The Nature Conservancy is a global organization dedicated to protecting the lands and waters on which the diversity of life depends. We envision a world where forest, grasslands, deserts, rivers and oceans are healthy; where the connection between natural systems and the quality of human life is valued; and where the places that sustain all life endure for future generations. We are one of the world's largest private, non-profit, nongovernmental conservation organizations. Yet we operate at the local level, working in hundreds of communities on the ground to conserve natural diversity and sustain livelihoods. Science is the foundation of all our work. Critical data on plants and animals and threats to their habitats help us determine what conservation actions to take and where to take them. Socio-economic and human development data help us frame solutions that meet the needs of people and nature. We develop innovative tools and uncommon approaches to protect natural systems. In all that we do, we seek common ground with others, often acting as the catalyst to create tangible, lasting conservation results. Our 1-million-plus members have helped us protect more than 15 million acres of habitat in the United States and more than 102 million acres in Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. We currently manage 1,400 preserves, the largest system of private nature sanctuaries in the world.