About
Conservation International is a global environmental nonprofit headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Established in 1987, it builds on a foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration to empower societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature and global biodiversity for the well-being of humanity. The organization has offices in 35 countries, is active in more than 100 countries, and employs over 1,600 people across six continents.
Mission
Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, Conservation International empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity. Its vision is a healthy, prosperous world in which societies are forever committed to caring for and valuing nature, for the long-term benefit of people and all life on Earth.
What they do
Conservation International's work centers on three core priorities:
- Climate action: protecting and restoring the natural ecosystems that store carbon
- Ocean conservation: work spanning all five oceans
- Biodiversity protection: conserving the tropical and other regions richest in life
The organization works through roughly 2,000 global partners across companies, communities, governments and nonprofits, and reports that 97% of its program staff come from the regions in which they work. It states that it achieves a 300% return on private gifts by leveraging public funding.
History
Conservation International was established in 1987 and has been operating for nearly four decades. The IRS granted its 501(c)(3) tax exemption in September 1987.
Scale and impact
The organization reports that it has helped protect 13 million square kilometers of land and sea, with conservation projects that serve millions of people. Its footprint includes offices in 35 countries and activity in more than 100 countries, with a focus on tropical regions and all five oceans.
Financials
Per Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, Conservation International Foundation (EIN 52-1497470) reported for the fiscal year ending June 2025 total revenue of $308.7 million, total expenses of $316.7 million, total assets of $703.6 million and net assets of $424.3 million. Contributions accounted for 86.8% of revenue ($267.8 million). For the fiscal year ending June 2024 it reported revenue of $271.2 million and expenses of $297.9 million.
Governance
Conservation International Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 52-1497470) headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It is governed by a Board of Directors, supported by a Leadership Council, a Fellows program and senior staff.