While some habitats have benefited significantly through protection, others are still under-represented and vulnerable. The Conservancy is supporting governments in the creation of new protected areas where they are most needed. We use our scientific expertise to identify key habitats that need to be protected and provide advice on the design of new protected areas to ensure the long term survival of the plants, animals and natural systems that they contain.

Filling the Gaps

The Conservancy is partnering with governments and other organizations to carry out ecological gap assessments ? a scientific analysis that identifies which areas should be protected in order to conserve a cross-section of plant and animal life within a country. Often these assessments involve mapping areas of high conservation value and comparing them to existing protecting areas. Results of a gap assessment in Jamaica, for example, revealed that important roosting sites for sea birds were not included in the existing protected area network. 

Strategies resulting from such gap assessments may involve designating new protected areas, creating corridors that link protected areas together or providing buffer zones to strengthen the benefits of existing protected areas. By using the latest scientific approaches, we can ensure conservation efforts are more targeted and more efficient.

Protecting our Waters

Our rivers, lakes, seas and oceans are some of the least protected habitats. The Conservancy works with partners around the world to create marine protected area (MPA) networks. We help identify the most resilient examples of healthy ocean and coastal habitats and advise on the development of MPA networks that benefit marine life, local communities and economies.  We work to protect vital freshwater habitats through supporting important wetlands including the Pantanal in Brazil.  By identifying and protecting key watersheds we can help maintain the health of some of the world?s mightiest rivers.

Achieving Results

The work of the Conservancy is part of a growing global momentum to create new protected areas and close the gap in the conservation of essential habitats. In 2006 to 2007 six of the countries where the Conservancy works?Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico and Peru?declared a total of 22 new protected areas, representing 43.5 million acres.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Glauco Freitas/TNC (Pantanal, Brazil); Photo © Rebecca Wells (California Grasslands); Photo © Hal Beral (many-spotted sweetlip off coast of Solomon Islands).