Ahead of the holidays, the United States Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an $895 billion federal defense spending package. Included in this mammoth bill was the United States Foundation for International Conservation Act (USFICA), which is designed to promote the effective management of protected and conserved areas across the world. Birds are positioned to greatly benefit from USFICA thanks to its directive to preserve biodiversity, restore vital wildlife habitats, and foster community-based economic growth.

"Bird conservation is a global effort because birds have no borders," said Brian Brooks, Vice President of Advocacy and Threats Programs at American Bird Conservancy (ABC). "The passage of the USFICA will help invigorate international collaboration needed to conserve the world's threatened and migratory birds. We thank Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Lindsay Graham (R-SC) and Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX) who introduced USFICA in Congress and championed its passage."

USFICA will sustain long-term wildlife conservation efforts by authorizing $100 million to be appropriated annually for the next 10 years. The U.S. Foundation for International Conservation, which will receive these funds, will also work to catalyze philanthropic investments to maximize funding and conservation results. 

"ABC's International Program has been supporting conservation efforts of vulnerable bird species in 15 countries," said Daniel J. Lebbin, ABC's Vice President of Threatened Species. "Rare, migratory, and threatened birds, such as the Wood Thrush, Red-fronted Macaw, and Rufous Hummingbird, could be among the species to benefit from USFICA-funded projects. We are excited about the future of international bird conservation and look forward to supporting the soon-to-be established U.S. Foundation for International Conservation in any way we can."

Nearly half of the world's bird species are in decline, and the risk of extinction for many species continues to rise. Their habitats and food sources are disappearing globally, from tropical and boreal forests to coastal shores and freshwater wetlands. That is why multinational efforts are critical for recovering species and advancing bird conservation. USFICA's emphasis on public-private partnerships has the potential to bring new partners together from host governments to nongovernmental partners and private sector funders. This collaboration has the potential to catalyze new action at a time of ecological need.  

For the past 30 years, ABC's mission-driven work has benefited more than 3,000 bird species, conserved millions of acres of habitat across 15 countries, and achieved numerous high-impact accomplishments by working together with dozens of partners. To learn more about ABC's international efforts, visit ABC's International Program.

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American Bird Conservancy (ABC) takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet's fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us! Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.

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