advancing the case for life on earth.
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What we do
“FACTS ALONE CAN’T SAVE THE WORLD.
HEARTS CAN. HEARTS MUST.
WE’RE WORKING TO MAKE SURE THAT
HEARTS DO.”
Of all the great conservation and environmental not-for-profits, the Safina Center is—uniquely—the creative end of the spectrum. Our creations are best-selling and award-winning books, films, visual art, sound art, and spoken word. Our purpose is nothing less than making a case for life on Earth.
(Above photo: Common terns, off Long Island, New York. ©Carl Safina)
WHO WE ARE
MISSION
At The Safina Center we advance the case for life on Earth by fusing scientific understanding, emotional connection, and a moral call to action. We create an original blend of science, art, and literature in the form of books and articles, scientific research, photography, films, sound-art, and spoken words. We bear first-hand witness and then we speak up, we speak out, and we teach. Our work is designed to inspire and engage people to devote your time and energies to conservation of wild things and wild places. The Safina Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based on Long Island, N.Y.
about
People cannot engage unless they see solutions. We generate some light here; we are guides and thought-leaders. Our Mid-Career Fellows program supports and propels world-recognized writers, artists, and filmmakers. And perhaps more importantly our Launchpad (early-career) Fellows are—with your help—launching professional careers that will carry their important work into coming decades. We are pleased to have a wide circle of Creative Affiliates, highly accomplished and exceptionally creative people who share and amplify one another’s messages and work, and the work of the Safina Center.
our founding
The Safina Center was founded by MacArthur “genius fellowship" winning ecologist and author Dr. Carl Safina in 2003. You can read more about Carl’s work and the rest of our incredible crew on our Staff page.
June 18, 2021:
Today we are bidding a sad farewell to Mercedes Lee (shown here in 2007), who passed away on June 16 due to complications related to early-onset Alzheimer's. Mercedes was a close friend and comrade who worked with us for over two decades. She helped co-found our Blue Ocean Institute, now called The Safina Center. Mercedes suffered much in recent years and is no longer suffering. The good times were many, and will keep her alive with us.
Remembering Mercedes LEe
Blog
Latest
What’s new at the Safina Center? Read our Fellows’ latest updates on the Safina Center blog.
be inspired
Our creations
Search through selected pieces from our Staff, Fellows and Launchpad Fellows’ impressive collective body of works. Learn. Be inspired.