13.9 50

Region

United States

71

Ecoregions

11

Members

13.9

% Protected

Almost evenly divided between lands west of the Mississippi that fall mostly into the Nature Could Reach Half category and those that are east of the great river which are Imperiled, the United States presents a complicated conservation challenge. A historic and culturally significant national park system is reason for optimism.

Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Martin Permantier.

United States's Ecology

The benefits of expanding the Nature Needs Half movement in the United States aren’t limited to the ecological health of its 71 ecoregions. They are also political. The United States’ prominence in international negotiations as well as its historic commitment to the national parks idea make growing movement values and goals here of special significance.

Half (Mission Achieved)

Ecologically intact & protected landscapes comprise 50% or more of this country.

Can Reach Half

Intact landscapes lacking protected status comprise 50% or more of this country.

Could Be Restored

Between 20-40% of landscapes are still ecologically intact.

Imperiled

Less than 20% of the natural ecology of this area is intact.

Members

The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative

Connecting and protecting habitat from Yellowstone to Yukon so people and nature can thrive.

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The WILD Foundation

Protecting wilderness while meeting the needs of human communities, using the power of collaboration and collective impact.

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CoalitionWILD

Harnessing the power of collaboration to overcome isolation and discouragement and inspire and sustain youth conservation projects.

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The Center for Large Landscape Conservation

Working in partnership with local people and communities, large landscape conservation connects working lands, urban areas, and wild lands into whole, healthy landscapes that allow nature to flourish.

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Wilderness Foundation Global

An international alliance of wilderness conservation groups working together to protect wild nature while meeting the needs of human communities - for the benefit of all life on Earth. <p> WFG is a founding member of and an active proponent for Nature Needs Half.

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Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

Dedicated to the long-term well-being of all of Earth's inhabitants, using collaborative partnerships and innovative projects to restore balance to Earth's ecosystems.

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Resolve

Forging sustainable solutions to critical social, health, and environmental challenges by creating innovative partnerships where they are least likely and most needed.

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Foundation Earth

A think tank that goes beyond research to put ideas into action for the purpose of bringing an Earth-centered economy into reality through a major rethinking of society.

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The Fund for Sustainable Tomorrows

Singularly focused on creating societal change through the power of media campaigns that inspire viewers to action.

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First Light Films

A world-class documentary team, creating films on social and environmental issues that educate and inspire.

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Weeden Foundation

Protecting biodiversity by addressing the factors leading to ecological impoverishment, using innovative tools that help develop sustainable models for conservation action.

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Rewilding Earth

"Rewilding" is restoring natural processes and species, then stepping back so the land can express its own will.

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Sierra Club

Protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, we work to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places.

 

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The Nature Needs Half movement is only as strong as its member organizations. Discover more about the individuals and organizations who have committed to protecting 50% of the planet by 2050.
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EcoRegions

Yellowstone National Park/USA
Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park rests on an active volcanic hot spot. This national park showcases some of the most unique north American landscapes with dramatic canyons, rivers, hot springs, geysers, and lush forests. It is also famous for its vast biodiversity.

Jason Thompson/Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Grand Canyon National Park

This 6 million year old canyon in the state of Arizona, reveals millions of years of geological information. With breathtakingly beautiful views and temperatures that often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit on summer days, this eco-region is one that is very special to the United States.

NOAA Photo Library, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

This marine sanctuary is one of the largest of thirteen National Marine Sanctuaries admitted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Among many other things, the sanctuary provides habitat for 34 species of marine mammals, 94 species of seabirds, and 345 species of fish.

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How to Help

If you believe that we have a window of opportunity to end the Sixth Mass Extinction by protecting half of nature, act today and become a part of a global community transforming society's relationship with the natural world!

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Become a Member

Building political will for nature starts with building community. When your organization joins Nature Needs Half you create new opportunities for change in your region.
Donate

Support our work to protect half of nature. Your contributions go towards expanding and strengthening local coalitions around the world working to protect half of their regions.
Sign the Declaration

When you sign the Nature Needs Half Declaration you publicly declare your support for a respectful relationship with nature and build momentum for change!