Population and biodiversity and land protection organizations


If I am sounding "alarmist," it is only because there is genuine cause for serious alarm ... There is no time to lose. -- anthropologist, Jeffrey K. McKee on the link between human population and the mass extinction crisis

The materials on the "core ecological issues" page point to why it is critical we preserve biodiversity and protect the health of ecosystems. These links provide a sampling of organizations whose work contributes to that. They work to address the size and growth of the human population or directly to protect biodiversity including the few remaining human groups living as contributing members of local ecosystems.

  • Worldwide Active intervention

    Groups working "on the ground" or through legal and other action.
    • Center for Biological Diversity
      Working through science, law, and creative media, the CBD is unusually effective at protecting habitat and winning protection for species threatened with extinction.
    • I want 2 go home (for the Kgeikani Kweni, First People of the Kalahari)
      Supporting the Bushmen of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana. Despite a court ruling in their favor, the Botswana government continues to act to force and keep them out of their homeland.
    • Population Media Center
      Unique organization producing research-proven serial broadcast dramas to educate, raise awareness, and promote empowered, healthy attitudes toward family planning and related issues.
    • Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
      Direct action on the high seas. A mission to protect wildlife and habitat in the world's oceans.
    • Survival International
      International organization supporting tribal peoples worldwide. Works for tribal peoples’ rights in three complementary ways: education, advocacy and campaigns.

  • The desert southwest

    An area of great beauty, lore, and ecological diversity and importance, the southwestern US is being hit hard by climate change. Additional human pressures only compound the ecological impacts. These groups are working to protect the area.
    • Arizona Wilderness Coalition
      "Mission is to permanently protect and restore wilderness and other wild lands and waters in Arizona."
    • Basin and Range Watch
      "A group of volunteers who live in the Western United States, working to stop the destruction of our desert homeland."
    • Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
      "Works to achieve the long-term conservation of biological diversity and ecological function of the Sonoran Desert..."
    • Desert Protective Council
      "We speak for desert landscapes – and the plants and animals that depend on them – that are threatened by exploitation, development, poaching, and other abuses."
    • Friends of Cedar Mesa
      "A nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that supports stewardship of the natural and cultural resources of Cedar Mesa and other public lands in San Juan County, Utah."
    • Glen Canyon Institute
      GCI's mission is exemplary -- to decommission Glen Canyon Dam, drain Lake Powell, and restore a healthy Colorado River through the Canyon.
    • New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
      "Dedicated to the protection, restoration, and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s wildlands and Wilderness areas."
    • Sky Island Alliance
      "Dedicated to the protection and restoration of the rich natural heritage of native species and habitats in the Sky Island region of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico."
    • Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance
      "A group of concerned citizens who share the common goal of preserving Utah's remaining desert wild lands, known collectively as America's redrock wilderness."
    • Southwest Climate Change Network
      "Its goal is to improve our region’s understanding of climate change and help people figure out ways to respond and adapt to it."
    • Southwest Earth First!
      "To put it simply, the Earth must come first."
    • Western Lands Project
      "Our mission is to scrutinize public land trades, conveyances, and disposals and their impacts on habitat and wildlife, natural resources, land use, and communities."

  • Information, awareness, and advocacy

    • Global Population Speak Out
      Annual event I created to break through the taboo against public discussion of population issues. It is now now under the auspices of the Population Institute.
    • Population Connection
      Educating students, informing constituents, working with congress concerning population policiy.
    • Population Institute
      Provides education about population and promotes universal access to family planning information, education, and services. Orchestrates the annual Global Population Speak Out, a project I created.
    • Population Matters
      UK group making a real impact raising awareness and promoting research and policy. Excellent information and well argued articles highlighting the impact of population on the environment.
    • Population and Sustainability Network
      Network helping its member groups communicate the importance for sustainability of both population and per capita consumption.
    • Population Reference Bureau
      Informing people about population and working to put information into action.
    • World Population Balance
      Raising awareness throughout the Midwestern US through talks, interviews, ad campaigns, public programs, and more.

  • UN population links