WHAT WE DO
Conservation doesn't have a science problem. It has an adoption problem.
Conservation Value Institute accelerates the adoption of conservation and climate solutions through research, communication, and implementation strategies.
We're a non-partisan non-profit 501(c)(3) organization built on a simple premise: a healthy environment is essential for economic prosperity, public health, national security, and quality of life.
Through our Making Conservation Stick initiative — including a special issue of Frontiers in Conservation Science and podcasts like The Nature of Music and Winning with Nature — we bridge rigorous research and the communication, cultural, and behavior-change strategies that turn evidence into adoption at scale.
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
About Jonathan Gelbard, Ph.D.
Conservation scientist Dr. Jonathan Gelbard's life and work are inspired by a love of Nature. He infuses Conservation Value Institute with a unique combination of scientific and communication expertise, rooted in 25 years' experience strategically designing and reliably executing conservation science, "climate smart" land management, and education projects. He also serves as Associate Editor of Frontiers in Conservation Science (Social Sciences Section), currently leading a special issue on how to accelerate adoption of conservation solutions.
Known as a charismatic speaker with an ability to convey benefits of conservation to all types of people, he is an accomplished lecturer, moderator, emcee, and producer of sustainability-themed events. Recent career highlights include serving as Principal of Conservation Value Solutions, serving as NRDC's Lead Scientist and Program Manager on the cross-sector team that developed the Grasslands Alliance's sustainable ranching certification standard, and architecting Audubon Conservation Ranching's strategy to scale to 10 million acres — Audubon's largest land conservation program. In 2011, he publicly identified the need for an FSC-like sustainable ranching certification years before building it — read the full story in this seven-part blog series.
With strong ties to the music industry, Gelbard is emcee of the Nature-based family festival, Camp Deep End, and appeared in the environmental documentary film, Dig It, directed by Danny Clinch and featuring members of Pearl Jam and Timberland's CEO, among others (click here to watch a clip). In 2004, he served as the founding Outreach Director of HeadCount during its inaugural Jammy Award-winning campaign, was National Sustainability Producer of Green Apple Music & Arts Festival from 2007-2009, produced and directed the Rothbury Festival Think Tank in 2008-2009, advised efforts to green the Outside Lands Festival, and led the design and implementation of High Sierra Music Festival's vendor compost program (a partnership between the festival and local farmers). Click here to learn more about Gelbard's work collaborating with music industry partners to advance climate change solutions.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Conservation Value Institute is expanding its Board of Directors in 2026 as we ramp up activity — including Frontiers in Conservation Science special issues and new episodes of The Nature of Music — spanning conservation science, music and culture, and science communication. We're currently inviting board members and will announce the full slate as it comes together.