The Nature Conservancy controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2022
Open letter challenged logging and wood-product positions
A group of 158 environmental, conservation, and social-justice organizations accused TNC of being too supportive of logging interests and wood products as climate solutions. The criticism focused on TNC's participation in the Forest Climate Working Group alongside timber and wood-product companies.
2020
Carbon-credit integrity criticism
Bloomberg reporting questioned whether some corporate purchasers of TNC carbon credits were financing protection of forests that were not actually at sufficient risk of deforestation. The issue contributed to wider debate over additionality and verification in forest-carbon markets.
2019
Sexual-harassment investigation and executive departures
An internal investigation into sexual-harassment allegations became public after President Brian McPeek resigned. Two other senior executives were dismissed, CEO Mark Tercek announced his resignation, and additional leadership changes followed before Sally Jewell became interim CEO.
2016
Criticism of fossil-fuel and corporate relationships
Critics, including Naomi Klein, questioned TNC's relationships with fossil-fuel companies and its receipt of revenue connected with an oil well on conservation-controlled land. TNC said contractual obligations associated with an older lease limited its options and acknowledged that the arrangement was regrettable.
2010
Criticism over BP relationship after Gulf oil spill
Supporters criticized TNC for not severing ties with BP after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The dispute reflected broader concerns about whether corporate partnerships could compromise the organization's environmental independence.
2003
Land transactions and governance controversy
A Washington Post investigation alleged that TNC had sold ecologically important properties with development restrictions to trustees or supporters at discounted prices, creating potential tax benefits and raising questions about governance, compensation, and conflicts of interest. TNC disputed aspects of the reporting, suspended several practices, and commissioned an independent review.