Where People and Nature Meet: Shaping the Future of Conservation
April 8, 2025
As we embark on a new chapter at Point Blue, I am excited to share our 2025-2030 strategic plan with the uniting theme of “Connected Conservation.” It was designed with a vision to unite in the midst of today’s pressing environmental and social challenges.
Over the years, I have often reflected on the deep connections that bind us—to the landscapes we protect, to the wildlife that depend on them, the many partners at the federal, state, and local level, and to one another as people who care about and depend upon a healthy planet. Conservation is not just about protecting nature; it’s about recognizing the interwoven fabric of ecosystems, communities, and scientific knowledge. As climate change and biodiversity loss accelerate, it has become clear that conventional approaches are no longer enough. We must embrace a new paradigm—one that acknowledges the social dimensions of conservation, leverages emerging technologies, and scales impact through stronger partnerships with a wider range of people. That is why I believe Connected Conservation is the right direction at this moment in time.
Our Strategic Vision: Connected Conservation
We are facing an unprecedented moment in conservation. Climate change and biodiversity loss, driven by social dynamics, are reshaping the planet. The need for innovative, more inclusive, and science-driven solutions has never been greater. Connected Conservation builds on our 60 years of success by integrating ecological, social, and technological connections to create a stronger, more resilient future for both wildlife and people.
At the heart of this strategy is our belief that conservation must be inclusive, adaptable, and informed by science and other time-tested ways of gaining and conveying knowledge. We are committed to scaling our impact, embracing new opportunities from the local to international levels, and working with communities to ensure that conservation strategies are developed collaboratively and the benefits are shared equitably. We cannot afford to work in silos—solutions must be holistic, drawing on expertise from multiple disciplines and incorporating the perspectives of the people most affected by environmental change.
Our Mission, Vision, and Goals
Our mission is to conserve birds, other wildlife, and ecosystems through science, partnerships, and outreach. We envision a future where, because of our collaborative climate-smart conservation actions today, ecosystems will sustain thriving wildlife and human communities for generations to come. To achieve this, we are committed to transforming conservation by addressing the convergence of environmental and social dimensions across communities and ecosystems—an approach we call Connected Conservation.
How We Will Get There
Our work over the next five years will be guided by five key initiatives:
- Globally Connected Conservation Science – Leveraging our research and partnerships to support conservation from local landscapes to global frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Empowered Communities – Ensuring that conservation is inclusive and community-driven, involving diverse perspectives and new partners, including building stronger relationships with tribal partners.
- Connecting Science to Action – Using cutting-edge science to implement tangible conservation solutions. Including, building connected systems where data, insights, approaches, and practices flow freely among stakeholders.
- Policy Engagement– Translating research into evidence-based policy advocacy and creating a pathway for data-driven, adaptable, and sustainable conservation policies.
- Organizational Strength – Building resilience within Point Blue’s operations to sustain our long-term impact, such as diversifying our revenue base.
Why This Matters Now
Conservation cannot happen in isolation. The challenges we face require us to come together—across disciplines, geographies, and communities—to create solutions that are both innovative and enduring. This new strategic direction is designed to:
- Restore ecological connections by addressing habitat fragmentation.
- Foster strong partnerships that amplify our collective impact.
- Utilize technology and data to drive informed conservation action.
- Promote environmental justice by ensuring that conservation is equitable and inclusive.
We are living in a time of both extraordinary challenge and extraordinary opportunity. With new funding avenues opening at the state level, growing global momentum for conservation, and groundbreaking advancements in technology, we have the tools to make meaningful change. Connected Conservation is about bringing these elements together in a way that maximizes impact while prioritizing science, collaboration, and equity.
Looking Ahead
This plan is more than a framework—it is a commitment to collaborative action. We know that the road ahead will require adaptability, collaboration, and bold thinking. With your continued partnership, we are confident that we can achieve a future where nature and people thrive together.
I want to personally express my gratitude to you—whether you are a long-time supporter, a new partner, or someone who is just learning about our work. You are a part of this mission and, together, we are making Connected Conservation a reality.