By: Bryan Watts
1/6/2023

Our nation stands as a house divided against itself.  Somewhere along the way we have lost our sense of common purpose.  We increasingly view the world as a zero-sum game where every event is defined by winners and losers and the only way to give to one neighbor is to take from another.  But life is not a zero-sum game, and the pursuit of this world view leads only to the loss of decency and civil society.  We need to refocus on goals that are more important than divisions.  We need to work together to find our way back to mutual respect. 

Within the conservation world, we are just people concerned about the future of species and wildness.  Although we may not always agree on details, our passion for a shared purpose moves us forward.  We stand together, eyes fixed on a common goal.  Each success that brings us closer to that goal is not a victory for one but a celebration for all.  Over time, community and commitment has become a destination unto itself.

The Center for Conservation Biology has worked with hundreds of partners on scores of initiatives over the decades.  It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside so many who have brought such unique expertise and unwavering passion to the effort. Within this report, I highlight a few of the partners with whom we have shared glories, defeats and hopes.  Together we have moved conservation forward. The brief 2022 CCB Annual Report is dedicated to our many conservation partners.  We are honored to work alongside you and we applaud your work.