Conservation efforts around the world often require a great deal of restoration. A task that is not always biologically effective, can drain resources, and can be very labor intensive. Due to their exceptional levels of preservation and isolation we do not need to invest as much in restoration as we do in maintaining current biodiversity and preventing future loss in our locations in Cuba and Galapagos. Of course, this privileged conservation status may not last long, therefore we must continue to preserve these islands, now.

Year round, with the help of our volunteers, IOI invests in conservation in our communities in a number of ways:

• We partner with local organizations to manage environmental protection areas like Biosphere Reserves and National Parks.

• We fund local initiatives, coordinate international research, and provide personnel for various small-scale conservation projects.

• We work with local authorities, schools and universities, and of course the local populations to ensure that our social development and conservation efforts have high levels of acceptance and impact.

This sort of active, integrated, and collaborative involvement is necessary for socio-environmental sustainability and the long-term protection of our ecosystems, cultures, values, and traditions. 

The only way to ensure that these communities and habitats continue thriving is to work diligently, together.