CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, US — ADM has donated $1 million to the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation to advance global biodiversity stewardship research and education.

The donation was made Oct. 12 during the foundation’s Half-Earth Day celebration through ADM Cares, the global agribusiness firm’s corporate social investment program. The funds will support the foundation’s core initiative, the Half-Earth Project, in expanding two research and education initiatives in the coming year:

  • The Half-Earth Chairs & Scholars program nurtures biodiversity scholarship by investing in students and researchers around the world who are advancing biodiversity science to support conservation in landscapes of global importance. The program develops the science — as well as the scientists — needed to ensure no species is left behind. 
  • The Half-Earth Project Educator Ambassador program supports teachers engaging youth in biodiversity science and conservation. The robust network includes US classroom teachers across disciplines looking for ways to bring biodiversity and conservation into their curriculum — from science to the humanities to the arts — as well as educators with organizations such as nature centers. The program develops high-quality educational resources for teachers at levels from middle school to college. 

“For ADM, sustainability is core to our purpose of unlocking the power of nature to enrich the quality of life,” said Alison Taylor, chief sustainability officer at ADM. “With a holistic view of nature that encompasses land, climate change and water, we know that we have a unique opportunity to lead in preventing biodiversity loss. And as we advance our work — which includes activities like planting of native trees, implementation of regenerative agriculture programs, no-deforestation tracking and traceability of sourcing — we also know that strategic partnerships are critical to deliver on our goals and our purpose. That’s why we’re so excited to work with the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation and support the Half-Earth Project as it inspires next generation innovation in conservation science.”

Paula J. Ehrlich, president and chief executive officer of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, said the foundation’s mission is to reimagine care for the planet.

“By participating in exploration and discovery, scholars improve our understanding of the living world and create a transcendent moment for ourselves and our planet,” Ehrlich said. “We are very pleased to partner with ADM, a company that is also working with people in communities to create a more resilient and sustainable future.”