Arcus Foundation: Why Justice for People, Animals, and the Environment Is Unbreakably Linked

Bryan Simmons, the communications vice president at the Arcus Foundation, recently spoke with Mongabay’s podcast about the foundation’s core beliefs and its focus on human rights in relation to conservation.

Arcus Foundation, which was founded 25 years ago, views humans, animals, and the environment as a connected whole. “When we disrespect any part of this whole—be it individuals, populations, or the environment—we undermine everything,” Simmons explained.

This holistic approach stems from founder John Stryker’s vision. He recognized the link between economic development and conservation, emphasizing that social justice must incorporate issues of gender and sexuality. Simmons highlighted the importance of respecting diversity, pointing out that recognizing differences—whether in species or people—can lead to mutual harmony. “Our vision is all about living in harmony with one another and the natural world,” he said.

A significant impact of Arcus’s work is seen in advancing LGBTQ rights, particularly within faith-based communities. The foundation has also been pivotal in the movement to release hundreds of chimpanzees from restrictive settings in the U.S. as research practices evolved away from using chimpanzees in biomedical studies.

Simmons encourages listeners to explore Arcus’s work on ape conservation, along with reports that link human health to environmental stewardship. For those interested, there’s also a five-part book series available at stateoftheapes.com.

Disclosure: Arcus is a funder of Mongabay, but it did not influence the content of this interview.

Mike DiGirolamo, a host and associate producer for Mongabay based in Sydney, co-hosts the Mongabay Newscast and invites experts to discuss urgent conservation issues.

In their conversation, Simmons reflected on his journey to Arcus. After spending over two decades in the tech industry, he transitioned to a role focused on social and environmental issues. His experience at Arcus has shaped how he views society and its relationship with the environment.

Simmons remarked that true conservation considers the well-being of local communities. Historically, many Western conservation efforts have failed to recognize the importance of local knowledge and engagement. However, inclusive approaches reveal that local communities often have valuable insights into how to protect their ecosystems.

He shared successes in both social justice and conservation through their grants. For instance, early efforts in ape conservation helped secure policy changes, leading to the release of chimpanzees from captivity. These efforts directly contributed to changing attitudes toward animal welfare and conservation.

Discussing the ongoing challenges, Simmons emphasized the impact of climate change on both social and environmental justice, particularly how marginalized communities often bear the brunt of these changes. He mentioned the interconnectedness of economic development and conservation, as well as the issues arising from resource exploitation, particularly in resource-rich areas like the Congo Basin.

Simmons believes that collective action is crucial for progress. While many might feel overwhelmed by current crises, he urges hope and action, pointing out that history shows change is possible through community engagement and collaboration.

He concluded by stressing the importance of understanding our connections to nature and other species. As humans increasingly detach from natural environments, cultivating respect and awareness for all living beings becomes essential for a healthier planet.

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