We believe first and foremost that conservation must benefit
people. Without a doubt, our planet’s ecological health is
inextricably linked to human well-being. We depend on Earth for
our sustenance, our livelihoods and our very survival. What we
take from it must be taken responsibly so that it will continue
to be available to us. We must balance the needs of the
environment with the needs of humanity. This is what
conservation is all about. Striking that balance requires the
understanding that Earth is under increasing pressure because of
us. Human behaviors that cause habitat destruction and over-
consumption of resources serve as stark reminders that there is
much work to be done if we are to preserve the natural bounty of
this wondrous planet for generations to come. Conserving Earth’s
biological diversity is a critical component of ensuring our
continued well-being. More than 1.35 billion people, many of
them living in indigenous communities, inhabit some of the
biologically richest and most threatened a