By uniting experts across disciplines, LEC is creating data-driven solutions that protect biodiversity, support human well-being, and shape the future of conservation on a global scale.
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The Living Earth Collaborative takes a strategic approach to conservation, focusing on three priority regions—Madagascar, the Congo Basin, and the Andes—where our partner institutions have long been engaged in biodiversity research and conservation. By leveraging established international networks, infrastructure, and long-term investments, we work to maximize the impact of conservation efforts in these ecologically rich but vulnerable landscapes.
Preserving global biodiversity hotspots requires innovative, evidence-based conservation programs. We collaborate with local communities to promote sustainable development, exploring alternative livelihoods and agroforestry practices that balance conservation with economic needs. Through partner-led projects, we work to quantify sustainable resource use, support conservation-friendly agricultural techniques, and develop long-term solutions for both people and ecosystems.
Advancing the science of community-based conservation is central to our mission. We incorporate cutting-edge technologies and participatory research methods, empowering local stakeholders to monitor biodiversity and contribute to conservation efforts.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and action-oriented research, we are working to ensure a future where nature and people thrive together.
A Living Earth Collaborative-funded team studies how foraged foods can combat malnutrition (Links to an external site)
Wild Foods Are Positively Associated with Diet Diversity and Child Growth in a Protected Forest Area of Madagascar (video) (Links to an external site)
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Herbarium goes digital to revolutionize species identification (Links to an external site)
Explore our research
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Investigating Ecuadorian Species and Habitats
Lauren Augustine, Saint Louis Zoo
Mark Wanner, Saint Louis Zoo
Luis Coloma, Centro Jambatu
Carmen Ulloa, Missouri Botanical Garden
Nora Oleas, Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica
A Synthesis of Patterns and Mechanisms of Diversity and Forest Change in the Andes: A Global Biodiversity Hotspot
J. Sebastian Tello, Missouri Botanical Garden
Jonathan Myers, WashU (Biology)
Selene Baez, Escuela Politécnica Nacional del Ecuador
Biological Inventory and Conservation of Arevik National Park and Zangezur Sanctuary, Armenia
Robbie Hart, Missouri Botanical Garden
Jim Miller, Missouri Botanical Garden
Mark Wanner, Saint Louis Zoo
Data-driven Conservation of the Critically Endangered Diademed Sifaka (Propithecus diadema) and the Black and White Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata) Living in Fragmented Habitats
Emily Wroblewski, WashU (Anthropology)
Krista Milich, WashU (Anthropology)
Giovanna Bonadonna, WashU (Anthropology)
Patricia Becerra Mendoza, WashU (Anthropology)
Armand Randrianasolo, Missouri Botanical Garden
Robbie Hart, Missouri Botanical Garden
Fortunat Rakotoarivony, Missouri Botanical Garden
Karen Freeman, Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group
Ingrid Porton, Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group
Fidisoa Rasambainarivo, Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group
Lisa Kelley, Saint Louis Zoo
Laura Mahatoly, University of Antananarivo
Rina Vololonirina, University of Antananarivo
Ortega Bavary, University of Antananarivo
Onja Ramilijaona, University of Antananarivo
Brigitte Raharivololona, University of Antananarivo
Jean Freddy Ranaivoarisoa, University of Antananarivo
Malaria Infection in a Shifting Disease Landscape: Genomic Signals of Susceptibility or Resistance in Apes
Emily Wroblewski, WashU (Anthropology)
Crickette Sanz, WashU (Anthropology)
Goals
- Discovering new species before they’re lost.
- Preserving global biodiversity hotpots.
- Understanding tropical species and ecosystem responses to global change.
- Engaging with sustainable development, alternative livelihoods and agroforestry.
- Advancing the science of community-based conservation and participatory research.
- Understanding the dynamics of social and environmental systems.