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.
Explore our research
Protecting Biodiversity and Human Health through Wild Edible Plants of Alandraza-Agnalavelo Sacred Forest, Madagascar
Tabita Randrianarivony, Missouri Botanical Garden
Lora Iannotti, WashU (Brown School of Social Work)
Armand Randrianasolo, Missouri Botanical Garden
Robbie Hart, Missouri Botanical Garden
SMART Forests: Linking Emerging Technologies for Biodiversity Research in Changing Environments
Crickette Sanz, WashU (Anthropology)
Socio-economic and Cultural Adaptation to Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change: Analysis and Intervention Efficacy Study in Three Madagascar Subsistence Communities
Armand Randrianasolo, Missouri Botanical Garden
Nivo H. Rakotoarivelo, Missouri Botanical Garden
Fortunat Rakotoarivony, Missouri Botanical Garden
Judi McLean Parks, WashU (Olin Business School)
Robbie Hart, Missouri Botanical Garden
Testing the Role that Biotic Interactions Play in Shaping Elevational-Diversity Gradients: An Ecological Metabolomics Approach
Jonathan Myers, WashU (Biology)
J. Sebastian Tello, Missouri Botanical Garden
Nathan Muchhala, University of Missouri – St. Louis
Brian E. Sedio, University of Texas – Austin
David Henderson, WashU (PhD student)
Belen Alvestegui, University of Missouri – St. Louis (MS student)
The Search for Critically Endangered or Possibly Extinct Ecuadorean Frogs using eDNA
Christine Edwards, Missouri Botanical Garden
Mark Wanner, St. Louis Zoo
Lauren Augustine, St. Louis Zoo
Luis Coloma, Centro Jambatu
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.