Douglas Tompkins spent decades interacting with leading thinkers in ecological philosophy, technology criticism, agroecology, conservation biology, and activism. He became convinced that there is no chance to reverse the current ecosocial crisis without a deep, systemic critique of the industrial-growth economy and the worldview behind it. Doug and Kris Tompkins’s long friendship with the philosopher Arne Naess also influenced their thinking, and by extension, the activities of Tompkins Conservation.

Quickly expanding protected areas on land and sea—until at least half the Earth is wrapped in blue and green ribbons of wildness—is crucial to reverse the extinction crisis, help mitigate climate chaos, and support human rights including access to clean air and water.

We work to empower community leaders. Through active involvement and support of park gateway communities, our conservation efforts are demonstrating how nature-based tourism can help drive regional economic diversification and benefit local people.

Along with protecting habitat, our team is helping diminished wildlife populations return to abundance, and reintroducing missing native species to reassemble whole and healthy natural communities.

Turning away from industrial agriculture and toward regenerative, agroecological food systems will benefit humanity and all our relations in the community of life.

Silence is the loudest voice of all. There is no room for inaction today. We are all called upon to do our part to create a healthy future for all life. In the words of Edward Abbey: “Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.”