Conservation News
News, views and stories from the front lines of conservation
All recent news
Meet the startup that’s making seaweed more sustainable
In the past decade, seaweed production has boomed as researchers and investors eye its climate potential. Yet alongside seaweed’s promise, there are pitfalls. A company in the Philippines is working to change that.
October 11, 2023
When COVID halted wildlife tourism in Kenya, one area weathered the storm
Every year, Kenya’s Maasai Mara region attracts droves of tourists, eager for a glimpse of one of the largest movement of animals on Earth. Until 2020, when everything changed. Yet, what began as a crisis presented new opportunities.
July 6, 2023
Meet the South African startup putting cattle to work for conservation
Livestock herding and wildlife conservation are often perceived as conflicting pursuits, with the belief that one must come at the expense of the other. However, in South Africa, a fresh approach centered on Indigenous knowledge is challenging this perception.
June 12, 2023
When protecting nature helps build peace
As climate change accelerates, there's a growing sense of urgency to address how changes to our ecosystems can lead to conflict. For years, Conservation International has worked to bring environmental peacebuilding and conflict sensitivity to its work.
May 25, 2023
As pandemic pounded Peru, one region thrived on coffee, carbon
Across Peru, the COVID-19 pandemic has left millions without jobs. But in the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, where the Amazon meets the Andes, coffee farmers were spared much of the economic devastation that gripped Peru’s cities and towns.
April 9, 2021
Kenya’s wildlife tourism, a casualty of COVID, gets a lifeline
The loss of tourism revenue in the Maasai Mara could spell trouble for the very species that tourists come to see. Now, wildlife conservancies are getting a lifeline.
November 19, 2020
In Galápagos, novel conservation approach finds ‘sweet spot’ between production, protection
A Conservation International expert explains how an integrated approach to protection and production could help humanity transform how we manage the lands and seas we depend on.
September 2, 2020
In wind-swept Andes, (sustainable) vicuña wool is good as gold
Find out how one woolly species is supporting conservation work and livelihoods for communities in Bolivia.
November 7, 2019
Saving the mangroves to save the clams — and a way of life
A community in Colombia ensures their mangroves and clams are around well into the future.
June 21, 2018
In Indonesia, villagers find innovative ways to adapt to climate change
A new study shows that using nature to adapt to intense storms and drought can be affective for thriving in a changing climate.
June 19, 2018
3 reasons elephants make the best mothers
On this Mother’s Day, here are three reasons why elephants make some of the best mothers.
May 10, 2018
‘My Africa’ field notes: Portraits of hope for Africa’s elephants
Here are some of our favorite photos taken at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, with stories about the elephants and the caregivers who look after them.
April 4, 2018
Voices of the Alto Mayo: Women in charge
María Hernández describes her life in the Alto Mayo and how it has changed since she and her sister, Maximila, signed a conservation agreement.
April 3, 2018
4 things you didn’t know elephants do for you
On top of being amazing creatures, elephants actually make life better for all of us, sometimes in surprising ways.
March 28, 2018
Voices of the Alto Mayo: ‘The forest gives me everything’
Abdías Vásquez describes his life in the Alto Mayo and how it has changed since he signed a conservation agreement.
March 27, 2018
‘My Africa’ field notes: Good fences can make uneasy neighbors
Conservation International works to conserve wildlife while delivering justice to communities in South Africa.
March 23, 2018
What does gender have to do with conservation?
Human Nature talked to Conservation International field staff about their perspectives on why gender matters in conservation.
March 9, 2018
What on Earth is the ‘blue economy’?
On the first day of the Economist World Ocean Summit, we break down the “blue economy.”
March 7, 2018
Cacao plantations: Home sweet home for Madagascar’s lemurs?
CI funded new research that found Madagascar’s lemurs are making homes within cocoa plantations.
December 21, 2017
For Colombia’s fishers, embracing sustainability brings better pay
The EcoGourmet program connects independent fishers to local restaurants.
November 28, 2017
Two ears, one mouth
In South Africa’s Eastern Cape conservationists are connecting with local communities through culture, science and shared values.
August 9, 2017
‘Time to fix things now’
In the farming town of Matatiele, a partnership is protecting Africa’s most biodiverse grassland and bringing prosperity through livestock auctions.
August 7, 2017
A tug of war in the night
From a poacher of bush meat to a small-business owner, Magic Mabunda illustrates the transformation underway in the communities outside Kruger National Park.
August 4, 2017
An accidental ranger finds his calling
When a scientist finds himself in the middle of anti-poaching operations, he asks himself whether there is a better way to conserve nature.
July 31, 2017
‘We are not tourist attractions’: Indigenous leaders assert their voices in conservation
Indigenous peoples are Earth’s original — and perhaps last — stewards. Their leadership could define the next generation of conservation.
May 5, 2017
To improve crop yields, just add trees
In an Indonesian province plagued by deforestation, a group of women farmers has found a more sustainable way to feed their families.
October 20, 2016
What on Earth is ‘land tenure’?
The concept of land tenure has major implications for conservation.
October 6, 2016
What on Earth is ‘sustainable’ coffee?
What makes coffee “sustainable,” and why it even matters.
September 29, 2016
6 facts you need to know about mangroves
Mangroves are a key piece of how we address climate change. It’s time we stop overlooking them.
July 25, 2016
To fight deforestation, one country changed the equation
In Ecuador, it pays to save the forest.
November 23, 2015