The Nature Conservancy’s Post

1 boat 12 hours 16 complete strangers All for the chance to see pelagic bird species that are only visible far out at sea. Would you go extreme birding? Follow science writer, Justine Hausheer, on this adventure and find a pelagic birding trip near you!

June is Oceans Month! If you could describe the ocean in one word, what would it be? Comment with your word below!

🌱 IT'S A WIN FOR NATURE! 🌱 Following months of deliberations, the 27 countries of the EU voted today to adopt the world's first-ever Nature Restoration Law. The new law aims to restore at least 20% of the EU's land and seas, with specific targets including reversing the decline of pollinators and restoring 25,000 kilometres of rivers to free-flowing conditions. Good news for nature and the millions of European people who depend on it.

When we talk about pollinators, the usual suspects like bees, butterflies and birds often steal the limelight. But did you know there are some unsung heroes in the pollination process? From industrious spiders and formidable wasps to unassuming beetles and humble flies, these lesser-known pollinators play a vital role in sustaining the health and diversity of nearly every ecosystem on our planet!

In the vast tapestry of our world, every thread matters. From the delicate petals of a wildflower to the ancient roots of a towering oak, biodiversity weaves resilience into the fabric of our planet. But there’s another vital thread—one that often goes unnoticed or dismissed but is equally essential: the beautiful tapestry of human diversity. As we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride month this year and every year, The Nature Conservancy recognizes that fostering a more inclusive and equitable conservation movement is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic necessity. We're so proud to feature some of our LGBTQ+ staff colleagues. By bringing their full selves to their work, they enrich and expand TNC's mission every day.

Grasslands are central to the survival of numerous plants and animals. They also help maintain water quality, protect against soil degradation and represent a third of the world’s terrestrial carbon sinks. But grasslands are also facing unprecedented threats. We’ve already lost millions of acres of grasslands globally and only 5% of those remaining are protected. In his most recent Forbes column, TNC Global Board Chair Senator Bill Frist, M.D. talks about the restoration efforts underway, from Tennessee to Mongolia, to save these vital ecosystems.

The ocean sustains all life on Earth – not just the coral reef ecosystem you see here. It generates oxygen, absorbs heat and carbon dioxide, and regulates our climate, in addition to many other benefits. But the ocean is at risk. Overfishing, climate change and plastic pollution are just three of many factors threatening the delicate balance of this life-giving system. The stakes are high; we need to restore the ocean’s health now. Learn more about our ocean conservation strategies here: https://nature.ly/3XlFnmf 🎨: Mikhaila Markham / TNC

Last night, we gathered in Washington, D.C., with partners, friends and government leaders to celebrate our recent launch with the Government of Mongolia of Eternal Mongolia, a new Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative. Over 15 years, Eternal Mongolia will deliver $198 million of new investment to support Mongolia’s ambitious goals and provide lasting conservation in and around protected areas. Mongolia has long been a conservation leader, having committed over three decades ago to conserving 30% of its country by 2030 - a commitment now shared by nearly 200 countries around the world. Eternal Mongolia is also TNC’s first PFP under the ambitious Enduring Earth collaboration. The PFP approach is a proven model that has helped protect millions of acres of land, ocean and freshwater around the world and shown the transformative power of establishing long-term, sustainable financing for conservation. So, imagine if we could do similar projects faster and at a larger scale than we ever have before? Our pathway to doing so is the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act, a bill modeled after PFPs that is seeing tremendous movement in Congress. This legislation would invest federal government and private sector funding to support the community-led management of protected and conserved areas around the world. It’s an essential next step toward establishing innovative and sustainable financing to address climate change, habitat destruction and species loss. Learn more here: https://nature.ly/4emOxov