Transforming Conservation: A New Standard for Wellbeing-Centered Conservation

At OneNature, we are leading a movement to redefine conservation by placing human well-being at the heart of our efforts. We believe that the health of our planet and the happiness of its inhabitants are inseparable. Our approach goes beyond traditional conservation practices to integrate the interconnectedness of all life—humans, wildlife, and ecosystems—into policies and actions that are both socially just and sustainable.

Spotlight on Why This Matters

Traditional conservation often focuses on protecting ecosystems and wildlife, but it can sometimes overlook the well-being of the people who live within and depend on these environments. We advocate for a new standard that recognizes the intrinsic link between human well-being and the health of our planet. By valuing both material and non-material benefits of nature, we work to ensure that conservation practices benefit all beings.

Our Approach

• Policy Advocacy: We work with US and global organizations, including the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WeAll), and the Green Economy Coalition, to influence domestic and international policies to better recognize the full value of nature, including cultural, spiritual, and non-market benefits. Our efforts include participating in working groups like the WeAll Beyond GDP initiative, which seeks to expand the metrics used to assess national progress beyond economic output to include well-being and environmental health. We also provide guidance to the US Government on wellbeing measures in conservation and expanding our economic metrics to include nature and wellbeing.
• Collaborative Research: Partnering with leading institutions like Columbia University, and with other organizations that measure wellbeing, we contribute to cutting-edge research that develops and promotes wellbeing criteria in environmental project design and assessments. This research is instrumental in shaping policies and practices that better align conservation efforts with the well-being of local communities.
• Implementation and Standards Development: We are actively involved in revising the Community Wellbeing Guidance within the Open Standards for Conservation and working with the Society for Conservation Biology’s Impact and Evaluation Working Group. These collaborations aim to standardize how community well-being is measured and integrated into conservation practices globally.
• Institute for Community Conservation and Wellbeing Studies (ICCWS/Kinshasa): OneNature board member, Patience Kabamba, has established the Institute for Community Conservation and Wellbeing Studies (ICCWS), which offers a two-year program to train students in assessing happiness and wellbeing—key factors in conservation. The program accepts students with backgrounds in social sciences and humanities, providing them with both theoretical training in subjects like conservation, geography, and anthropology, as well as practical fieldwork experience. By the end of the program, students will have developed a Happiness Index for communities living near protected areas, offering a unique perspective on conservation success.

  In addition to academic training, the ICCWS prioritizes sustainability by operating a farm that supports the institute and its students. This agricultural project helps feed students and generate income, while also providing valuable experience in sustainable agriculture for students and the local community. The program aims to foster a deeper connection between conservation efforts and community well-being by integrating both academic knowledge and practical skills.

  The ICCWS is partnering with OneNature and the Happiness Alliance in developing the instructional program. These partnerships have provided essential technical guidance, ensuring that the curriculum is rooted in global best practices for assessing and promoting wellbeing in conservation. Together, these collaborations are helping shape the future of conservation education in the Congo.

Our Impact

Through our work, we have contributed comments to significant initiatives such as the National Nature Assessment and the development of the National Strategy for Environmental-Economic Decisions in the United States. These efforts help to embed well-being and equity into the fabric of environmental decision-making and resource management.

Join the Movement

By supporting OneNature, you are joining a global effort to transform conservation into a practice that ensures the well-being of all beings. Together, we can create a future where both people and the planet thrive.

Support Our Work

Help us continue to advocate for policies and practices that place well-being at the center of conservation. Your donation directly supports our efforts to harmonize human and environmental well-being.