Mission & History
To advance healthy and resilient communities through collaborative conservation and restoration.
A future where ecosystems are resilient and communities thrive together.
Collaboration We believe in working together. No single individual, business, organization, or government can fix the difficulties facing our planet and its people, but by working together we can drive positive change for people and the planet. This includes as much open access to resources and information sharing as possible.
Nature and Communities We care about the planet and people, not one or the other. Community values and economic sustainability are pillars of our approach. People and communities are inextricably dependent upon ecosystem services and thus vulnerable to ecosystem breakdowns and natural disasters.
Local Empowerment We believe in the value of local and traditional social and ecological knowledge and listening to the needs of a community. We prioritize the “doers,” those who complete work on the ground
Enduring Conservation Outcomes We are compelled to protect the health of our water, air, and land, and to sustain the diverse ecosystems that comprise the earth.
Fact-based and Adaptable We draw upon and contribute to the best available science working towards solution-oriented action through evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management. We learn from our communal past experiences, learning as much from less successful projects as from our most successful.
Equity and Inclusivity We appreciate and leverage our differences, and we involve and strive to reflect the communities we serve. COCO seeks to include all people, especially historically marginalized groups, in the conservation community, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, or socioeconomic status. Likewise, we strive to bring the benefits of conservation to people who live in all geographies — rural, urban and suburban.
Nonpartisan COCO’s allegiance is to its mission, and we seek out people from across ideological and partisan divides to help us to build resilient communities and ecosystems.
Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. (COCO), established in 2014, traces its roots to the 1996 Buffalo Creek fire in Jefferson County, Colorado. This fire, which burned 11,700 acres, spurred significant flooding and prompted local water providers to collaborate on watershed protection, leading to the creation of the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) in 1997.
CUSP, a pioneering nonprofit, received federal grants in 1998 to hire a coordinator and develop a strategic plan. Under the leadership of Carol Ekarius, CUSP became a leader in forest health and post-fire recovery following the Hi Meadow fire in 2000 and the Hayman fire in 2002. CUSP’s programs expanded to include environmental education, invasive species management, and river restoration, engaging thousands of volunteers annually.
COCO was launched in 2014 to build on the success of CUSP, supporting more people and places while sharing valuable lessons learned. COCO emphasizes listening to local needs and fostering community-driven conservation efforts.
Since its inception, COCO has empowered local groups by providing expertise, resources, and funding. COCO supports transparent, collaborative conservation efforts that safeguard the environment, strengthen communities, and boost local economies.