Mongabay · Climate & nature

USAID Closure Halts Conservation Projects Worldwide

The dismantling of USAID has led to the stalling or collapse of numerous conservation projects globally, impacting wildlife patrols, forest monitoring, and community programs.

A new analysis by One Earth Partners, founded by former USAID officials, documents the consequences of the agency's closure on conservation efforts in countries like Kenya, Bangladesh, Peru, Colombia, and Vietnam. The report is based on interviews and surveys with 150 individuals familiar with USAID's work.

The closure removed nearly $1 billion from global conservation and environment funding. USAID had allocated significant amounts to biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, clean energy, and pollution control in fiscal year 2024.

Specific projects affected include satellite data training for deforestation monitoring in Colombia and Peru, anti-poaching efforts at Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park, and community-based tourism initiatives in Bangladesh.

Kenya experienced severe impacts, with the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association losing a $6.5 million grant, leading to staff layoffs and budget cuts. Plans for new conservancies were also halted.

While some conservation groups faced criticism for USAID's bureaucracy and costs, others have successfully secured alternative funding from government sources and private philanthropy.

However, many projects continue to seek new financial support. One Earth Partners has compiled a list of 100 former USAID-supported projects actively searching for new funders.

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