Local communities and organisations have irreplaceable knowledge of the natural world that is vital to sustaining healthy ecosystems. But their voices too often go unheard in top-level decision-making. We must empower local people on the front line of conservation.
Discover more
Governments and policy bodies must greatly increase support for on-the-ground conservation leadership and capacity globally. Solutions must support and empower those operating in the most severely affected areas and who have the best understanding of the threats to nature and the complex social and economic processes underpinning those threats.
New global commitments to protect and restore nature must be followed immediately by ambitious national plans that create the enabling policy environments that can empower those most affected to shape and lead solutions, in collaboration with partners.
Too often, those most adversely affected by the destruction of nature – and those most able to make an impact to protect and restore nature – are overlooked in top-level decision-making. Yet we know that locally led solutions are the most effective. FFI has worked closely with local conservation organisations worldwide for over a century.
In 2020, FFI partnered with almost 400 organisations and provided dedicated support and training to almost 5,000 conservationists around the world. Whether in Belize, Kenya, Cambodia or Kazakhstan, effective protection and restoration of landscapes, species and broader ecosystems is utterly dependent on local knowledge – both natural and social.
Jeff Wilson/FFI
A lack of funding, capacity and conflict are but a few of the challenges that local communities and organisations face in the protection of their local environments. Governments and funders have a responsibility to support those who most need it and who can best protect the natural world.
we want to see
Nature defenders – from rangers, to civil society groups to journalists – face increasing levels of intimidation and threats, and the number of people being murdered for defending nature is growing at an unconscionable rate every year.
In line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, we call on governments and companies to uphold the law and actively stop intimidation and physical violence committed against nature defenders, and ensure that they can work and live safely.
Ask the UN to commit to $500bn a year for nature.
FFI works on over 140 projects around the world protecting threatened species and habitats. Donate to support our vital conservation work on the ground.
The Five Breakthroughs for Nature are fundamental for a healthy planet. Share the solutions for a more prosperous natural world.
FFI’s scientists and staff are pioneering the latest conservation methods around the world to target the biggest threats to nature. Contact our specialists for further advice and information on the Five Breakthroughs.
Email: [email protected]
Our one home
Humanity faces an uncertain future, but these Five Breakthroughs for nature represent our best chances of protecting and restoring the ecosystems on which we all depend, reversing the loss of the biodiversity that is fundamental to life on Earth, and avoiding catastrophic climate change.
