16.1: Selected Environmental Organisations
- Page ID
- 71118
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Online search engines such as Google provide powerful tools to obtain information about conservation topics and opportunities. While much of the information obtained in this way is valuable, the growing popularity of the Internet has also allowed the rapid distribution of false and misleading information. You should, thus, carefully consider the source of the information you obtain online.
Similarly, it is also important to thoroughly research any conservation organizations with whom you are interested in working with. This task is particularly difficult in Africa, where most organizations have not yet been assessed for their effectiveness in carrying out conservation activities. As a starting point, you can see whether the organization that interests you is a member of an international affiliate body, such as the IUCN or World Association for Zoos and Aquariums, which sets strict standards for organizational memberships. Online databases such as GuideStar (https://www.guidestar.org), Charity Navigator (https://www.charitynavigator.org), Better Business Bureau (https://www.bbb.org), and Great Nonprofits (https://greatnonprofits.org) are also good options for organization vetting.
Below is a partial list of credible conservation organizations active on a regional scale in Africa.
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Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group (ABCG) |
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Washington, DC, USA |
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Tackles conservation challenges by strengthening collaborations. |
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African Conservation Foundation (ACF) |
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Nairobi, Kenya and Yaoundé, Cameroon |
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Saves Africa’s endangered wildlife by building local capacity. |
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African World Heritage Fund |
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Midrand, South Africa |
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Works to protect Africa’s World Heritage Sites. |
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African Parks |
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Johannesburg, South Africa |
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Manages protected areas in collaboration with governments and communities. |
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African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) |
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Nairobi, Kenya |
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Works to ensure that wildlife and wild lands thrive. |
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Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) |
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Kampala, Uganda |
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Promotes biodiversity conservation in the Albertine Rift region. |
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Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) |
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Lawrence, KS, USA |
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Fosters scientific understanding and conservation of tropical environments. |
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BirdLife International |
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Nairobi, Kenya and Accra, Ghana |
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Strives to conserve birds and their habitats, with national partners across Africa. |
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Born Free Foundation |
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Horsham, UK |
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Protects threatened species in the wild. |
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Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) |
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Nairobi, Kenya |
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Guides, encourages, and supports botanical gardens. |
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Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI) |
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Cambridge, UK |
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A partnership of conservation leaders working towards a sustainable future. |
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Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) |
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Yaoundé, Cameroon and Nairobi, Kenya |
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Conducts research on forests and landscape management. |
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CGIAR (formerly Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) |
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Montpellier, France |
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The world’s largest agricultural innovation network. |
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CITES Secretariat of Wild Fauna and Flora |
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Geneva, Switzerland |
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The official UN body tasked with regulating the global trade in endangered species. |
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Conservation International (CI) |
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Arlington, VA, USA |
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Saves nature through science, policy, and partnerships. |
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Conservation Leadership Programme |
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Cambridge, UK |
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Supports leadership development of early career conservationists. |
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Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat |
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Montreal, Canada |
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The official UN body tasked with promoting the goals of the CBD. |
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Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) |
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Arlington, VA, USA |
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Provides financial and technical support to conserve critical ecosystems. |
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Darwin Initiative |
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London, UK |
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Assists developing countries implement biodiversity convention commitments. |
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Earthwatch Institute |
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Boston, MA, USA |
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Helps citizen scientists contribute to field conservation projects. |
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East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS) |
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Nairobi, Kenya |
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Promotes conservation and sustainable use of the environment. |
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EcoHealth Alliance |
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New York, NY, USA |
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Studies connections between humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. |
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The Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA) |
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Freetown, Sierra Leone |
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Protects and restores the environment in West Africa. |
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Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) |
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London, UK |
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Activist organization focussed on exposing environmental crimes. |
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Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) |
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Eugene, OR, USA |
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Helps partners gain skills and build strong conservation organizations. |
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Fauna & Flora International (FFI) |
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Cambridge, UK |
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Africa’s first conservation society; has been protecting African wildlife since 1903. |
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FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology |
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Cape Town, South Africa |
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Promotes and undertakes scientific studies on African birds. |
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Forest Carbon Partnership Facility |
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Washington. DC |
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Assist countries with their REDD+ preparations to reduce emissions from forest loss. |
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Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) |
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Bonn, Germany |
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Sets the standards for responsibly managed forests. |
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Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) |
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Frankfurt, Germany |
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Maintains wilderness areas and biodiversity. |
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Future for Nature |
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Arnhem, The Netherlands |
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Provides mentoring and other assistance to young conservationists. |
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Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA) |
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Johannesburg, South Africa |
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Provides support, networks, and representation for rangers. |
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Global Environment Facility (GEF) |
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Washington, DC, USA |
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Provide grants for biodiversity and sustainable development projects. |
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Global Forest Watch (GFW) |
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Washington, DC, USA |
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Empower people to better protect forests. |
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Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) |
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Austin, TX, USA |
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Protects species and habitats through science-based field action. |
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Goldman Environmental Foundation |
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San Francisco, CA, USA |
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Recognises environmental activists who have made an impact. |
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Greenpeace Africa |
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Johannesburg, South Africa |
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Activist organization known for protests against environmental crime |
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High Seas Alliance |
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Washington, DC, USA |
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Facilitates cooperation for protection of high seas. |
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ICLEI Africa |
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Cape Town, South Africa |
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A network of governments committed to sustainable urban development. |
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International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) |
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Nairobi, Kenya and Cape Town, South Africa |
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Rescues and protects animals around the world. |
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Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) |
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Geneva, Switzerland |
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The UN’s authority on climate change. |
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Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) |
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Bonn, Germany |
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The UN’s authority on nature’s contributions to people (NCP), or ecosystem services. |
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The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) |
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Washington, DC, USA |
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Promotes responsible tourism practices. |
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International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) |
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London, UK |
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Promotes sustainable development to protect the environment. |
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International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) |
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Ibadan, Nigeria |
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Works to enhance crop quality and productivity. |
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International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) |
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Yokohama, Japan |
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Promotes sustainable management of tropical forest resources. |
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International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) |
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Gland, Switzerland |
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Coordinates international conservation efforts and produces Red Lists. |
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International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) |
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Lyon, France |
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Facilitate prosecution of international environmental crimes. |
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iSeal |
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London, UK |
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A membership organization for sustainability standards. |
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Jane Goodall Institute |
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Vienna, VA, USA |
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Inspiring people to conserve the natural world. |
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Leadership for Conservation in Africa (LCA) |
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Pretoria, South Africa |
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Influences business leaders to support investment in conservation. |
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Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) |
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London, UK |
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Promotes sustainable fishing practices. |
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National Geographic Society (NGS) |
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Washington, DC, USA |
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One of the world’s largest scientific and educational institutions. |
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Natural Capital Coalition |
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London, UK |
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Collaboration of the global natural capital community. |
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The Nature Conservancy (TNC) |
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Arlington, VA, USA |
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Conserves threatened species and their habitats, emphasising land preservation. |
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Oxpeckers Centre for Investigative Environmental Journalism |
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Johannesburg, South Africa |
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Investigative journalists focusing on African environmental issues. |
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Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA) |
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Johannesburg, South Africa |
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Guides and accredits African Zoos and Aquaria. |
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Peace Parks Foundation |
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Stellenbosch, South Africa |
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Facilitates the establishment of transfrontier conservation areas. |
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The Pew Charitable Trusts |
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London, UK |
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Advances scientific understanding of environmental problems. |
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Project Aware |
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Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA |
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A movement of scuba divers protecting the planet’s oceans. |
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Rainforest Alliance |
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New York, NY, USA |
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Advances sustainable forestry, agriculture, and ecotourism. |
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Rainforest Trust |
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London, UK |
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Protecting forests by aquiring land for conservation. |
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Rapid Response Facility (RRF) |
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Cambridge, UK |
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Provides emergency support to natural World Heritage sites. |
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Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation (PRCM) |
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Dakar, Senegal |
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Working on marine conservation in West Africa. |
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Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) |
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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
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Advances sustainable palm oil production. |
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |
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Richmond, Surrey, UK |
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A leading botanical research institute with an enormous plant collection. |
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Rufford Foundation |
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London, UK |
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Funds conservation projects across the developing world. |
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Sahara Conservation Fund |
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St. Louis, MO, USA |
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Conserves biodiversity of the Sahara Desert and bordering Sahelian grasslands. |
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SEED |
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Berlin, Germany |
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A global partnership that promotes sustainable development. |
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Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) |
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Arlington, VA, USA |
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The leading scientific society for conservation biology. |
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Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) |
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Washington, DC, USA |
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Scientific society that promotes ecological restoration. |
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Species360 (formerly International Species Information System) |
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Bloomington, MN, USA |
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Gathers and shares information about animals kept in zoos and aquaria. |
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Tropical Biology Association |
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Nairobi, Kenya |
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Help scientists manage and conserve natural resources in tropical regions. |
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Tusk |
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New York, NY, USA |
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Supports and connects conservation initiatives and expertise. |
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United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) |
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Nairobi, Kenya |
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Coordinates the UN’s environmental activities. |
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West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA BiCC) |
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Accra, Ghana |
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Improve conservation and climate-resilient growth across West Africa. |
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Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) |
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Zanzibar, Tanzania |
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Scientific society that promotes marine sciences. |
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Wetlands International |
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Dakar, Senegal |
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Dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. |
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Whiteley Fund for Nature |
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London, UK |
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Funds conservation leaders and projects in developing countries. |
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WildAid |
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San Francisco, CA, USA |
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Working to end the illegal wildlife trade. |
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WILDLABS |
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Cambridge, UK |
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Platform that promotes technology-enabled conservation. |
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WildLeaks |
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Los Angeles, CA, USA |
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An online whistleblower platform for biodiversity crimes. |
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Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) |
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San Francisco, CA, USA |
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Supports community-based conservation projects. |
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Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) |
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Bronx, NY, USA |
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One of the world’s leaders in biodiversity conservation and research. |
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Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC) |
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Cambridge, UK |
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Promotes sustainable wildlife trade and combats wildlife crime. |
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World Bank |
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Washington, DC, USA |
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Provides loans to developing countries for economic development. |
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Worldwatch Institute |
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Washington DC, USA |
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Highlights links between the economy and environment. |
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World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) |
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Gland, Switzerland |
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Guides, encourages, and supports zoos and aquaria. |
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World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) |
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Cambridge, UK |
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An UN agency that supports biodiversity assessments and policy. |
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World Resources Institute (WRI) |
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Washington, DC, USA |
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Promotes sustainable development with sound environmental management. |
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World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) |
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Gland, Switzerland |
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One of the world’s largest conservation organizations. |
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Zoological Society of London (ZSL) |
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London, UK |
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Manages several projects to protect threatened species and ecosystems. |
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