The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island’s International Program

In 1998, as part of its five year capital campaign, the Rhode Island Chapter started an initiative to support international projects that were ecologically connected to Rhode Island. As part of the campaign, a $450,000 endowment was established so that international projects could be supported beyond the duration of the campaign. At that time, the Eastern Caribbean was chosen as a focus area to support based on the shared ecology of migratory birds.

The Eastern Caribbean provides critical stop-over sites for migratory birds—just like Rhode Island. As coastal areas and islands, they face challenges similar to those in Rhode Island such as tourism and second home development. To have an impact on the future of migratory birds, we must protect both their summer and winter homes.

Since then, the Chapter has worked to connect Rhode Islanders to all global priorities. There are many conservation issues that affect Rhode Island that are borderless in nature, such as climate, marine, freshwater and migration patterns.

Below is a listing of some of the programs supported by the Rhode Island international endowment and Rhode Island members of TNC:

Habitat Restoration at Jack and Isaac’s Bay, St. Croix
Tropical Discovery Hike at Magen’s Bay, St. Thomas (highlight for link to page)
Support of the Bahamas
Support of the Osa Peninsula and Mayan Forest