Who We Are: Our Mission, Vision and Values
Defenders of Wildlife protects and restores America's wildlife at risk of extinction.
Founded in 1947, Defenders serves as a leading champion for America's wildlife and the habitats on which they depend, and our approach is clear and focused.
We integrate science, policy advocacy, strategic litigation, compelling storytelling and on-the-ground action into comprehensive strategies to conserve our country’s most imperiled species.
From Congress and the courts to federal and state agencies and local communities, our team brings the experience and expertise needed to engage wherever decisions affecting wildlife are made. We are grounded in the ecosystems and communities where we work, allowing us to develop practical solutions to local challenges and increase support for conservation nationally.
Fueled by the commitment of our members, partners and supporters, we are building a powerful, enduring voice for wildlife conservation.
Our Conservation Vision
Defenders of Wildlife envisions a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters.
Secure and Thriving
We are working toward the day when vulnerable American species rebound to the point that they are secure — no longer threatened with rapid decline or extinction — and thriving in robust, well-distributed populations.
Broad Public Support
We believe wildlife conservation is a core, nonpartisan American value. Through deliberate and sustained efforts, we are building and activating public support for wildlife protection as a national priority and inspiring more Americans to take action to protect the animals and landscapes we share and cherish.
Resilient Network of Healthy Lands and Waters
We recognize that we cannot protect wildlife without simultaneously protecting the habitats on which they rely. Wildlife has the greatest chance of thriving when supported by a network of public and private lands, rivers and coastal waters, natural areas and working landscapes. Landscape connectivity is more important than ever to enable species to shift their ranges in response to climate change. We will identify and protect critical wildlife corridors and natural areas that will support robust biodiversity as conditions on the ground change due to climate change.
Our Values
We believe we will best achieve our mission to protect and restore America's wildlife at risk of extinction if we live by convictions that guide all aspects of our work.
Our core values — Honor, Empathy, Growth, Resilience, Connection and Hope — speak to Defenders’ character and spirit and how we show up in the world, both in tone and in action.
They shape how we build culture and make decisions, and guide how staff interact with one another and with the communities, partners and policymakers we work alongside.
Our Plan of Action
This is a time of profound disruption for America's wildlife, politics and society — and the consequences will be lasting. Relying on past approaches will not be enough to meet today's challenges or those to come.
Confronting them will require widespread public support and political will, stronger and more diverse partnerships, and organizations equipped to operate at the complexity, pace and scale the moment demands. Defenders is committed to applying all its expertise and experience to this challenge, and our strategic plan defines the focused, urgent work ahead.