Cosponsor the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act

Make conservation financing a priority

H.R. 6727/S.618 The U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act, is critical for the enduring success of conservation programs: It would incentivize philanthropic giving to match government funds which provide long-term, predictable funding for core protected area management programs; and ensure these strongholds of biodiversity continue to provide economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits both locally and globally.

This bill must get across the finish line. Take action now, urging your Members of Congress to support H.R. 6727/S.618 right away.

Forest Elephants
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Your Message
Cosponsor the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation
Dear Member of Congress/Senator,

As your constituent and a supporter of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), I am writing to urge you to cosponsor H.R. 6727/S.618, the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act, a bill that would leverage U.S. funding with philanthropic contributions to provide sustainable financing for protected areas. As the Congress considers this bill your support is critically important to secure enactment.

Protected and conserved areas across the globe protect critical biodiversity and iconic species, contribute to local economies, and support U.S. development and foreign policy objectives by providing clean water, supporting food security, and promoting governance and economic opportunities. However, many of these areas are chronically underfunded and vulnerable to boom and bust funding cycles that threaten effective management and stewardship of these important landscapes and seascapes.

For example, stunning national parks of primary intact rainforest harbor intact assemblages of some of the world’s best-known wildlife, including forest elephants and western lowland gorillas. Such protected areas provide employment, health and education services to a significant number of households in the local communities and support initiatives that value the lifeways of Indigenous Peoples. These parks have the potential to generate significant local revenue as they develop into world class ecotourism destinations. Consistent and sustainable funding could support management costs, leadership skills training, and development of tourism strategies.

The U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act would incentivize philanthropy to match U.S. government funds to provide long-term, predictable funding for core protected area management activities and ensure that these strongholds of biodiversity continue to provide economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits locally and globally. The US Foundation for International Conservation would prioritize projects that have host-country government and local community support, and create economic opportunities for local communities. Investments will focus on countries with high biodiversity or significant species or ecosystems and a demonstrated commitment to conservation.

Many of these protected and conserved areas and their biodiversity will be lost if long-term sustainable financing is not secured. The U.S. government has a crucial role to play in advancing innovative public-private conservation investments. I urge you to support the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation Act as it moves through Congress. Thank you for standing up for wildlife and wild places.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

Wildlife and wild places are facing pressing global threats
— and your donation will go directly to help combat these issues.

Wildlife Crime

Poaching, trafficking, and illegal trade endanger hundreds of vulnerable species.

Climate Crisis

Changes in climate jeopardize biodiversity and the health of entire ecosystems.

Habitat Destruction

Logging, mining, burning: human encroachment destroys homes and havens for wildlife.

We stand for wildlife

For 125 years, WCS has been dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places, powered by the expertise and science in our zoos, aquarium, and global conservation program.

Our legacy of success now positions us perfectly to take on the world’s most pressing conservation challenges—the zoonotic pandemic crisis, the decline in the world’s biodiversity, and the climate crisis—with urgent and bold action.

We focus on protecting the planet’s most important, ecologically intact places with the greatest biodiversity and resilience to climate change. With your help, we can secure a future worth celebrating.

WCS works to save wildlife and wild places in 60 countries, across the ocean, and in our 4 NY zoos and aquarium

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