Innovation in action

Meeting today’s biodiversity challenges requires innovative research, education, communication and policy strategies capable of responding to a rapidly changing biophysical, institutional and cultural landscape.

We cannot do this work alone. That is why the Center for Biodiversity Outcomes partners with key local, national and global organizations to advance biodiversity conservation research and education that translates into actionable outcomes.

Explore our website to learn more about how we work together!


Current Partners

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

The Red List quantifies global species extinction risks and is used to inform policy, planning and conservation action around the world. ASU is one of the IUCN Red List eleven world partners. As a partner, ASU evaluates and applies scientific data, assisting global leaders in developing strategies for species conservation and biodiversity decision-making. We also facilitate a training center for completing species assessments.

International Union for Conservation of Nature

IUCN is an international membership union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organizations. It provides NGOs and public and private institutions with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place. CBO partners with IUCN on a variety of projects, including species assessments and the development of decision-making guides for sustainable biodiversity development.

Capital Coalitions

Capital Coalitions is a unique global multi-stakeholder collaboration that brings together leading initiatives and organizations to harmonize approaches to natural capital. We joined NC as an official partner in June 2017, along with 250 other organizations. We work with Capital Coalitions to develop a Natural Capital Protocol for Oceans and a Natural Capital Protocol for Biodiversity. Both guides serve as decision-making tools for the corporate sector, promoting sustainable environmental, social and economic development.

Beyond the Academy

Beyond the Academy is an impact-oriented research network of interdisciplinary sustainability scholars dedicated to (1) reforming institutions and academic incentive structures; (2) encouraging public engagement and co-development; (3) preparing graduate students to be sustainability leaders; (4) working in partnership to address complex and pressing sustainability issues. Center for Biodiversity Outcomes is a participating member, sharing and connecting resources to and from Arizona State University.

Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA is an agency of the United States Federal Government, whose mission is to protect human and environmental health. Center for Biodiversity Outcomes partners with the Environmental Protection Agency to research the environmental and human health effects of contaminants in wastewater-dominated streams.

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

STRI was founded with the purpose of increasing and sharing knowledge about the past, present and future of tropical ecosystems and their relevance to human welfare. STRI in Panama offers facilities that allow staff scientists, fellows and visiting scientists to pursue a range of tropical studies. Arizona State University-STRI efforts include everything from field studies in sustainability and eco-services to investigations of molecular and marine sciences, insect behavior, biodiversity and watersheds, genetics and sociobiology.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service

USFWS is the oldest government conservation agency and the only government agency whose primary responsibility is the management of fish and wildlife for the American public. They help ensure a healthy environment for people by providing opportunities for enjoying the outdoors and our shared natural heritage. CBO works with USFWS to develop decision-making tools that support compliance with the U. S. Endangered Species Act.

Past Partners

Bayer

Bayer is a life sciences company with over 150 years of expertise in health care and agriculture, dedicated to providing a reliable and high-quality supply of medical and agricultural products for the world’s growing population. Modern agriculture uses pesticides to ensure crop productivity by providing protection against crop pests. However, these pesticides can have negative impacts on non-target plants and animals as well as on pests. Because the U.S. Endangered Species Act requires that potential pesticide impacts on threatened and endangered species be minimal, we are working with Bayer to develop a prioritization-based decision support framework to assess potential risk from exposure to pesticides for species listed under the Ecological Society of America.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

WBCSD is a global, CEO-led organization of more than 200 leading businesses and partners working together to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable world. Together CBO and WBCSD collaborate on incorporating biodiversity and business, and natural capital in the corporate sector.

Chemonics International

Chemonics International is a private international development company that works for donors and the private sector to manage projects in developing countries. Their mission is to promote meaningful change around the world to help people live healthier, more productive and more independent lives. In 2018, Chemonics partnered with ASU to develop the Conservation Solutions Lab. The CSL employs an evidence-driven interdisciplinary approach to bring knowledge of what works to conservation and development practitioners to advance effective equitable engagements of communities in conservation programs.

Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, offers 140 acres with more than 50,000 plant displays for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the desert. It is committed to education, conservation and research. In partnership with ASU, it represents Sonoran biodiversity in the International Union for Conservation of Nature, including the vulnerability of Sonoran species.

Earth Genome

EG is a nonprofit environmental data analytics organization whose goal is to answer any question about the planet relevant to decision-making, leading to better outcomes for organizations, society and the planet. We partner with EG to build information systems and tools that will enable international stakeholders to incorporate environmental considerations into their cost calculations and decision-making, such as the Green Infrastructure Support Tool for water use.

Electric Power Research Institute

EPRI is an American independent NGO that conducts research and development related to the generation, delivery and use of electricity to assist this sector in public interest and environmental matters. We are working together with EPRI to develop a decision-making tool to facilitate compliance with the U. S. Endangered Species Act. This tool will include an evidence-based comprehensive framework for assessing pre-compliance and compliance costs. It will also aim to provide cost-efficiencies, reduction of regulatory risk and enhanced stakeholder reputation.

Sustainable Earth

Sustainable Earth provides sustainability information, news and ideas in an accessible form—without simplifying the issues. Their goal is to help people discover science and explore ideas for living more sustainably every day. Driven by a collaborative team of students, staff, and faculty at Arizona State University, Sustainable Earth seeks to show that every small lifestyle change can make a positive difference for a cleaner planet. Wells Fargo Bank provides ongoing support to Sustainable Earth and is committed to addressing the sustainability challenges faced in our communities and businesses.

Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative

The Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative, also known as GoMRI, investigates the impacts of oil spills on the ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico and affected coastal States to better understand the dynamics of such events and their environmental stresses and public health implications. We partner with GoMRI on a variety of projects, including the development of the GoMex Explorer tool.

The Nature Conservancy

Founded in 1951, TNC is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. This science-based organization creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions for nature and people to thrive. CBO partners with TNC in multiple ways, including the delivery of NatureNet Science Fellowships hosted at Arizona State University. Our ASU-TNC postdoctoral fellows research topics such as soil micro-organisms’ adaptation to climate change and nutrient pollution risks associated with intensified agriculture under increased flooding and hurricanes.

Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo launched in 1961 and is the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States. The Phoenix Zoo supports CBO in their IUCN Red List Partnership, including citizen scientist projects with the zoo’s Phoenix ZooTeens Conservation Team.

McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organization that relies on more than 600 volunteer stewards to help protect and promote the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The preserve comprises the McDowell Mountains, more than 30,500 contiguous acres and more than 200 miles of trails. In partnership with ASU, they represent Sonoran biodiversity in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, including the vulnerability of Sonoran species.