The Nature Conservancy - Science and Stewardship

Explore Conservation by Design: A Science-Based Approach

Learn how we approach our conservation work — from setting goals to measuring results.

Discover how we assess threats to biodiversity and plan our conservation strategy.

Go Deeper

Conservation by Design

Download our complete framework for conservation (PDF).

Conservation At Work

Pollination of endangered Mauna Loa silversword.

The Nature Conservancy uses a systematic, science-based approach to identifying sites for protection called Conservation by Design, our framework for achieving mission success. It focuses on the protection of entire landscapes and the plants and animals they support. Learn more about our ecoregional planning, conservation strategies and methods.

Culture and Kuleana

Hawaii's vibrant culture is closely linked with its rich natural heritage. Nature is celebrated in chant, song, and dance and Hawaiian cultural traditions and values, such as kuleana, a deep sense of personal responsibility, reflect this close relationship with the islands' landscapes, native species, and ecological processes. The culture of Hawaiians cannot survive without the land and natural resources from which these traditions evolved.

Ecoregional Assessment

In 1998, Hawai'i was one of the first Conservancy chapters to draft an ecoregional plan. In 2006 we unveil our second iteration plan: the first entirely web-mediated ecoregional assessment! The plan offers a dynamic, educational resource as well as a concise sharing of our priorities and strategies.

Key Conservation Issues

Conservation By Design

Hawaii's Natural History

Extinction Crisis

Native Species

Invasive Species

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): © Rob Shallenberger/TNC (silversword close up, Sam Gon III with silversword); © Joan Canfield (silversword pollination).