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Who We Are

Our Science

Through bold collaboration and diverse perspectives, TNC expands scientific expertise and drives global impact.

A scientist standing in a river sampling invasive plants with a net.
Tree Measuring at Two hearted River Reserve © Drew Kelly/TNC

Follow the Science

At TNC, science is at the heart of everything we do. It guides every decision, shapes every strategy, and drives every solution. As we confront the crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, our commitment to world-class science has never been more important. Today, we’re focused on turning bold ideas into real-world impact, scaling solutions that drive lasting, systemic change for people and nature.

Hands planting a plant in an agricultural field.
Sustainable farming Agriculture in Tennessee is more than just an economic engine—it’s a cornerstone of our economy, history and way of life. © Freepik

Innovating for People and the Planet: The Scientific History of TNC

Science is the backbone of The Nature Conservancy’s mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. It provides the evidence base we need to set priorities, design effective strategies, and measure our impact. Science empowers us to address complex environmental challenges with solutions that are grounded in data, scalable across geographies, and rooted in the needs of local people and communities. 

From our origins in the Ecological Society of America to our evolution into a global conservation leader, science has always defined who we are. Today, more than 1,000 science staff across all 50 U.S. states and more than 80 countries and territories are advancing TNC’s mission through interdisciplinary research and collaboration. With expertise covering more than 60 disciplines, our scientists work hand-in-hand with partners and communities to create solutions for nature, climate, and people that are locally grounded and globally scalable.

At TNC, science is inclusive, collaborative, and focused on impact. Our teams integrate cutting-edge technologies like remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and bioacoustics with Indigenous and local knowledge to develop solutions that work in the real world. Whether advancing climate adaptation, marine spatial planning, sustainable agriculture, or natural climate solutions like agroforestry and reforestation, TNC science is designed to be used—informing decisions, guiding policy, and driving change at scale.

At The Nature Conservancy, science is more than a tool or a discovery. It’s how we turn knowledge into impact, all with the goal of creating a thriving future for life on Earth.

Where Science Meets Impact

At TNC, science isn’t just a tool, it’s a bridge to a better future for biodiversity, climate and communities.

Historical photo of three people in a field collecting data.
A scientist measuring a tree.
A researcher measures water quality on an oyster reef at eye level.
Jen Morris and Katharine Hayhoe on stage having a discussion.
Historical photo of three people in a field collecting data.

ORDWAY PRAIRIE: This preserve protects more than 800 acres of grasslands and woods that have been relatively undisturbed. © Wallace Dayton

A scientist measuring a tree.

Measuring trees: Conservation practitioners examine and measure trees in a wetland. © Mac Stone

A researcher measures water quality on an oyster reef at eye level.

Science-Based Solutions: A researcher measures water quality on an oyster reef. © Hannah Packman/TNC

Jen Morris and Katharine Hayhoe on stage having a discussion.

OCS Gathering Opening: TNC CEO Jen Morris and Chief Scientist Katharine Hayhoe having a fireside chat at the OCS Gathering in 2024 © TNC

Four people in a field taking notes about butterflies.
Connecting People to Nature Sacred Keepers Sustainability Lab interns monitor monarch butterflies in milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) patches along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor in Chicago, Illinois. © Laura Stoecker

About the One Conservancy Science Program at TNC

TNC’s success requires that we continue to invest in and grow the quality and consistency of our science across the organization. TNC’s One Conservancy Science Program (OCSP) integrates and connects our nearly 1,000 science staff across the globe to optimize science and innovation, amplify the power of our research, and build capacity and connections that accelerate us toward our 2030 goals. 

One Conservancy Science Program: By the Numbers

We provide the connectivity, training, resources and support needed to deliver state-of-the-art science to accelerate progress toward our 2030 goals.

  • Green icon of a microscope.

    1,000

    Science staff at TNC

  • Green icon of a research paper.

    374

    2024 publications authored or co-authored by TNC staff

  • Green icon of three people.

    60

    # of science disciplines represented

  • Green icon of a globe.

    80+

    We impact conservation in more than 80 countries and territories.

The One Conservancy Science Program invests in four key areas

Our vision is to create a sustainable and interconnected science network

Science in the Spotlight

Discover how science is shaping conservation, from innovative research to on-the-ground impact.

© Ariana Lindquist
A cow standing in a field
Grazing cow on a restored prairie © Chis Helzer
Bench is surrounded by an oak tree draped in moss.
Brunswick, Georgia A park bench is surrounded by pink and white azalea and an oak tree draped in gray Spanish moss. © Andrew Demske, Sober Glass Photography
Two offshore wind turbines in the distance.
Offshore Wind “While we need renewable energy, it is also critical that we understand how this development affects marine species." Brendan Runde, Ph.D., marine scientist with TNC © Jeff dem
Woman bending down collecting seaweed.
Supporting People and Nature Sada Hemedi Suleiman, a 37-year old champion seaweed farmer, drying the seaweed she collected on shore. © Roshni Lodhia
Aerial photo of the Sitka Wetland of Nehalem Bay.
Nehalem Bay Long-term protection of the Sitka Wetland along Nehalem Bay is an essential step toward climate resilience for wildlife. © Jesse Andrew Clark
A cow standing in a field
Grazing cow on a restored prairie © Chis Helzer

1

Grazing Lands as Climate Solutions

A new review highlights how U.S. grazing practices can combat climate change through strategies like wetland restoration, pasture legumes, and optimized grazing. These approaches may boost soil carbon, reduce emissions, and improve biodiversity, water quality, and soil health.

Bench is surrounded by an oak tree draped in moss.
Brunswick, Georgia A park bench is surrounded by pink and white azalea and an oak tree draped in gray Spanish moss. © Andrew Demske, Sober Glass Photography

2

Greener Urban Spaces Can Boost Well-Being

A recent review of 1,550 studies shows that nature-rich cities, featuring parks, gardens, and native plants, provide major physical and mental health benefits. The analysis also notes potential trade-offs, such as allergen exposure and green gentrification, underscoring the need for careful, equitable planning.

Two offshore wind turbines in the distance.
Offshore Wind “While we need renewable energy, it is also critical that we understand how this development affects marine species." Brendan Runde, Ph.D., marine scientist with TNC © Jeff dem

3

Offshore Wind Meets Oyster Restoration

Europe is pairing offshore wind development with oyster reef restoration by using turbine foundations as habitat for native oysters. This approach boosts marine biodiversity, improves water quality, and supports climate goals, turning clean energy infrastructure into thriving ecosystems.

Woman bending down collecting seaweed.
Supporting People and Nature Sada Hemedi Suleiman, a 37-year old champion seaweed farmer, drying the seaweed she collected on shore. © Roshni Lodhia

4

Community-Powered Climate Resilience

The Nature Conservancy’s Climate, Risk and Vulnerability (CRV) initiative combines cutting-edge climate science with local priorities to create nature-based solutions that protect people and ecosystems. By integrating IPCC-based risk assessments with community input, CRV helps design strategies like mangrove restoration, grassland recovery, and water management that are both cost-effective and widely supported.

Aerial photo of the Sitka Wetland of Nehalem Bay.
Nehalem Bay Long-term protection of the Sitka Wetland along Nehalem Bay is an essential step toward climate resilience for wildlife. © Jesse Andrew Clark

5

Conserving Nehalem Bay Wetlands

The Nature Conservancy and Lower Nehalem Community Trust protected nearly 20 acres of rare Sitka spruce tidal wetland along Nehalem Bay, ensuring wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and storm resilience. This effort supports the Emerald Edge initiative and long-term community stewardship.

Our Science Works to Advance the 2030 Goals

  • A green circle with the words 3 billion in black text in the center.

    Avoid or sequester 3 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions annually

    Using the power of nature and strength of policy and markets to store carbon, support the renewable energy build-out and reduce emissions equivalent to nearly 10% of global emissions from fossil fuels. Learn about Natural Climate Solutions.

  • A green circle with the words 100 million in black text in the center.

    Help 100 million people at risk of climate-related emergencies

    Protecting and restoring the health of natural habitats—from mangroves and reefs to floodplains and forests—that help protect communities from storm surge, extreme rainfall, severe wildfires and sea level rise. How we're strengthening coastal resilience.

  • A teal circle with the words 4 billion in black text in the center.

    Conserve 4 billion hectares of ocean

    Making sure the oceans thrive through new and better-managed protected areas, global-scale sustainable fishing, innovative financing and positive policy changes to how the world governs the seas. Learn how climate-ready fisheries can restore ocean health.

  • An orange circle with the words 650 million in black text in the center.

    Conserve 650 million hectares of land

    Partnering with communities across the globe to restore & improve management of working lands, support the leadership of Indigenous peoples as land stewards, & conserve critical forests, grasslands and other habitats rich in carbon & biodiversity. Explore our conservation projects around the world.

  • A blue circle with the words 30 million in black text in the center.

    Conserve 30M hectares of lakes & wetlands, 1M kilometers of river systems

    Promoting innovative solutions and policies that improve the quality and amount of water available in freshwater ecosystems and to communities. Read more on our sustainable rivers projects.

  • A green circle with the words 45 million in black text in the center.

    Support 45 million people, partnering with local and Indigenous communities

    Partnering with Indigenous Peoples and other communities to learn from and support their leadership in stewarding the environment, securing rights to resources, improving economic opportunities and shaping their future. Learn how we partner with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

4 people in a river with nets collecting samples.
One Conservancy Science Impact Report 2024

Learn more about the impact of science at TNC.

Download

Explore key science resources at TNC

Learn more about the science behind our conservation work. These key resources offer insights into the data, research and innovations that guide The Nature Conservancy’s global efforts to protect nature and people.

  • Two scientists sampling in a rocky riverbed.

    Science Catalyst Fund Impact Report

    The inaugural report of The Nature Conservancy’s 2030 Science Catalyst Fund spotlights how rapid-response research is accelerating science-based action across the globe. Check out the Inaugural Report Here

  • Two people kneeling together in a field observing plants.

    Council of External Science Advisors

    In late 2024, TNC established the Council of External Science Advisors (CESA) for the OCS program. The CESA ensures TNC's science aligns with the latest advancements, providing independent oversight and guidance on critical topics. Council of External Science Advisors

  • Five scientists in field gear working to examine clams.

    Scientists Powering Conservation

    Get to know the scientists driving conservation forward. Their biography pages offer a closer look at the people behind the research, restoration and innovation shaping our planet’s future. Our Scientists

  • The SNAPP logo.

    Science for Nature & People Partnership

    SNAPP is a global partnership that funds expert teams to create data-driven, scalable solutions linking nature conservation to human well-being, focusing on climate, food, water, oceans and social innovation. Learn More About SNAPP

  • Four people in a circle working to deploy an acoustic reader.

    Cool Green Science

    Cool Green Science shares how conservation science tackles climate change and biodiversity loss. Through field stories, expert insights and fascinating discoveries, it connects readers to the science behind protecting nature. Check out the blog here

  • A geospatial map.

    Geospatial Annual Report Digital Companion

    Discover the integral role of geospatial mapping technologies in prioritizing conservation science to achieve our goals and earn the best return on conservation investments around the world. About the Latest Report

  • A bowl of cacao harvested in Indonesia.

    Denise O’Leary and Kent Thiry Sustainability Fellowship

    The Denise O’Leary and Kent Thiry Sustainability Fellowship is a pioneering partnership between TNC and the Smithsonian Institution, designed to empower the next generation of scientific leaders in sustainability and planetary resilience. Learn More About the Fellowship

Aerial view of a valley from a mountaintop.
View from a mountain top Khan Khentii Protected Area, Khuh Nuur, Mongolia. © Nick Hall

Read More

Young mangrove saplings shoot out of mud in Kenya.

Tackle Climate Change

Climate change isn’t a distant threat—it's happening now, and it’s our biggest problem. The urgency is real, but so are the solutions to stop global warming.

Parque Nacional Torres del Paine in Chile, showing sparkling waters of a bay and steep, snow-covered mountains in the distance.

Protect Ocean, Land & Fresh Water

We’re facing two existential crises: climate change and rapid biodiversity loss. Reversing these crises requires protecting and sustainably managing our ocean, land and fresh water.

Woman carrying bag of tea leaves on her head in a farm field.

Provide Food & Water

The Nature Conservancy is fostering innovations in technology, collaborating with communities to use resources more efficiently and promoting policies that enable sustainability.