Familiar with Conservation International?

[Lisa0825]

I am doing a paper on Chiapas, MX, in particular the alternative economy of the Zapatista communities. I came across a paper that was very critical of large environmental entities, such as Conservation International and the Nature Conservancy, stating that they were beholden to corporate interests, and basically cloaked their participation in the displacment of indigenous peoples in fake environmental issues. For instance, they alleged that the "population control" implemented in the Chiapas region targets the Zapatista communities, including forced and coerced sterilization, in an effort to control their political future, as opposed to preventing overpopulation.

Now, granted, this was by no means an unbiased source, but I wouldn't doubt that this was possible. I know little about these large environmental organizations, other than the PR material they produce. I am doing some more googling, but so far, I mostly come up with material in favor of these organizations. So, I thought perhaps someone here might know if there is anything to these allegations, and perhaps have some sources to point me to.

Muchas gracias:-)

[Xandor]

1. Oh for gawd's sake...

Yes, I'm familiar. I work for a fairly large conservation organization now, and before that I spent years working for The Nature Conservancy. While I don't work at TNC or CI, I do have daily dealings with them and know many, many people on the staffs of both organizations. YES, there have been instances when TNC's land transactions have been a little bit confusing (per the series of Washington Post articles a few years ago). YES, Conservation International is absolutely flush with money from the likes of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. YES, TNC has rich Repubs on its Boards at the national and local levels. BUT there also heavy hitters from the progressive side on those Boards. The staffs of both organizations are absolutely chock full of extremely capable, well-intentioned, intelligent, and PROGRESSIVE people. Lisa, the people who work for TNC and CI have got to be among the most capable and effective conservationists on earth today. They're extraordinarily visionary, incredibly principled and dedicated, and working at 150% capacity to save the biota of this dying planet. Are they beholden to corporate interests? Not on your life.

Xan

[Lisa0825]

2. Thank you for the info!

As I said, I understood that the source I was reading was biased, so I was hoping someone here could shed some light. Most of what I read was positive regarding these groups, and the negatives I read were all from a couple sources, and not ones I am familiar with, so I couldn't judge their reliability. I won't be using that info in my report. I appreciate the speedy response!