What we do

Our pillars represent the nexus of our vision with the day-to-day work that 50 Voices will do. We envision these pillars to progress through standing subcommittees tasked with harnessing the power of the group to achieve objectives associated with each pillar, identify new opportunities, and highlight critical needs.

Research

Our access to and position within species recovery discourse debates requires the continued pursuit of new, relevant research to guide the implementation of the Endangered Species Act and meet its mandate to use the best available science both theoretical and applied. In addition to pursuing areas of our individual expertise, we imagine novel, transdisciplinary research capable of targeting gaps in our understanding of the nexus between policy and science.

Training and education

Our aim is to increase effective communication and collaboration between scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and governments across scales. This pillar targets multiple audiences to lower barriers for engaging with ESA implementation and to increase the diversity of voices contributing to the process. Through training and education, scientists will gain an understanding of the opportunities and avenues for engagement with the ESA, providing a network of scientists to increase the efficient access to current research to ensure that the best available science continues to guide ESA implementation.

Engagement

A core component of our ability to be the leading voice for science-informed species recovery is participation by a diverse group of scientists driving change in how we do species conservation. As such, a key focus for our initial five years will be recruiting key participants to be able to address a broad range of species recovery issues and demonstrate the public commitment of scientists to the Endangered Species Act.

Relationship building with agencies and governments

Regular communication and trust between scientists and those executing ESA policy is critical to species recovery. This pillar aims to establish relationships that enable scientists to better understand and adapt to the needs of agency staff, and for scientists and practitioners to better navigate the resources available through government programs for endangered species.

Champion the ESA and improvement of its implementation

Without the Act, there is no mandate to avoid extinction or consider the best available science when making decisions about the future of biodiversity. Thus, while we seek to find opportunities to improve the implementation of the Act we recognize its importance as a cornerstone of species conservation in the United States and work to ensure that policy changes do not undermine the Act.