Who We Are

The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) is a joint initiative of Conservation International, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the World Bank. Conservation International administers the fund.

Our Purpose

CEPF provides strategic assistance to nongovernmental organizations, community groups and other civil society partners to help safeguard Earth’s biodiversity hotspots. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation.

Where We Work

The partnership invests in biodiversity hotspots, Earth's biologically richest and most threatened areas. CEPF focuses on hotspots in the developing world and strategically targets priority areas in the hotspots for maximum impact.

How We Work

CEPF provides funding and technical assistance to civil society groups. It acts as a catalyst to create strategic working alliances among diverse groups, combining unique capacities and eliminating duplication of efforts for a comprehensive, coordinated approach.

What Makes Us Different

Supported by a common vision that economic prosperity and biodiversity conservation are intrinsically linked, our investments:

• Target hotspots in developing countries for maximum impact.
• Go directly to nongovernmental organizations, community groups and other civil society partners to build this vital constituency for conservation alongside governmental partners.
• Create strategic working alliances among diverse groups, combining unique capacities and eliminating duplication of efforts.
• Achieve tangible results through an ever-expanding network of partners working together toward shared goals.