Rare
Rare is a global, non-profit environmental organization that has been inspiring change since 1973 to promote people and nature. With programs in over 10 countries, Rare advocates for biodiversity, social justice, and sustainable development. Together, they are shaping a better future.
Rare: A Global Leader in Environmental Protection and Social Change
editAbout Rare
editRare is a global, non-profit environmental organization that has been working since its founding in 1973 to inspire change so that people and nature can thrive. Headquartered in the United States, with programs and staff in over 10 countries, including Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Pacific Islands, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Germany, Rare focuses on protecting biodiversity, securing livelihoods, promoting gender equality and food security, and strengthening climate resilience in communities and countries.
Mission and Values
editRare's mission is to inspire change so that people and nature can thrive. The organization believes in the power of individuals, communities, and local leaders to protect and restore the water, land, and climate that nourish us all. Rare stands for values such as responsibility, courage, willingness to take risks, and investing in people, which shape its mission and culture[3].
Key Products and Services
editRare offers a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting collective action at the local level to address global challenges.
- The Center for Behavior & the Environment (BE.Center): The world's first center dedicated solely to behavioral science and design for environmental issues. It connects research and insights from behavioral and social sciences as well as design thinking with practitioners on the front lines of the most urgent environmental problems[1][3].
- Fish Forever: A program that mobilizes coastal communities, their local leaders, and governments to establish community-led management of coastal fisheries and their habitats[2][3].
- Lands for Life: A program that works with agricultural communities to implement regenerative and low-carbon agriculture as a powerful climate solution[2][3].
- Innovative Finance: A program that connects the formal financial sector with rural and remote communities to develop and implement innovative financial products and services[2][3].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editRare focuses on several key sustainability goals:
- Combating Climate Change: Rare works to address climate change through people-centered and community-based solutions.
- Protecting Biodiversity: Through programs like Fish Forever and Lands for Life, the protection and restoration of natural habitats are promoted.
- Securing Food Systems: Rare supports the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security.
- Promoting Social Justice: The organization advocates for equality and social justice in conservation work.
- Funding Environmental Projects: Through the Innovative Finance program, public and private funds are mobilized for environmentally friendly and community-based solutions[2][3].
Historical Background and Achievements
editRare was founded in 1973 by David Hill and has since worked with over 1,500 communities in more than 60 countries to address urgent threats to natural resources such as overfishing, climate change, deforestation, water pollution, and regenerative agriculture. A notable example of Rare's success is the rescue of the St. Lucia Parrot, whose population was significantly increased through a social marketing campaign[1][3].
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
editRare firmly believes that a diverse and inclusive culture is essential to empowering communities and inspiring change. The organization promotes and respects diverse perspectives and backgrounds of its employees, partners, and supporters worldwide and strives for an anti-racist and inclusive work environment[3].