Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of wild animals and plants in their natural communities. It focuses on what many scientists believe are two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. Strategies include protection of entire ecosystems and interconnected habitats while protecting predators that serve as indicator species for ecosystem health.

Earth Island Institute www.earthisland.org

Founded by legendary conservationist David Brower in 1982, EII focuses on three main areas: A) Protecting rainforests, marine mammals, sea turtles, and indigenous lands; B) promoting organic and sustainable agriculture, ecological paperalternatives, and the emerging Russian environmental movement; and C) pursuing community-based habitat restoration, reduction of marine pollution, and development of urban multicultural environmental leadership.