GLOBAL CONSERVATION'S IMPACT

America’s well-being is strengthened by efforts to make the world more stable, safe, and secure. Nature loss and resource scarcity increase the risk of conflict and instability in many regions, including several of strategic importance to the U.S. And illegal trade in natural resources, such as wildlife, timber, fish, and minerals provide illicit finance to transnational organized crime and violent armed groups. As a result, our national and economic security interests depend on the integrity of our planet’s wildlife and natural resources.

Investing in proven international conservation programs not only helps less-developed countries better manage their natural resources and protect their forests, fisheries, and wildlife from bad actors and natural disasters, it also helps protect America’s own national and economic security.

The following programs exemplify the critical role international conservation efforts play in U.S. foreign policy. Promoting “natural security” boosts America’s national security.

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

These programs have delivered the majority of U.S. international conservation assistance on the ground. In partnership with foreign governments, civil society, the private sector, and local communities, they have helped protect some of the largest, most at-risk natural landscapes and species. By maintaining and restoring the natural resources that supply fertile soil, clean water, food, and medicine and tackling global challenges such as wildlife trafficking, these programs have aided millions of people, strengthening local economic growth, stability, democracy-building, health, and security.

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WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING AND ANTI-POACHING PROGRAMS

The illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products is a transnational organized crime, generating billions of dollars annually. These profits finance criminal syndicates and extremist groups—including those with ties to terrorism—that threaten U.S. security interests. U.S. State Department International Narcotics & Law Enforcement’s (INL) Combating Wildlife Trafficking programs help to improve wildlife law enforcement, combat poaching, disrupt trafficking rings, and reduce demand for illegal wildlife and wildlife products.

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WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) manages programs that conserve our planet’s rich wildlife, protecting habitats, fighting illegal wildlife trade, and building capacity for wildlife conservation. The International Wildlife Trade program provides oversight of domestic laws and international treaties that promote the long-term conservation of plant and animal species. The Multinational Species Conservation Fund works to conserve iconic species like elephants, rhinos, tigers, great apes, and marine turtles. FWS regional programs support on-the-ground conservation work that addresses global threats to endangered species and other vulnerable wildlife.

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GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an independent global ﬁnancial institution that provides grants to support sustainable use and improved management of natural resources, uniting countries with corporations and non-profit organizations. With more than 4,500 projects in 170 countries, the GEF is the largest single ﬁnancier of conservation. Every U.S. dollar contributed to the GEF leverages as much as an additional $40 through strategic investments that bring together governments, civil society, the private sector, and other partners to tackle the planet’s biggest issues, including preventing tropical deforestation, combating wildlife trafficking, protecting global fish stocks, and promoting economic growth and stability in the developing world.

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