The future well-being of the U.S. in part depends on making the world more stable, safe, and secure and taking important measures to prevent future zoonotic epidemics and pandemics. But rising natural resource scarcity and biodiversity loss increases the risk of conflict and instability in many regions, including some of strategic importance to the U.S. As a result, our national and economic security interests depend on the integrity of our planet’s wildlife and natural resources, which sustain societies and economies around the world.

By investing in proven international conservation programs that help less-developed countries better manage their natural resources and protect their forests, fisheries, and wildlife from bad actors and natural disasters, the U.S. protects its own national and economic security.

U.S. funding for international conservation programs that also protects and bolsters intact and healthy ecosystems and helps prevent unsafe and illegal trade in wildlife, helping to address the root causes of zoonotic disease spillover and promote global health security. Preventing and responding to zoonotic disease spillover plays a clear role in bolstering America’s economic security and well-being by reducing the likelihood of epidemics and pandemics and protecting the health of communities, economies, and markets both at home and abroad.

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