Happy Anniversary, America
© JARED LLOYD
WWF works in over 100 countries, and we pursue our mission primarily by saving the places that are most important to life on Earth. That mission takes us from the Himalayas to the heart of the Amazon, and from the coral reefs of the Pacific to the Arctic. Of course, nature is not distributed evenly across the world. Some countries contain more plants, animals, and ecosystems than others. A list of the Top 10 most biodiverse countries in the world includes Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and the United States.
I travel the world in service to WWF’s mission, which means inhabiting my inner Buddha every time I stand in line for customs and immigration officials in countries near and far. There is that moment when I get to the front of the line and fish out my passport, and I’m reminded of the country I call home. The watermarks on the pages of my passport include American icons such as a grizzly bear with a salmon in Alaska, giant Saguaro cacti, bison in Yellowstone National Park—reminders of home, all contained within the document that allows me to travel the world.
This year marks the semiquincentennial of our country. It’s been 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed, and there’s a lot to be proud of. Much is written about the disagreements within our democracy. But we should celebrate our persistent innovation, the many cultures and people that call the United States home, and the glorious abundance of our natural heritage.
America is a high priority for WWF because of the amazing nature this country holds, which must be protected: the glaciers and wildlands of Alaska; the Great Plains stretching from Canada to Mexico; the rolling rivers and streams; and the wondrous deserts, deep woods, and lakes that surround us. My ringtone is the call of a common loon because it reminds me of the lakes and mountains that I love more than any other. Many of us have those sights, those sounds, those smells of nature that still our soul and are a refuge from the vicissitudes of the world.
America is also a priority for WWF because of the immense talent and resources we have that can contribute to the cause of conservation writ large. Building partnerships with scientists, corporations, communicators, and others is the great gift of my job from my perch here in our offices in Washington, DC. This is not only a privilege but also a responsibility—for our staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors, and we take our work seriously.
Every other year, some part of WWF’s global network hosts an annual conference. In 2012, I brought colleagues from around the world to Grand Teton National Park.
We are blessed beyond measure with the astonishing landscapes and seascapes of our country. That blessing also carries with it a responsibility to protect what we have.
They arrived in early June at the beginning of summer when bison dropped their calves, wolf pups emerged from their dens, and grizzly bears and their cubs rummaged around in berry patches. Wildflowers were starting to bloom. The snow was beginning to melt off the Grand Tetons. My colleagues learned volumes about one of the most beautiful places on Earth and spent time with the people who work day in and day out to protect it for future generations—ranchers, rangers, Tribal communities.
My colleagues saw wolves for the first time. They saw their first rodeo. We took out an oversized telescope and went stargazing. Then we listened to legendary storytellers, and we danced around a roaring fire to an amazing bluegrass band. They all fell in love with the Tetons, and America, during that trip.
We are blessed beyond measure with the astonishing landscapes and seascapes of our country. That blessing also carries with it a responsibility to protect what we have. On this 250th anniversary of our country, let’s pledge to do all we can to enjoy it and protect it for the next 250 years and beyond.
Carter Roberts
President & CEO, WWF-US
© Sarah Mosquera / WWF-US
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