Preparing signboards for Naung Yan Lake in Myanmar. Signboards are a critical conservation tool because they publicly declare the protective measures and boundaries set by the community. Local Heroes, Global Impact Stories of species teetering on the edge of extinction, disappearing forests, and polluted rivers and oceans are now all too common. Every day brings another headline about … Continue reading How Community Conservation Is Turning Crisis into Renewal
We Don’t Use THAT Word
From Empowering to Powering Communities:why we must strike the word empower from our conservation vocabulary At Community Conservation (CC), we think of communities not as passive recipients of aid but as leaders, stewards, and decision-makers. They already hold agency, responsibility, and authority in the landscapes they call home. And yet, we’ve noticed that we often … Continue reading We Don’t Use THAT Word
Workshops Now Available
Workshop participants learning about the many factors involved in community forest governance. At Community Conservation, we believe lasting conservation begins with people, when local communities, researchers, and conservation professionals come together to share knowledge and shape projects rooted in real relationships. That’s why, in addition to supporting communities and partners on the ground to conserve … Continue reading Workshops Now Available
We Need Your Help to Save Tigers
September is National Save a Tiger Month. While it's true that every month is save a tiger month at Community Conservation, we'd like to take this time to reflect on the beauty, power, and fragility of the world’s largest cat. Once roaming vast stretches of Asia, tigers have lost over 90% of their historic range. … Continue reading We Need Your Help to Save Tigers
PPP 2025 Results
Max (Black Howler's Team Mascot) and Kimberly B. "plod" near Lake Michigan Pedal, Paddle, Plod 2025: A Huge Success!A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who pedaled, paddled, and plodded with us this year. We’re so grateful to every participant, donor, and supporter who made this year’s event possible. Your efforts directly strengthen conservation partnerships around the world. Top Fundraisers Barry … Continue reading PPP 2025 Results
Top-Down vs. Community-Led Conservation in Cameroon: A Partner’s Perspective
Guest Contributor Adrian Odi-Eban of Community-Based Biosynergy Management (CBBM) Adrian Odi-Eban in the field Community conservation in Cameroon is often interpreted by international NGOs as the provision of alternative livelihoods to local and indigenous communities to reduce pressure on forests and encourage biodiversity protection, especially around protected areas. This strategy tends to reflect a top-down … Continue reading Top-Down vs. Community-Led Conservation in Cameroon: A Partner’s Perspective
The Role of Communities in Biodiversity Conservation in Myanmar
A community member makes a handmade litter bin for the forest Building Communities for Conservation in Myanmar I have been working with the Smithsonian Institution on issues of biodiversity conservation in Myanmar since 1999. While SI worked to build the capacity for biodiversity conservation in many ways (see this report to learn more), my contribution … Continue reading The Role of Communities in Biodiversity Conservation in Myanmar
Nepal’s Community Forest Groups: Incubators of Democracy
Above, a team sets up a camera trap. Our partner, the Nature Conservation and Study Centre (NCSC), is working with the Gopaleshwar Community Forest members to learn about leopards and other wildlife in their community forest area. Reforestation and Resilience in Nepal The positive impacts of community forests in Nepal are a global model for … Continue reading Nepal’s Community Forest Groups: Incubators of Democracy
From Coffee to Coral: Lessons from Indonesia on Community-Led Conservation
By Dr. Teri Allendorf, Executive Director of Community Conservation In the vibrant landscapes of Indonesia—where 15,000 islands cradle lush forests, winding rivers, and coral reefs—one thing became clear during my recent trip: conservation works best when it starts with the people. Too often, global conservation efforts have viewed communities as part of the problem. The … Continue reading From Coffee to Coral: Lessons from Indonesia on Community-Led Conservation
Registration is now OPEN!
We invite you to join us for our 5th annual fundraising event: Pedal, Paddle, Plod 2025. This virtual event will benefit Community Conservation projects and biodiversity around the world. As in the past, we’re asking you to get out in your neighborhood and pedal, paddle, or plod for conservation. During registration, you’ll have the chance to join … Continue reading Registration is now OPEN!