Protecting biodiversity through community-led solutions on land and sea

Biodiversity is essential to life on Earth and to the people who depend on it every day. Species are going extinct faster than ever., and the ecosystems that sustain food, livelihoods, and climate stability are under increasing threat. Many of the world’s most biodiverse places are also home to communities facing poverty, food insecurity, and climate change.

Human-caused threats like habitat degradation and overfishing require people-centered solutions that meet the needs of wildlife and local communities. Rare partners with smallholder farmers and small-scale fishers to protect biodiversity while strengthening livelihoods. By supporting regenerative and sustainable fishing and farming practices, we help communities reduce pressure on ecosystemsrestore habitats, and protect the species that depend on them 

The impact of protecting biodiversity

Rare’s behavioral science and innovation work is helping communities adopt sustainable practices, strengthen conservation leadership, and scale solutions worldwide.

Nearly 50%

of the world’s population depends on biodiversity for their livelihoods

75%
 

of global food crops rely on pollinators like bats and bees — making biodiversity essential to food systems

Nearly 90%

of all marine species is found in the coastal seas, from microalgae and small crustaceans to large fish and whales

Rare’s history of biodiversity conservation

For 50 years, Rare has centered people in its efforts to conserve biodiversity. From our early species conservation initiatives to our work with people and nature on land and in the sea, Rare has merged biodiversity protection with community wellbeing to meet people and nature’s needs.

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The Rare approach to protecting biodiversity on land and sea

Rare works with farmers and fishers to adopt practices that protect biodiversity while sustaining livelihoods. On land, regenerative agriculture helps restore soil health, reduce habitat loss, and support pollinators and other species essential to healthy ecosystems. In coastal waters, communities manage fishing areas, establish protected zones, and adopt sustainable practices that allow fish populations, coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangrove forests to recover.

Creating the conditions to protect biodiversity

We work with communities to lead conservation and build the conditions that help it last. This includes strengthening rights, governance, livelihoods, and culture, while also working beyond the community level to ensure policies, finance, and other systems sustain biodiversity conservation efforts over time. This work also contributes to national and global biodiversity goals like 30×30.

Designing solutions that work for people and nature 

We design solutions grounded in how people make decisions and act. We work with communities to align new practices with local priorities, social norms, and daily realities, and use tools and technology to support adoption, learning, and scaling.

Strengthening policies that support community leadership and biodiversity conservation

We work with communities and governments to shape policies that recognize local leadership and support long-term stewardship of natural resources.

Expanding access to finance for communities  

We connect communities to financial tools and opportunities that strengthen livelihoods and help them adapt to environmental and economic change.

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Global biodiversity is under threat like never before.

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Sea turtle swimming through coral off the coast of Palau.