url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/02/0202_050202_hotspots.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406005733/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/02/0202_050202_hotspots.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 6, 2005 |title=Conservationists Name Nine New "Biodiversity Hotspots" |publisher=National Geographic |access-date=2012-02-03}}

On July 1, 2017, Peter Seligmann stepped down as CEO of CI and a new executive team made up of senior CI leadership was announced. Conservation scientist M. Sanjayan was named chief executive officer. Sebastian Troeng is executive vice president of conservation partnerships, and Daniela Raik is executive vice president of field programs. Peter Seligmann remains chairman of the board.{{Cite web|title=Senior Staff|url=http://www.conservation.org/senior-staff|access-date=2021-08-24|publisher=Conservation International}}

The organization's leadership grew to believe that CI's focus on biodiversity conservation was inadequate to protect nature and those who depended on it. CI updated its mission in 2008 to focus explicitly on the connections between human well-being and natural ecosystems. Since then, the organization has expanded its work with a stronger focus on marine conservation; scientific research; conservation finance; and partnerships with governments, corporations and Indigenous and local communities. {{cite web|title=About Us|url=https://www.conservation.org/about|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806010330/https://www.conservation.org/about |archive-date=2019-08-06 |access-date=2021-08-24|publisher=Conservation International}}

In FY2020, CI's expenses totaled more than US$154 million.{{cite web|title=2020 Annual Report|url=https://www.conservation.org/about/annual-report|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-24|publisher=Conservation International|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806010330/https://www.conservation.org/about/annual-report |archive-date=2019-08-06 }}

CI receives high ratings from philanthropic watchdog organizations, with an A rating from Charity Watch.{{cite web |url=https://www.charitywatch.org/ratings-and-metrics/conservation-international-foundation/246 |title=Conservation International |publisher=Charity Watch |access-date=2015-09-12}} Charity Navigator awarded CI a 100% score for accountability and transparency.{{cite web|title=Conservation International|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3562#.VvAPMRg7Tsx|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-24|publisher=Charity Navigator|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070804080018/http://www.charitynavigator.org:80/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3562 |archive-date=2007-08-04 }}

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The foundation of CI's work is "science, partnership and field demonstration." The organization has scientists, policy workers and other conservationists on the ground in nearly 30 countries. It also relies heavily on thousands of local partners.{{cite web |url=http://www.conservation.org/publications/documents/CI_FY14_AnnualReport.pdf |title=Conservation International Annual Report 2014 |publisher=Conservation International |access-date=2016-03-21}}

CI focuses on four strategic priorities: protecting nature for climate; ocean conservation at scale; promoting nature-based economic development; and innovation in science and finance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.conservation.org/about|title=About Conservation International|website=www.conservation.org|language=en|access-date=2020-02-04}}

CI works with governments, universities, NGOs and the private sector with the aim of replicating its successes on a larger scale. By showing how conservation can work at all scales, CI aims to make the protection of nature a key consideration in economic development decisions around the world.{{cite web |url=http://www.moore.org/ci.aspx |title=Conservation International: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation |publisher=Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation |access-date=2012-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104135347/http://www.moore.org/ci.aspx |archive-date=2012-01-04 |url-status=dead }} For example, through its partnerships with governments and coastal communities, CI has helped to protect more than 5 million square kilometers (13 million square miles) of ocean area while also improving the management of sustainable fisheries and restoring mangroves, which mitigate the impacts of climate change.{{Cite web|title=Doubling Ocean Protection|url=https://www.conservation.org/priorities/doubling-ocean-protection|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.conservation.org}} The Blue Nature Alliance, a global initiative launched by CI and partners in 2020, aims to protect an additional 18 million square kilometers (7 million square miles) of ocean area.{{Cite web|title=Blue Nature Alliance|url=https://www.conservation.org/projects/blue-nature-alliance|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.conservation.org}}

The organization has been active in United Nations discussions on issues such as climate change{{cite web |url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=cancun-talks-yield-climate |title=Cancun Talks Yield Climate Compromise |publisher= Scientific American |access-date=2012-02-03 |author=Biello, David}} and biodiversity,{{cite magazine |url=https://science.time.com/2010/10/29/wildlife-nations-agree-on-a-historic-deal-for-biodiversity-in-nagoya/ |title=Wildlife: Nations Agree on a Historic Deal for Biodiversity in Nagoya |author=Walsh, Bryan |magazine=Time |access-date=2012-02-03 |date=2010-10-29}} and its scientists present at international conferences and workshops. As of January 2025, Conservation International claims to have published more than 1,300 peer-reviewed articles, in journals like Science, Nature, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.{{Cite web|title=Peer-reviewed Journal Articles|url=https://www.conservation.org/research|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.conservation.org}}

Conservation International works in partnership with many prominent companies to reduce their impact on the environment and support the protection of nature. The organization claims to have worked with Starbucks, Walmart, P&G and Apple, among others.{{Cite web|title=Our Corporate Engagements|url=https://www.conservation.org/corporate-engagements|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.conservation.org}} In 2020, CI began a new partnership with Mastercard and World Resources Institute (WRI) to support the Priceless Planet Coalition in its goal to restore 100 million trees in critical forests around the world.{{Cite web|title=Priceless Planet Coalition {{!}} Environmental Sustainability Platform|url=https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/vision/corp-responsibility/priceless-planet.html|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.mastercard.us}}

CI has been criticized for links to companies such as BP, Cargill, Chevron, Monsanto and Shell.[http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/877241/conservation_international_agreed_to_greenwash_arms_company.html Conservation International 'agreed to greenwash arms company']. The Ecologist. Retrieved on 2013-08-24.[http://www.thenation.com/article/wrong-kind-green The Wrong Kind of Green]. The Nation (2010-03-04). Retrieved on 2013-08-24. CI has defended its work with the private sector, arguing that change requires working with corporations that have large environmental impacts.{{Cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-seligmann/conservation-international-lockheed-martin_b_863876.html|title=Partnerships for the Planet: Why We Must Engage Corporations|website=HuffPost |date=19 May 2011 }}

A 2008 article in The Nation claimed that the organization had attracted $6 million for marine conservation in Papua New Guinea, but that the funds were used for "little more than plush offices and first class travel."{{cite news |last1=Dowie |first1=Mark |title=Wrong Path to Conservation in Papua New Guinea {{!}} The Nation |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/wrong-path-conservation-papua-new-guinea/ |access-date=4 September 2018 |publisher=The Nation |archive-date=5 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205071816/http://www.thenation.com/article/wrong-path-conservation-papua-new-guinea |url-status=dead }} CI has touted its operations in Papua New Guinea, claiming that they have contributed to new scientific discoveries and the establishment of new protected areas.{{Cite web|url=http://www.conservation.org/projects/Pages/community-driven-conservation-papua-new-guinea.aspx|title=Community-Driven Conservation in Papua New Guinea}} As of 2016, CI no longer works directly in Papua New Guinea.{{Cite web|title=In Papua New Guinea, protection of nature hinges on local support|url=https://www.conservation.org/blog/in-papua-new-guinea-protection-of-nature-hinges-on-local-support|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.conservation.org}}

In 2011, Conservation International was targeted by a group of journalists from London-based magazine Don't Panic who posed as an American company and asked if the charity could "raise [their] green profile." Options outlined by the representative of Conservation International (CI) included assisting with the company's green PR efforts, membership of a business forum in return for a fee, and sponsorship packages where the company could potentially invest money in return for being associated with conservation activities. Conservation International agreed to help the company find an "endangered species mascot". Film footage shows the Conservation International employee suggesting a vulture and North African birds of prey as a possible endangered species mascot for the company.{{Cite web|url=https://theecologist.org/2011/may/11/conservation-international-agreed-greenwash-arms-company|title=Conservation International 'agreed to greenwash arms company'|website=The Ecologist|date=11 May 2011 |language=en|access-date=2019-06-07}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/conservation-international-lockheed-martin-video_n_863205|title=Green Group Duped By Video Sting|last=Zeller|first=Tom Jr.|date=2011-05-17|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=2019-06-07}} CI contends that these recordings were heavily edited to remove elements that would have cast CI in a more favorable light, while using other parts of the video out of context to paint an inaccurate and incomplete picture of CI's work with the private sector.{{cite news |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-seligmann/conservation-international-lockheed-martin_b_863876.html |title=Partnerships for the Planet: Why We Must Engage Corporations |author=Seligmann, Peter |work=The Huffington Post |access-date=2012-02-03 |date=2011-05-19}}

In May and June 2013, Survival International reported that an indigenous Bushman tribe in Botswana was threatened with eviction from their ancestral land in order to create a wildlife corridor[http://www.survivalinternational.org/news/9253 Bushmen face imminent eviction for 'wildlife corridor']. Survival International. Retrieved 27 May 2013. known as the Western Kgalagadi Conservation Corridor.{{cite web|title=Conservation Corridors in South-western Botswana|url=http://www.ffem.fr/webdav/site/ffem/shared/ELEMENTS_COMMUNS/U_ADMINISTRATEUR/6-MEDIAS/ArticlesPresse/ProjetBotswana_African_Geographic_Dec_Jan_2008.pdf|work=ffem.fr|publisher=Conservation International|access-date=27 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617165151/http://www.ffem.fr/webdav/site/ffem/shared/ELEMENTS_COMMUNS/U_ADMINISTRATEUR/6-MEDIAS/ArticlesPresse/ProjetBotswana_African_Geographic_Dec_Jan_2008.pdf|archive-date=17 June 2013|url-status=dead}} A Botswana government representative denied this.{{cite news|title=Botswana denies plans to 'evict' Bushmen|url=http://www.news24.com/Travel/International/Botswana-denies-plans-to-evict-bushmen-20130527|access-date=28 May 2013|newspaper=news24.com|date=2013-05-27}} A May press release from CI said, "Contrary to recent reports, Conservation International (CI) has not been involved in the implementation of conservation corridors in Botswana since 2011," and asserted that CI had always supported the San Bushmen and their rights.{{cite web|title=Statement of Conservation International on Alleged Relocations of San People in Botswana|url=http://www.conservation.org/newsroom/pressreleases/Pages/Statement-Alleged-Relocations-of-San-People-in-Botswana.aspx|publisher=Conservation International|access-date=19 June 2013}}

In December of 2021, Sapiens magazine reported similar issues in Peru. The Alto Mayo Conservation Initiative in Peru is managed by CI and has brokered the sale of carbon offset credits to the Disney Company to offset their cruise ships' activities. This may be leading to the eviction of local and indigenous peoples in the area.{{cite web|title=When Carbon Credits Drive People From Their Homes|date=9 December 2021 |url=https://www.sapiens.org/culture/carbon-credits-peru/|access-date=14 Jun 2024}}

• CEO: M. Sanjayan, Ph.D.{{Cite web|title=Senior Staff|url=https://www.conservation.org/about/senior-staff|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.conservation.org}}
• Executive Vice President of Conservation Partnerships: Sebastian Troeng, Ph.D.
• Executive Vice President of Field Programs: Daniela Raik, Ph.D.
• Chairman of the Board: Peter Seligmann{{Cite web|title=Board of Directors|url=https://www.conservation.org/about/board-of-directors|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.conservation.org}}
• Chairman of the Executive Committee: Wesley G. Bush
• Vice Chair: Harrison Ford
• Emeritus:
• Adam Albright
• Edward Norton
• Ray R. Thurston

• Paint It Wild: Paint & See Activity Book (Discover The Rainforest, Vol. 1) (1991), introduction by Mike Roberts and Russell Mittermeier, written by Gad Meiron and Randall Stone, illustrated by Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}
• Sticker Safari: Sticker And Activity Book (Discover The Rainforest, Vol. 2) (1991), introduction by Mike Roberts and Russell Mittermeier, written by Gad Meiron and Randall Stone, illustrated by Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}
• Wonders In The Wild: Activity Book (Discover The Rainforest, Vol. 3) (1991), introduction by Mike Roberts and Russell Mittermeier, written by Gad Meiron and Randall Stone, illustrated by Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}
• Ronald McDonald and the Jewel of the Amazon Kingdom: Storybook (Discover The Rainforest, Vol. 4) (1991), introduction by Mike Roberts and Russell Mittermeier, written by Gad Meiron and Randall Stone, illustrated by Donna Reynolds and Tim Racer{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://www.conservation.org/ Conservation International] - Official site
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20161006014312/http://symposium2006.conservation.org/ Global Symposium 2006 Madagascar]
• [http://www.defyingoceansend.org Defying Ocean's End], A Conservation International led Agenda for Action in ocean conservation
• [http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/search.summary/orgid/3562.htm Charity Navigator] Evaluation by America's premier independent charity evaluator
• [http://www.savethehighseas.org/ Deep Sea Conservation Coalition] - A union of 60+ international organizations working towards biodiversity conservation on the high seas.

{{Conservation organisations}}

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