To launch this effort, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation provided Conservation International with the largest gift ever given to a private conservation group, with a series of grants totaling up to $261 million over 10 years. With an alliance of conservation partners, Conservation International aimed to secure $1.5 billion in private investments over the next 10 years and leverage another $4.5 billion from the public sector. Earth’s millions of species are most densely packed in 25 biodiversity hotspots in more than 40 countries, and in the three remaining major tropical rainforests of the world. The projected result of the $6 billion investment was to protect the highest priority regions of the hotspots (a total area comparable to New York State) and within the major tropical wilderness areas (an area the size of Alaska).

The initiative created strong global alliances, bolstered scientific field research, and offered new economic options to protect biodiversity.

“The rate of species loss and habitat destruction demands immediate action. Collaboration is critical and we expect CI to continue to build strong alliances and maintain its commitment to solid science and innovative thinking. We also hope this investment will stimulate participation from a broad sector of society.” - Gordon Moore, co-founder of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

“To protect global biodiversity, you need to target the highest priority places to be protected, create the right alliances, and achieve innovative, lasting results. The Moore Foundation’s commitment gave CI the confidence and the firepower to launch this initiative,” said Peter A. Seligmann, CI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We intended to create coherent alliances, operational and financial partnerships, constructive dealings with economic and social forces, and build the scientific foundation for measuring success. We asked organizations who share a common vision to join us.”