Earth Island Institute

From your backyard to the depths of the ocean, wildlife and their habitats are part of an interconnected and interdependent ecosystem of life. When this system is in balance, both our individual health and the well-being of the planet are protected. Unfortunately, as we know, today this ecosystem is greatly out of balance. Each year sees the extinction of over 10,000 species of animals and plants. Causes of this decimation include poaching, the illegal wildlife trade, pollution, deforestation, and sprawl and development that encroach upon natural habitats, among other detriments. The result: many of our most iconic wildlife species are are risk – whales, dolphins and orangutans across the world, and birds, coyotes, and mountain lions in North America.

Thankfully, Earth Island Institute projects have been working for years to fight for wildlife protection – and they’re winning many important battles. Our science-based and research-driven approach helps educate the public and train policymakers in ways to peacefully co-exist with wildlife and strengthen habitat protection. And when necessary, we are ready to employ litigation to stop the destruction.

Over 100 million sharks are killed each year from illegal, unregulated and unsustainable fishing. Shark Stewards, led by marine biologist David McGuire, has been at the forefront of the local and global movement to ban the shark-fin trade and establish shark sanctuaries. Shark Stewards’ unique watchdog approach combines rescue efforts and data, exposing the shark-fin trade, mobilizing ecotourism initiatives for shark and coral reef conservation, and strengthening local protection laws. Since 2011, they have worked with allies in Malaysia – where 90% of the shark population has disappeared – to successfully influence a shark no-fishing law, and establish the largest marine-protected shark habitat area in the country. Here in the U.S., efforts to support the 2016 Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act have inspired 11 states, three Territories and several other countries to ban the sale and trade of shark fin soup and other shark-fin products.

Conservation Kids

Conservation Kids connects young adults ages 13-18 to the environment through the use of photography. We teach them conservation photography and provide them with the tools, camera equipment and inspiration to perform and document a conservation project of their own creation.

Ecovet Global

Ecovet Global partners with organizations and communities around the world to improve animal health (domestic and wildlife) as a sustainable path to resolving issues connecting poverty, threats to public health, food insecurity, and loss of biodiversity. Using an integrative approach that focuses…
Learn more

International Marine Mammal Project (IMMP)

IMMP is leading the global effort to stop the slaughter of dolphins, to end commercial whaling, to end the use of drift nets and other destructive fishing practices, end commercial exploitation of cetaceans by aquariums and sea parks, and to protect key…
Learn more

Project Coyote

Project Coyote is a North American coalition of educators, scientists, predator friendly ranchers, and community leaders promoting compassionate conservation and coexistence between people and wildlife through education, science, and advocacy. We champion progressive conservation policies and models that reduce human-wildlife conflicts and…
Learn more

Raptors Are The Solution

Raptors Are The Solution ("RATS") educates people about the ecological role of raptors and the enormous danger to raptors and all wildlife, as well as pets and children, from the wide use and availability of rat poisons. RATS partners with other NGOs,…
Learn more

SAVE International (SAVE)

SAVE works to prevent the extinction of the critically endangered Black-faced Spoonbill, by protecting critical habitat throughout the spoonbill's range and proposing alternative plans to support local sustainable economies.

Serengeti Watch

Serengeti Watch sprung from a grassroots movement to stop the construction of a devastating highway that would cut through Serengeti ecosystem and its famed migration. Our project seeks lasting protection to the Serengeti ecosystem.

Shark Stewards

Saving Sharks, imperiled marine life and restoring health to the oceans.

Urban Bird Foundation

Urban Bird Foundation works to engage, educate and nurture a broad-based constituency to ensure the conservation of bird populations, and preserve the interconnected relationship between people and nature.

Wild Hope

Wild Hope magazine publishes stories and images that raise awareness of the need to preserve Earth’s biodiversity and inspire readers to get involved in protecting other species with whom we share this planet. Wild Hope is co-created by naturalists, conservationists, wildlife rehabilitators,…
Learn more

WildFutures

WildFutures provides essential tools and trainings for wildlife and habitat groups as well as other conservation organizations. Through facilitation, trainings, campaign planning assistance and other services, WildFutures helps organizations, agencies, coalitions, biologists and individuals advance their conservation goals.

Project Focus

Agriculture & Food Systems	Clean Energy & Climate Change	Conservation, Preservation & Restoration	Environmental Education
International & Indigenous Communities	Leadership Development	Ocean & Water	Pollution & Toxics
Sustainability & Community Resilience	Wildlife Protection	Women’s Environmental Leadership	Youth Empowerment