Mark Tercek, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy — like most charities, businesses and families — is adjusting to economic conditions not seen in more than a generation. We are responding by carefully scrutinizing our budgets and reducing expenses wherever possible and directing our resources to our highest-priority conservation projects.

It is important to realize that, as we make these adjustments, we do so from a position of strength. Last year, even amidst considerable economic uncertainty and a growing global recession, the Conservancy completed 788 conservation transactions, protecting 2,728,993 acres across all 50 U.S. states and in 31 other countries around the world. These protected lands and waters are tangible and sustainable achievements that will benefit future generations.

Further, using our science-driven, collaborative approach, the Conservancy helped advance numerous pro-conservation public policies and worked with partners all over the planet to share expertise and new tools for preserving the natural systems upon which all life depends.

Unfortunately, the recession and subsequent declines in revenue require that we implement staff reductions to further reduce expenses. These reductions are designed to keep the Conservancy on a sustainable funding path and positioned well to capitalize on future conservation opportunities. We regret that these reductions were necessary. We are committed to supporting our colleagues and their families through this difficult transition.

As we wait for improvement in global economic conditions, we will keep our focus on doing things the Conservancy does best — pioneering new, innovative conservation tools; orchestrating large-scale, transformational conservation projects; and bringing together diverse coalitions and new partners to advance a conservation agenda that benefits people and nature.

Thank you for your continued support for The Nature Conservancy.

(February 11, 2009)

Photo: © Mark Godfrey/TNC (Mark Tercek)