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Amid a deforestation crisis, two countries plant seeds of hope
Earth lost 3.7 million hectares (9.2 million acres) of tropical forest last year, an area nearly the size of the Netherlands. Yet amid these sobering findings, there are signs of hope.
April 8, 2024
In Bolivia, a 'conservation mosaic’ gets another (big) piece
In the remote lowland forests of northwestern Bolivia, a small community has taken a big step to protect one of the Amazon’s most biodiverse regions.
February 5, 2024
Can tree farms save a forest? Brazil is about to find out
In Brazil's s Mato Grosso do Sul, native species are reclaiming thousands of acres once heavily grazed by cattle. A bold initiative aims to protect and restore nature to an area twice the size of Manhattan — and find new ways to pay for it.
November 20, 2023
New conservation effort seeks $1 billion for Eastern Himalayas
A new initiative in the Eastern Himalayas aims to raise US$1 billion to accelerate — and scale up — local conservation work, providing resources to plant 1 billion trees, and protect and restore 1 million hectares by 2030.
September 20, 2023
U.S., Peru trade debt for nature
The government of Peru signed a deal to redirect more than US$ 20 million it owes to the United States into the conservation of some of the most biodiverse areas on Earth.
September 7, 2023
At Amazon summit, a milestone on the road to protecting the rainforest
Eight Amazonian nations have agreed to create an alliance to protect the world’s largest rainforest, following decades of rising deforestation and warnings of a “tipping point” that could alter the ecosystem — and Earth’s climate.
August 9, 2023
New study reveals seaweed’s hidden climate benefits
A new study found that seaweed forests may play a bigger role in fighting climate change than previously thought — absorbing as much climate-warming carbon as the Amazon rainforest. But not all seaweed forests are created equal.
July 18, 2023
Study: Protected forests are a climate powerhouse
Protected forests keep significantly more climate-warming carbon out of the atmosphere than unprotected forests, according to a new study. The research illustrates just how important protected areas are in the fight to curb climate change.
June 1, 2023
In Amazon, small towns are a force of nature
Years ahead of schedule, Bolivia has met an ambitious goal to protect 30 percent of its land — and that's thanks in large part to Amazonian towns and villages that are accelerating the pace and scale of conservation in the country.
April 12, 2023
What on Earth is ‘HFLD’? (Hint: It’s about forests)
From “blue carbon” to “ecosystem services,” environmental jargon is everywhere. Conservation International looks to make sense of it in an occasional explainer series. In this installment, we explore the role “HFLDs,” play in storing climate-warming carbon.
March 8, 2023
3 reasons for hope for the Amazon
When U.S. President Joseph Biden meets with Brazil’s newly elected president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in Washington this week, climate change and the fate of the Amazon will be one of the many items of discussion, according to news reports.
February 9, 2023
‘Audacious’ reforestation effort grows in Brazil
A bold initiative to regrow 73 million trees in the Brazilian Amazon has made substantial progress despite some unexpected hurdles, according to an upcoming report.
February 7, 2023
A Peruvian forest was vanishing. Coffee and community trust saved it
In the Alto Mayo Protected Forest in Peru, local farmers have partnered with Conservation International to produce sustainable coffee and halt deforestation. Since 2011, this partnership has helped deforestation decline by 59 percent.
January 10, 2023
News spotlight: Record deforestation could forever transform the Amazon
In case you missed it: Brazil's rainforests are in serious trouble.
July 18, 2022
Methuselah: Still the world's oldest tree?
In eastern California, a Great Basin bristlecone pine known as Methuselah has long been considered Earth’s oldest living thing. But in Chile, a new challenger has emerged that could be 500 years older than the reigning champ.
June 6, 2022
New science: Removing ‘climber’ plants doubles tree growth — and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
May 5, 2022
Notes from the field: fish-waste fertilizer, fire-resistant trees and more
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
February 25, 2022
These ecosystems could determine our climate future: study
Nature’s stashes of climate-warming carbon is packed into a small percentage of Earth’s lands, finds a new study that pinpoints the ecosystems humanity must protect to avert a climate disaster.
November 18, 2021
5 ways nature supports human health
Conservation News is highlighting how nature nurtures us — and why we must protect it. Here are a few of the ways nature supports human health.
November 5, 2021
3 myths about carbon offsets, busted
Forest carbon offsets can help reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions — but they remain contentious in the world of climate policy. Here are 3 myths about them, debunked.
November 3, 2021
Notes from the field: Forest drones, gorilla germs and more
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
October 21, 2021
Climate, biodiversity fight gets $5B shot in the arm
In an announcement today at New York Climate Week, nine philanthropic organizations pledged US$ 5 billion over the next decade to support the creation and expansion of protected areas, sustainable management of the world’s oceans and Indigenous-led conservation.
September 22, 2021
Study: How years of wildfires have devastated the Amazon
For the first time, scientists have quantified the impact these fires have had on animals and plants in the Amazon over the past two decades. And according to their new study published today in Nature, these species are suffering — but there is still time to protect them.
September 1, 2021
Notes from the field: Protecting Panama’s waters, conserving Malagasy lemurs and more
Here are four recent conservation success stories you should know about.
July 15, 2021
New science: a path for protecting chimps and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
June 3, 2021
Protect nature or risk future pandemics, expert warns
Conservation International's new pandemic prevention fellow recently discussed how his experience chasing infectious diseases and leading NYC's COVID contact tracing program has shown him why human health depends on the health of the planet.
May 27, 2021
When COVID flattened tourism, carbon credits kept these African hills ‘green’
The pandemic cratered ecotourism in Africa last year, depriving local communities of life-sustaining revenues. However, the people of Chyulu Hills in southeast Kenya were able to tell a different story — and make a number of investments toward their futures. Here's how.
April 13, 2021
As pandemic pounded Peru, one region thrived on coffee, carbon
Across Peru, the COVID-19 pandemic has left millions without jobs. But in the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, where the Amazon meets the Andes, coffee farmers were spared much of the economic devastation that gripped Peru’s cities and towns.
April 9, 2021
In Bolivian Andes, new protected area offers ‘a breath of fresh air’
With support from Conservation International, the municipality of Guanay in Bolivia established a law to protect one-third of its land.
March 25, 2021
Study: Could the Amazon become ground zero for the world’s next pandemic?
If deforestation continues to accelerate, the Amazon could be at risk of becoming ground zero for the world’s next pandemic, according to a study published today.
March 24, 2021
New NASA maps will help Liberia chart course for a sustainable future
In partnership with Conservation International and NASA, the government of Liberia recently mapped the country’s diverse ecosystems — from lush forests to coastal mangroves — and analyzed how they have changed over time.
March 17, 2021
Study: Too often, COVID recovery comes at nature’s expense
A new study found that more countries undermined rather than supported nature in decisions made after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as their national pandemic recovery policies.
March 11, 2021
New report on carbon markets: What you need to know
The market for carbon offsets must be scaled up globally to make a sufficient dent in climate change, according to a new report that lays out a path toward a high-quality global carbon market.
February 3, 2021
Notes from the field: For communities, conservation brings business opportunities
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
January 21, 2021
New science: restoring forests, coastal protection and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
January 14, 2021
Airline industry clears forest-carbon credits for takeoff
In a historic announcement, the global civil aviation industry has paved the way for airlines to help neutralize their climate footprint by protecting nature.
November 20, 2020
Study maps climate potential of letting forests be
Restoring tropical forest cover might offer an even bigger climate opportunity than previously thought, a new study finds.
September 23, 2020
Expert: COVID, climate change create ‘perfect storm’ for Amazon fires
A year after unprecedented fires ravaged the Amazon, the latest data indicate the world’s largest rainforest faces an even higher risk of fires in 2020.
July 7, 2020
Study: COVID-19 jeopardizing world’s protected areas
The COVID-19 pandemic is jeopardizing areas set aside to conserve nature, according to a study published yesterday.
June 3, 2020
Notes from the field: Indigenous peoples protecting nature through tradition
Right now, around the world, the work of protecting nature and the climate is happening in the field — and achieving small triumphs that don’t make the news. Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
April 29, 2020
Conservationist: Protecting nature an ‘investment’ in our health
Conservation International's CEO explains the link between infectious diseases and the destruction of nature.
April 21, 2020
New science: saving life on land, record-breaking rays, freshwater action plan
Here’s a roundup of recent science published by Conservation International experts.
April 16, 2020
Study: Protect these places — or face climate doom
To stop climate catastrophe, there are certain places on Earth that we simply cannot afford to destroy, according to new research by Conservation International scientists.
March 31, 2020
Despite dire headlines, ‘it would be a mistake to write off tropical forests’
Despite dire headlines, tropical forests are still among our best allies to fight climate change, an expert explains.
March 6, 2020
Credit where it’s due: Forest-carbon programs a vital tool to fix climate
Conservation International's finance expert extolls the importance of forest carbon credits to tackle the climate crisis.
February 22, 2020
Expert: To restore Earth’s forests, ‘help nature run its course’
In a recent article, Conservation International's restoration expert extolled the effectiveness of an innovative scientific technique to help forests grow: leaving them alone.
January 24, 2020
What on Earth are ‘natural climate solutions’?
In this installment of "What on Earth?" we explore the importance of "natural climate solutions" — and why nature has a p.r. problem.
November 25, 2019
Notes from the field: Protecting forests to benefit people
Here are three conservation successes you need to know about.
October 29, 2019
Climate Week: Money, nature and what really matters
The three themes that stood out over the course of Climate Week were protecting nature to protect the climate, finding funding for conservation and valuing nature beyond science and policies.
September 26, 2019
France backs bold new pact to save Amazon
France has committed US$ 100 million to a new South American-led initiative to protect the Amazon rainforest, with Conservation International pledging an additional US$ 20 million.
September 23, 2019
Climate Week: Economics, forests take center stage
Sunday’s Climate Week round-up: Experts discuss the economics of climate change, restoring forests are a cost-effective climate solution and nature is “more valuable alive than it is dead.”
September 23, 2019
‘Nature Now’: In new film, climate heavyweights make plea for the planet
A new film, featuring youth climate activist Greta Thunberg and writer George Monbiot, highlights nature's ability to help stop climate breakdown.
September 19, 2019
What is the Tropical Forest Standard? An expert explains
Here are 6 things you need to know about the Tropical Forest Standard.
September 5, 2019
Four questions about the Amazon fires, answered
Conservation International experts explain more about the fires raging through the Amazon.
August 23, 2019
The Amazon is on fire: 5 things you need to know
The Amazon is on fire. Here are 5 things you need to know.
August 22, 2019
What on Earth is ‘reforestation’?
In this installment of “What on Earth?” we explore the “reforestation” — what it is, why it’s important, and how it can help stop climate change.
August 5, 2019
EU bid to halt imported deforestation ‘moot without investment’
In a new communication, the European Union announced steps it will take to promote global reforestation efforts and end deforestation related to EU imports of agricultural commodities.
July 23, 2019
‘Ecological SWAT team’ documents treasures from a lost city
A team of scientists completed a biological survey of the “White City” of Honduras, a recently discovered set of ancient ruins deep within the Mosquitia rainforest.
June 20, 2019
Forest carbon credits ‘worse than nothing’? There’s more to this story
Forest carbon credits ‘worse than nothing’? There’s more to this story
May 24, 2019
As climate warms, Ecuador fights fires with forecasts
An innovative tool combines weather forecasts with fire-tracking systems to create a "fire-weather forecast."
May 22, 2019
The most important conservation law you’ve never heard of
The Tropical Forest Conservation Act, a debt-for-nature program, has already saved more than 68 million acres of tropical forest.
April 29, 2019
Climate heavyweights: We need nature
We need nature to fight climate change, our climate expert argues.
April 5, 2019
What on Earth is ‘REDD+’?
Human Nature breaks down what “REDD+” is and how it helps to conserve forests.
March 28, 2019
What on Earth is a ‘non-timber forest product’?
Human Nature breaks down what "non-timber forest products" are
November 7, 2018
3 ways climate change affects tropical rainforests
Climate change will affect tropical rainforests — here are 3 ways how.
June 26, 2018
In Indonesia, villagers find innovative ways to adapt to climate change
A new study shows that using nature to adapt to intense storms and drought can be affective for thriving in a changing climate.
June 19, 2018
In a long-lost city, scientists find an ‘exuberance’ of life
A team of researchers led by Conservation International explored the biological treasures that exist in an inaccessible corner of Central America.
May 23, 2018
Voices of the Alto Mayo: Women in charge
María Hernández describes her life in the Alto Mayo and how it has changed since she and her sister, Maximila, signed a conservation agreement.
April 3, 2018
Voices of the Alto Mayo: ‘The forest gives me everything’
Abdías Vásquez describes his life in the Alto Mayo and how it has changed since he signed a conservation agreement.
March 27, 2018
3 things you didn’t know trees did for you
Here are three surprising benefits of forests
March 21, 2018
What on Earth is a ‘conservation agreement’?
Here, we break down “conservation agreements,” an approach that helps conserve biodiversity while improving the quality of life for local communities.
February 20, 2018
Deforested areas in the Amazon vulnerable to loss of legal protections, study finds
Human Nature talked to Conservation International scientists about what their findings about protected areas could mean for the Amazon’s future.
February 13, 2018
Massive reforestation effort puts down roots in Brazilian Amazon
A new project seeks to kickstart a revival for the world’s largest rainforest by planting tens of millions new trees.
September 15, 2017
In Kenya’s storied hills, traditional ways confront a modern problem: climate change
Neutralize your carbon footprint through a new REDD+ project in the Chyulu Hills of Kenya.
July 26, 2017
4 ways climate change is making life harder for tigers
A new threat looms for these remaining tigers: climate change.
July 19, 2017
What on Earth is ‘conservation finance’?
This range of financial tools might be the final frontier for protecting nature.
December 2, 2016
To improve crop yields, just add trees
In an Indonesian province plagued by deforestation, a group of women farmers has found a more sustainable way to feed their families.
October 20, 2016
What on Earth is ‘land tenure’?
The concept of land tenure has major implications for conservation.
October 6, 2016
What on Earth is ‘sustainable’ coffee?
What makes coffee “sustainable,” and why it even matters.
September 29, 2016
Why Indigenous rights matter
Indigenous peoples’ interest in conservation is profound — but often overlooked.
September 6, 2016
Illegal logger turned forest champion — with help from hummingbirds
For Norbil Becerra, destroying forests was a necessary evil — until the day he saw a hummingbird.
January 5, 2016
To fight deforestation, one country changed the equation
In Ecuador, it pays to save the forest.
November 23, 2015