Collaborative Conservation Efforts
Microsoft and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are joining forces to combat climate change and enhance biodiversity through multiple conservation initiatives globally. Their partnership focuses on leveraging technology and collaborative problem-solving to achieve significant environmental outcomes.
Restoring Watersheds
Microsoft aims to replenish more water than it consumes by 2030. To achieve this goal, the company has collaborated with TNC on several high-impact projects:
- Invasive species removal in Cape Town, South Africa: The Greater Cape Town Water Fund has been working to clear alien and invasive species, restore watershed areas, and secure a healthy water supply for the region.
- Wetland restoration and agricultural best management practices in Qiandao Lake, China: TNC launched the Qiandao Lake Water Fund to address water stress in Zhejiang Province through wetland restoration and nature-based solutions.
- Watershed oxbow restorations in Des Moines, Iowa, USA: TNC is working to restore degraded oxbow wetlands to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and provide critical wetland habitat.
- Water sharing agreement in the Colorado River Basin, New Mexico, USA: A groundbreaking water sharing agreement between the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, and TNC benefits threatened fish species and increases water security.
- High Andean Wetlands Restoration in Santiago, Chile: TNC, with Microsoft’s support, is driving holistic efforts for water sustainability in the High Andean wetlands, which provide water to millions of people.
Conserving Land and Biodiversity
Microsoft plans to protect more land than it uses by 2030. To reach this objective, Microsoft collaborated with TNC on the following project:
- Protecting a global biodiversity hotspot: The Belize Maya Forest was identified as a high-priority area for protection. With Microsoft’s support, TNC acquired an additional 236,000 acres of the forest, ensuring its conservation.
Harnessing AI and Geospatial Technology
Microsoft and TNC have launched innovative geospatial platforms to advance conservation efforts, including:
- Marxan Planning Platform: A cloud-hosted, open-source spatial conservation planning tool that identifies cost-efficient priority areas for conservation action.
- Global Renewables Watch: A living atlas that maps and measures utility-scale solar and onshore wind installations worldwide, helping to guide conservation efforts.
Engaging Audiences
Microsoft and TNC are engaging audiences through various initiatives, such as:
- Microsoft Rewards: Members can donate directly to TNC via Microsoft’s Give with Bing campaign.
- Minecraft: TNC and Mojang Studios have teamed up to raise funds and promote conservation awareness among Minecraft players.
- Windows Ugly Sweater Promotion: Microsoft donated profits from the 2023 campaign to TNC.
