Studies show that if we conserve half of our land and seas, at least 85 percent of species will be protected from extinction. Half-Earth Day is a celebration and a call to action – bringing together leaders in conservation, from around the world and across disciplines, to share their ideas and inspire innovative and impactful conservation efforts with this audacious goal in mind.
The all-day, inaugural event, featured special guests including renowned biologist, researcher, theorist, naturalist, and author Edward O. Wilson, biologist and author Sean B. Carroll; and legendary recording artist Paul Simon, was held in Washington, D.C., on October 23, 2017. Half-Earth Day was sponsored by the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation and hosted by National Geographic as part of our partnership to explore and protect the living Earth.
Half-Earth Day highlighted conservation efforts from the Gorongosa Restoration Project, Tompkins Conservation, African Parks, American Prairie Reserve, and National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project. This event was an opportunity for everyone to convene, share their unique contributions and thought leadership, and inspire fresh goal-driven energy and engagement in conserving our planet.
