Biodiversity
Conserving tropical forests to protect biodiversity.
Strategy 2030
Discover how our biodiversity strategy aims to accelerate international conservation efforts.
Download strategyWhy
Biodiversity loss is one of the most severe global threats to humanity, impacting ecosystems, economies, and the world’s poorest communities. Urgent action is essential to secure our planet’s future.
Our partners
Meet our Biodiversity Partners restoring nature and protecting ecosystems.
See our partners73%Decline
Wildlife populations are declining rapidly, highlighting a growing biodiversity crisis.
50Years
This dramatic decline has occurred in less than half a century.
How
How we work with biodiversity internationally
We address the global biodiversity crisis by focusing on high-impact, sustainable solutions.
Our efforts include protecting tropical forests in highly threatened biodiversity hotspots, innovating conservation financing to mobilize resources at scale, and fostering learning and collaboration among NGOs, communities, and other partners.
By combining targeted action in high-biodiversity landscapes with capacity building for local organizations and other partners, we aim to accelerate conservation impact and support the world’s most vulnerable regions as they work to preserve their natural heritage.
Where
Our work targets biodiversity hotspots where the need is greatest, and our support can be most impactful.
Strategic focus areas
Our strategy focuses on four regions of the world - the Atlantic Forests hotspot, the Eastern Afromontane hotspot, Madagascar, and Indonesia. These regions are home to an extraordinary share of the world’s species. Hundreds of millions of people depend on these natural resources for their daily wellbeing. Yet they face severe threats from deforestation and habitat loss.
We also support global efforts to increase the demand and financing for biodiversity conservation.
Explore the biodiversity case stories to learn how our partners are accelerating change in biodiversity conservation across the world:
CASE
Protecting Madagascar’s Unique Ecosystems
Madagascar is home to 5% of all known species on Earth - many found nowhere else. But this extraordinary ecosystem is disappearing fast. Forests are vanishing, wildlife is at risk, and the future of its unique biodiversity hangs in the balance.
But there’s a way forward. Together with partners, we're working to protect vital forest landscapes, support sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen national conservation leadership, helping to secure Madagascar’s biodiversity for generations to come.
Here's how we're working to make it happen.
Our partners
We support our biodiversity partners through funding, capacity-building, and sustainable solutions to protect ecosystems and benefit both nature and people.
African Parks manages national parks across Africa through a public-private partnership model. By combining conservation with sustainable development, African Parks restores ecosystems, combats poaching, and ensures nature benefits both wildlife and communities.
BirdLife International protects birds and biodiversity through a global partnership of 100+ organizations. By combining science, policy advocacy, and community action, BirdLife safeguards ecosystems and promotes sustainable land use.
The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) invests in early-career conservationists worldwide. By providing training, funding, and mentorship, CLP strengthens conservation leadership and drives impactful biodiversity protection efforts.
Copenhagen University advances biodiversity research and ecosystem conservation worldwide. Through interdisciplinary studies, policy engagement, and partnerships, the university contributes to evidence-based solutions addressing biodiversity loss and environmental challenges.
Copenhagen ZOO plays a key role in global conservation efforts through research, breeding programs, and habitat restoration projects. By collaborating with international partners and supporting in-situ conservation, the zoo helps protect endangered species, advance ecological research, and promote environmental education for a more sustainable future.
Fondation pour les Aires Protégées et la Biodiversité de Madagascar (FAPBM) secures long-term financing for biodiversity conservation in Madagascar. By supporting protected areas, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and restoring degraded ecosystems, FAPBM empowers local partners to preserve Madagascar’s unique natural heritage.
Guyra Paraguay conserves Paraguay’s biodiversity through land protection, habitat restoration, and community engagement. By securing critical ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use, Guyra Paraguay safeguards wildlife and strengthens conservation efforts. Through sustainable Yerba Mate production, the organization supports forest conservation while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
IUCN - International Union for the Conservation of Nature - is a global authority on nature conservation, uniting governments, NGOs, scientists, and local communities to safeguard biodiversity. Through research, policy guidance, and conservation programs, IUCN works to protect ecosystems, restore degraded habitats, and promote sustainable development solutions that balance human and environmental needs.
Konservasi Indonesia safeguards Indonesia’s rich biodiversity through conservation, sustainable development, and community-led initiatives. By strengthening marine and terrestrial ecosystems, KI promotes resilience while ensuring local communities benefit from nature-based solutions.
LEAF protects Indonesia’s Leuser Ecosystem, one of the world’s last intact rainforests. By funding conservation, strengthening governance, and supporting sustainable livelihoods, LEAF safeguards critical habitats for endangered species while promoting forest-friendly economies.
Maliasili strengthens local conservation organizations across Africa by providing strategic support, leadership development, and capacity-building. With a focus on long-term sustainability, Maliasili helps grassroots initiatives scale their impact, ensuring that conservation efforts are locally led and driven by strong, resilient organizations working to protect biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
SOS Mata Atlântica works to restore and protect Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems. Through reforestation, policy advocacy, and community engagement, the organization safeguards biodiversity, improves water security, and enhances climate resilience.
The Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP) is dedicated to safeguarding Tanzania’s biodiversity and critical ecosystems in Ruaha, Udzungwa and Selous. As a key player in preserving the wildlife and ecosystems of the Udzungwa Mountains, STEP collaborates with government partners, communities and other NGOs to address root causes of deforestation and biodiversity loss.
Synchronicity Earth supports global biodiversity conservation by funding and strengthening grassroots organizations. By focusing on overlooked and underfunded ecosystems, the organization empowers local communities, restores habitats, and drives long-term environmental resilience.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) protects land and water ecosystems globally through science-based conservation. By partnering with governments, businesses, and communities, TNC promotes sustainable resource management, climate adaptation, and biodiversity preservation.
UN Live drives global action on environmental challenges through culture and storytelling. By engaging diverse audiences through film, music, and gaming, UN Live connects people to urgent issues and mobilizes collective action.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) conserves the world’s most ecologically important landscapes through science-driven initiatives. By protecting biodiversity, restoring ecosystems, and promoting sustainable solutions, WCS helps balance conservation with human development across 60+ countries.
The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) supports grassroots conservation leaders working to protect biodiversity in the Global South. By providing funding, training, and international recognition, WFN empowers local changemakers to drive impactful, community-led solutions for wildlife conservation and habitat restoration.
WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations and works across more than 100 countries to protect biodiversity, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development. Through science-driven conservation and policy advocacy, WWF safeguards ecosystems, restores habitats, and fosters a future where people and nature thrive together.