Rare
Description
Rare is a global environmental nonprofit that promotes community-led solutions to protect nature, fight climate change and build resilient communities.
Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, it partners with people around the world to adopt sustainable practices, restore ecosystems on land and at sea, and strengthen local livelihoods. Its work is grounded in local leadership and behavioral science. It runs programs in coastal fisheries management, regenerative farming, finance for frontline communities, and biodiversity protection, with staff and offices in Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Europe, Indonesia, Mozambique, and the Philippines and Pacific Islands.
One of its best-known approaches grew out of a 1977 campaign in Saint Lucia to save the endangered Saint Lucia parrot through community pride and outreach, a model that shaped Rare’s later conservation work. Its Fish Forever program, launched with the Environmental Defense Fund and researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, supports community-based fisheries management using territorial fishing rights and no-take marine reserves. Its Center for Behavior & the Environment applies behavioral science and design methods to conservation, climate adaptation and resource management challenges.
Latest news
Statement of Rare President Caleb McClennen on the launch of the South America Fire Fund
Statement of Rare President Caleb McClennen on the South America Fire Fund, launched during Climate Week NYC.
23 Sep 2026
Climate REEFS will advance socially equitable climate change adaptation for coastal communities in Indonesia and the Philippines.
10 Nov 2023
Managed Access with Reserves (MA+R): When is MA+R a potential OECM?
Local approaches to biodiversity protection coupled with community1 -led, climate-resilient management are vital components of global marine biodiversity protection efforts, given the critical role local communities and municipal governments play in protecting their coastal natural resources...
26 Apr 2023
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