The gravel bottoms and braided channels of rivers leading into Iliamna Lake in southwest Alaska are ideal for the many king salmon that spawn in the lake's waters.
Braided River Channels: The gravel bottoms and braided channels of rivers leading into Iliamna Lake in southwest Alaska are ideal for the many king salmon that spawn in the lake's waters. © 2008 Ami Vitale

About Us

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.

Founded at its grassroots in the United States in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and more than 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 72 countries across six continents.

borders corn fields in the ejido of San Agustin, Yucatan.
The edge of the forest borders corn fields in the ejido of San Agustin, Yucatan. © Erich Schlegel

Places We Protect

Where We Work

The Nature Conservancy advances conservation in 72 countries spanning six continents.

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Stand With Us

Our mission demands that we do everything in our power to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Our science shows us that we can.  From our historic work in land acquisition to our cutting-edge research that influences global policy, The Nature Conservancy is constantly evolving so that we can take on the world’s most important challenges. 

Seven decades of conservation experience have taught us that we can accomplish more for the natural world when we bring together people and organizations across borders, across sectors and across political aisles. We all have a stake in a better future.

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An Organization You Can Trust

As a leading global charity, we put every dollar donated to work efficiently and effectively to make the greatest impact possible for conservation.

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Our Priorities

We are focusing on these key areas in order to achieve our ambitious mission.

A New Kind of Conservation (3 min) The diversity of life drew us to conservation in the first place. We've come to realize it's also about ensuring our own survival. Now, we’re reimagining conservation to tackle the most urgent challenges facing people and nature.

What Makes Us Who We Are

Recent Wins

  • The overlook atop Aride Island Special Reserve is at the center of where millions of birds nest during nesting season, Seychelles.

    A Marine Protected Area the Size of Great Britain

    We led a ground-breaking deal that protects nearly 160,000 square miles of ocean off of Seychelles while helping the small island nation pay off its debt and make important climate change adaptations. Explore More

  • Engaging youth and urban communities in environmental stewardship now will inspire a new generation of leaders to tackle the challenge of making cities and communities sustainable places to live.

    Working at the Nexus of Nature and Medicine

    We worked with health researchers and community organizers in Louisville, KY to launch a first-of-its-kind medical study on how planting more trees in cities positively affects residents' health. Explore More

  • in search of a meal.

    Protecting an Ancient Temperate Rainforest

    We brokered a milestone agreement securing the long-term protection and sustainable management of 9 million acres of the ancient Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, Canada. Explore More

  • Jordan Mitchell pilots a quad copter drone that carries a GoPro 3+ camera used to survey the bottom topography, Haiti. George Raber assists with the tablet computer. Steve Schill looks on.

    Using Tech to Map Coral Even Better

    We used high-tech planes and satellites to create the highest-ever resolution maps of the Caribbean's coral reefs in order to ensure the protection of these important ecosystems. Explore More

  • Herder in Mongolia grasslands.

    Helping Mongolia Conserve its Grasslands

    We’ve used our science to help the Mongolian Government protect 26 million acres of pristine grassland over the past 10 years. We continue to work with the government on a plan for 120 million acres. Explore More