We make conservation work for America. The Board and staff of The Conservation Fund recently spent time to really think about what that sentence means. We dug into the principles and values we hold most dear and posed hard questions about whether our policies and practices live up to the promise embodied in our mission. While every meeting is full of exciting news about the work the team has done and tough challenges we face, it was clear to me that each person in the room understood the importance of the discussion and cared deeply about what was said and decided. I left that meeting knowing that it was time well spent.

In the months after the meeting, I have thought a lot about what makes conservation work, not only in America but around the world. A recent trip to Kenya gave me the opportunity to witness amazing programs to protect habitat and the wildlife that depends on it to survive. What works and why? Are the pressure points the same, varying in degree based on history, geography, law, wealth, politics, climate, community partnerships and a million other factors? What could we learn from the successes and failures of other places and what could they learn from us? A few observations follow:

• Effective conservation is hard work. As often as it is life affirming and personally rewarding, it can break your heart, head and bank account.
• Economics matter. Sustainability isn’t just desirable. It is required.
• Community engagement and support are essential.
• Private landowners, nonprofit organizations and government at all levels must work together.
• Private philanthropy is necessary and can be inspirational and transformational.
• Visionaries who can see “down the road” and are willing to act on belief must be encouraged and listened to.
• An educated, hard working and dedicated staff, a well-executed business plan and an independent board, governing wisely and ethically, are required.
• Partnerships are sought after and encouraged. No one person or group has all the answers.
• Creativity in problem solving and the commitment to communicating your story will make the difference in how effective you can be.

Sound familiar? While The Conservation Fund operates only in America, the principles and practices we follow can and do work in other places.

An example that reflects our approach is the work being done by David Sugden and Africa House Safaris. They offset the carbon footprint of the people they work with by planting trees. Africa House supports ecotourism and local businesses like Sirikoi, a small, family-run lodge that uses environmentally friendly practices in camp and actively supports community jobs, education and development.

Getting to meet and talk with visionaries Willie and Sue Roberts who run Sirikoi was one of the highlights on my trip. Their commitment to the wildlife on the northern slopes of Mt. Kenya is inspirational and exemplifies what the Fund is doing here in America. We saw endangered animals like the black rhino, white rhino and Grevy’s zebra, met the rangers, guides and guards that protect them and witnessed the community partnerships that make it all work.

From there we made our way to Ol Malo, a privately-owned, family-operated 5,000 acre ranch and game sanctuary on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in the Laikipia Plateau. Every member of the family is involved: setting up trusts, schools, health facilities, economic development for women, rescuing abused animals, providing hospitality that is environmentally friendly, and managing the ranch and sanctuary responsibly. Hard-working Andrew and Chyulu Francombe were our hosts. They introduced us to many community members who share their passion for conservation that works. They understand the importance of making the economics work because they live it every day. Not a luxury but a necessity.

In Southern Kenya on the banks of the Talek River, in the Maasai Mara we witnessed the wildebeest migration and learned about the creative partnerships between government and private conservation efforts.  At the environmentally sensitive Naibor tented camp we watched hippos, and saw families of lion, leopards, cheetah.

My travels have shown me that what works in America works in Africa: the power of partnerships, community engagement, protecting habitat for endangered species, conservation driving economic vitality, and most of all, the focus on solutions by dedicated people with vision.

Conservation that works is worth our time, effort and money. Please give all three.