HALF-EARTH PROJECT

If we conserve half of our land and seas, at least 85 percent of species will be protected from extinction. That's the bold, new thinking behind The Half-Earth Project, an initiative which promises to be one of the greatest conservation efforts of our age.
The instigator, renowned biologist, researcher, theorist, naturalist, and author E.O. Wilson says the Half-Earth Project"has science at its core and our moral obligation to the rest of life at its heart." This fusion of passion, responsibility and solid science is gaining traction; there's rapidly growing optimism within the scientific community that this hugely ambitious idea might just work.
The inaugural Half-Earth Day is being held in Washington DC on October 23rd, a chance to learn more about the project, and a call to action – bringing together leaders in conservation, from around the world and across disciplines, to share their ideas and inspire innovative, energetic and effective conservation efforts that can help in reaching this goal. No worries if you are not in the neighbourhood: the event organisers have told us it will be live-streamed, and we'll post the details as soon as they are released.

Speakers include Wilson himself, along with Sean B. Carroll, the award-winning scientist, educator, film producer and author of thought-provoking books which include The Serengeti Rules, Brave Genius and The Making of the Fittest.  And also Paul Simon who is not only a musician but a philanthropist raising millions of dollars for a wide range of organisations, including The Nature Conservancy. Both Simon and Carroll are members of the Half-Earth Council.

The full-day event will also shine a light on existing conservation efforts from the Gorongosa Restoration Project, Tompkins Conservation and African Parks to American Prairie Reserve, and National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project.
For more information on Half-Earth Day and the project in general, visit half-earthproject.org