About WCS

WCS is a non-profit conservation organization that saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. WCS delivers the full spectrum of nature conservation: from preventing loss to protecting and restoring ecosystems.

With the largest and longest-standing field conservation program in the world, WCS works with governments, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities in more than 50 countries to support the conservation of over 27 million square kilometers of the highest ecological integrity areas across the globe that collectively contain:

• Habitat for around 50% of the world’s biodiversity and a wide range of charismatic megafauna.

• Geographies important for local and global climate stability; including some of the most carbon-dense regions of the globe.

• Resources on which ~80 million people who live within these areas rely upon.

As one of the oldest conservation organizations on the planet, WCS has over 3,500 staff, 90% are national citizens, and we partner with over 205 Indigenous Peoples and over 2,000 local communities.

About WCS:

1. A Global Presence: WCS operates in more than 55 countries across the globe, making it one of the largest conservation organizations. This global reach enables us to tackle conservation challenges on a global scale while maintaining a locally tailored approach that respects cultural, biological, and ecological contexts.
2. Focus on Nature’s Strongholds: WCS prioritizes the protection of areas with high ecological integrity where we can have a disproportionate impact. These Nature’s Strongholds not only contain much of the world’s biodiversity, but inherently store vast amounts of carbon, are more resilient to climate change, their protection reduces the likelihood of future zoonotic pandemics, and they provide health benefits locally and globally. 
3. A rights-based approach: WCS partners with over 205 Indigenous Peoples and over 2,000 local communities across the globe. By respecting and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and amplifying their voice in conservation policies, practices, and governance structures, WCS is traveling the best and necessary pathway to equitable, just, and durable conservation.
4. Field-based: With the largest and longest field conservation program in the world, our team of over 3,500 staff is actively involved in on-the-ground conservation efforts. Over 90% of our team members are national citizens working on the frontlines of their countries, addressing the climate, biodiversity, and health crises.
5. Global expertise: WCS brings world-class expertise in addressing global issues that impact the areas in which we work - from forests and climate change to ocean conservation and OneHealth.
6. Evidence-based: WCS boasts a team of world-class scientists and conservationists who are at the forefront of cutting-edge research. WCS promotes the sharing of scientific knowledge and supports open access initiatives, recognizing the value of openly sharing data for promoting transparency, scientific collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making in conservation.
7. Long-term and trusted partners: WCS builds deep and long-lasting partnerships and commitments with local and national stakeholders in the places we work, that endure for decades. This allows for sustained and adaptive management and the evaluation of long-term impacts. This dedication contributes to the WCS’s ability to make lasting conservation gains.
8. Policy influence: WCS has a strong track record of influencing policy and driving positive change at local, national, and international levels. We work with governments, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure that conservation is integrated into decision-making processes and that effective legal frameworks are in place.