E.O. WILSON BIODIVERSITY FOUNDATION

The crucial factor in the life and death of species is the amount of suitable habitat left to them. As defined by the theory of island biogeography, a change in area of a habitat results in a change in the sustainable number of species by approximately the fourth root. As reserves grow in size, the diversity of life surviving within them also grows. As reserves are reduced in area, the diversity within them declines to a mathematically predictable degree swiftly – often immediately and, for a large fraction, forever. We aim to preserve enough habitat to safeguard life on earth.

Advances in technology now allow us to comprehensively map the geospatial location and distribution of the species of our planet at high enough resolution to drive decision-making about where we have the best opportunity to protect the most species. This is our work.

The Half-Earth Project Strategies include:
1. Driving research to better understand the species of our planet and their interactions within ecosystems.
2. Providing conservation management leadership by mapping the species of our planet and identifying where we have the best opportunity to protect the most species.
3. Engaging people everywhere to participate in caring for our planet and achieving the goal of Half-Earth.

E. O. Wilson is currently Honorary Curator in Entomology and University Research Professor Emeritus at Harvard and is the guiding force that shapes the mission of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation and The Half-Earth Project. He is generally recognized as one of the leading scientists in the world. He is also recognized as one of the foremost naturalists in both science and literature, as well as a synthesizer in works stretching from pure biology across to the social sciences and humanities. In his long career, he has transformed his field of research—the behavior of ants—and applied his scientific perspective and experience to illuminate the human circumstance, including human origins, human nature, and human interactions. Wilson has also been a pioneer in spearheading efforts to preserve and protect the biodiversity of this planet.

The Half-Earth Council is composed of thought-leaders across the wide-ranging fields of expertise necessary to comprehensively address the extinction crisis and support a movement culture that works to protect half the Earth for the rest of life. The Half-Earth Council has scientific leadership at its core. Members of the Council include population, sustainability and restoration specialists; public and private conservation leaders; indigenous peoples advocates; biodiversity-minded economists; business engagement experts, creative media producers and celebrity icons.

Motivated by the species we are working to protect and the health of our shared planet, the Half-Earth Project team is a gathering of expertise from around the world necessary to achieving this grand goal.

A significant contribution to biodiversity conservation is The Half-Earth Project Map. Building on cutting-edge science, analytics and technology, the Half-Earth Project is mapping the fine distribution of species across the globe to identify the places where we can protect the highest number of species. By determining which blocks of land and sea we can string together for maximum effect, we have the opportunity to support the most biodiverse places in the world as well as the people who call these paradises home. The Half-Earth Project Map is a high-resolution, dynamic world map and decision-support tool that guides where place-based species conservation activities are needed the most to save the bulk of Earth’s species, including humans. We continue to expand the map, adding new species in new territories. We will continue to inspire and inform research, assist and partner with conservation scientists, and educate the next generation of conservationists.