National Parks Traveler Episode 161: In Search Of A National Biodiversity Strategy

Why doesn't the US have a National Biodiversity Strategy?

Nearly 200 countries have developed various forms of biodiversity strategies, but the United States is not one of them.

Worldwide, 1 million species are threatened with extinction, according to Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, World Wildlife Fund, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Against that threat, those organizations say the United States must adopt an effective, whole-of-government approach to prevent the loss of species, "the collapse of ecosystems, and the increasing threats these pose to our health, security and well-being."

What exactly would a "national biodiversity strategy" look like? What would it entail? How does it differ from efforts that have been ongoing for years?  To explore those, and other, questions about biodiversity we’re joined today by Robert Dewey, vice president of government relations at Defenders of Wildlife, and Lindsay Rosa, who directs Defenders’ center for conservation innovation.

:02 National Parks Traveler introduction
:12 Episode Introduction with Kurt Repanshek
1:02 Wabanaki - Nature’s Symphony - The Sounds of Acadia
1:21 Interior Federal Credit Union
1:47 Grand Teton National Park Foundation
2:14 The Everglades Foundation
2:27 Does the United States need a "national biodiversity strategy"? Kurt Repanshek explores that question with Robert Dewey, vice president of government relations at Defenders of Wildlife, and Lindsay Rosa, who directs Defenders’ center for conservation innovation.
15:46 - Blue Mist - Randy Petersen - The Sounds of Shenandoah
16:04 Washington’s National Park Fund
16:37 Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
16:57 Nova Scotia Tourism
17:25 Friends of Acadia
17:54 Our conversation about the need for a national niodiversity strategy continues.
31:41 Sieur De Monts - Nature’s Symphony - The Sounds of Acadia
31:51 Wild Tribute
32:10 Potrero Group
32:36 Yosemite Conservancy
33:00 We continue our conversation about the need for a national biodiversity strategy.
47:06 The Horsemen - Randy Petersen - The Spirit of South Dakota
47:31 Episode Closing
48:06 Orange Tree Productions
48:38 Splitbeard Productions
48:47 National Parks Traveler footer

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National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 376 | ESA's Future

Since this past December here at the Traveler we’ve been bringing you a series of stories on the Endangered Species Act and the threatened and endangered species it’s intended to keep from going extinct.

For me, it’s been an eye-opening series because of what our editors and writers have learned about threatened and endangered species — from birds to trees and even to grasses — and the work being done to help them recover. It’s certainly not an easy task, and one that often takes decades before you can see progress.

May 31st, 2026 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 375 | Rethinking Public Lands Stewardship

Public lands stewardship has most definitely changed under the second presidential administration of Donald Trump. Land-management agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management have lost thousands of employees, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is on a mission to turn the country’s public lands into a cash cow of sorts.

May 24th, 2026 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 374 | Cook Inlet's Beluga Whales

A fast-track proposal to develop a gold mine near Alaska’s Cook Inlet and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is alarming scientists, environmental groups and local communities because of the devastating effects it is expected to have on the region’s critically endangered beluga whales.

May 17th, 2026 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 373 | Southern Campaign of the American Revolution

America’s 250th birthday is coming up this summer, festivities will be held all over the country, and history buffs will be delving into the various nooks and crannies of the National Park System to see where they can visit sites of Revolutionary War battles.

Don't overlook South Carolina and its three park sites that preserve Revolutionary War battlefields – Kings Mountain National Military Park, Cowpens National Battlefield, and Ninety-Six National Historic Site. 

May 10th, 2026 Read More

National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 372 | Print Ain’t Dead

We’re living in somewhat tumultuous times in the print media industry. Well-familiar titles are either disappearing, shrinking drastically, or shifting over to the internet. On top of that, the advent of Artificial Intelligence has some readers wondering how much human effort and talent went into the piece they're reading.

May 3rd, 2026 Read More

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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

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Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

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