Shaping Our Future

As humanity stands at a crossroads, grappling with an urgent global environmental and social crisis, Latin America emerges as a beacon of hope, holding tremendous potential to contribute significantly to lasting solutions. The region boasts a quarter of the world's forests, a third of its freshwater, half of its species, and is the world’s largest net exporter of food. Its impact extends far beyond its borders, presenting Latin America with a pivotal role in combating climate change, biodiversity loss, and promoting well-being for people worldwide. 

Yet, amidst this promise, Latin America also confronts pressing challenges. Rapid deforestation, dwindling wildlife populations, melting glaciers, and the imminent loss of the Amazon rainforest—a vital sanctuary for the planet's ecological health and collective memory—loom large. The human-made systems driving these pressures are also exacerbating inequities throughout the region, and eroding the ancestral homes, cultures, and vital environmental stewardship of Indigenous communities.

Nevertheless, we firmly believe that change is both possible and imperative. We envision an alternative path forward for Latin America—one where nature is revered for its intrinsic worth, where Indigenous knowledge is honored, and where sustainable productivity lays the foundation for ecosystem healing and protection. This transformative vision heralds a new future, wherein Latin America sustains well-being not only for itself but for the entire world. 

This transformational shift is within reach, and Latin America is ready to embrace it. For the past four decades, hand in hand with our donors and partners, TNC has supported innovative solutions to urgent environmental – and therefore social and economic—challenges in Latin America. We have collaborated closely with governments, corporations, and civil society, investing in and championing conservation efforts. Our wealth of experience, solid network of partners, numerous accomplishments, and deep knowledge of the region serve as a springboard for the profound transformations required to forge a healthier future.

Business as usual is deficient, prompting a shift in our strategy for Latin America, that transcends mere projects, pilots, and isolated efforts. Urgency drives us to pursue systemic change and innovation across regions, sectors, and markets. Our focus is on addressing the underlying causes rather than surface-level symptoms, thus encouraging lasting and sustainable transformation. Radical collaboration among diverse actors—leveraging their strengths, achievements, and learning from past failures—is crucial for success.

The pages that follow provide a glimpse of the actions we have proudly accomplished in the past year. From enhancing food security and sequestering carbon to safeguarding water resources and mitigating floods, TNC's work in Latin America unleashes the power of nature, harnesses the ingenuity of people, and leverages the strength of partnerships to pave the way towards a truly sustainable future.

On behalf of our TNC team in Latin America, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support during this critical moment. We are committed to exploring opportunities and supporting a drive for ever greater ambition and we can only achieve this together. Your involvement is vital as we embark on this extraordinary journey, and your contributions matter at every step we take. Together, we will forge a path towards a brighter future.

With deep appreciation, 

Paula Caballero

Regional Managing Director, Latin America