STATEMENT: Conservation International CEO on Senate Passage of USFICA

ARLINGTON, Va. (Dec. 18, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Senate passed the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. If signed into law, this bipartisan legislation will establish a groundbreaking public-private partnership to support global conservation and economic development, authorizing up to $100 million in federal funding annually, matched 2:1 by private donors.

The CEO of Conservation International, Dr. M. Sanjayan, released the following statement:

“When the United States established Yellowstone National Park in 1872, it did more than protect two million acres of wilderness—it sparked a global movement redefining how nations value and preserve nature. As the world’s first national park, Yellowstone inspired countries to create protected areas, ensuring iconic landscapes and biodiversity endure for future generations. Yet its early years were fraught with challenges—poachers ran rampant, and the park was underfunded. It took decades for Congress to allocate resources and for the National Park Service to emerge as a model for stewardship.

“Today, many nations face similar challenges. They are rich in natural resources but constrained by limited funding and state capacity. The U.S. Foundation for International Conservation creates a new model for global development assistance and wildlife conservation. As an independent charitable organization it will also benefit from the oversight of select Cabinet officials, private donors and other experts on its governing board as it works to swiftly and efficiently address nature loss and wildlife trafficking, strengthen U.S. leadership, and promote stability in fragile regions.

“We applaud the efforts of Senator Coons and Senator Graham to shepherd this bill through Congress, and the leadership of Chairman Cardin and Ranking Member Risch in the Senate as well as Chairman McCaul and Ranking Member Meeks, and Congressman Dave Joyce in the House.

"This bipartisan effort underscores how protecting nature secures global stability and reinforces the United States’ role as a leader in conservation and diplomacy. Conservation remains a unifying force with the power to shape a more stable future for all of us.”

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About Conservation International: Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Visit Conservation.org for more, and follow us on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.