Conservation International (CI) is a global nonprofit environmental organization founded in 1987 that works to protect nature for the well-being of humanity.[1] Its current logo, designed by the New York firm Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv, is a minimalist mark consisting of a blue circle underlined by a green line.[2]
Design and History
Conservation International adopted its current identity in 2010, following a strategic shift in the organization’s mission. Previously, CI’s mission centered on protecting ecosystems as an end in itself. The organization then redefined itself around the idea that humanity needs nature to survive, protecting nature for the well-being of people.[3]
The old mark, an elaborate illustration of pristine wildlife, no longer communicated the organization’s new identity or mission.[2] Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv was brought in to create a symbol matching the new message.[3] The firm’s principal partner, Sagi Haviv, designed the mark.[2] The firm lists Conservation International among its logo and identity system projects.[4]
According to the designers, they explored dozens of concepts, including many featuring representations of a human figure, before settling on the simple combination of a blue circle underlined in green.[5] Conservation International began implementing the new identity in the fall of 2010.[3]
Meaning and Symbolism
The blue circle symbolizes a blue planet, emphasized, supported, and sustained by the green line underneath.[2] The mark can also be read as a unique human form.[3]
Conservation International’s chairman and CEO at the time, Peter Seligmann, described the logo as representing “our vision of a healthy blue planet supported by a sustainable, green development path.”[2] Laura Bowling, the organization’s director of branding, titled the form “our blue planet on a green path to sustainability.”[5]
Typography and Design
The Conservation International logo is composed of two simple, basic shapes whose combination and proportions were designed to feel unfamiliar.[5] Sagi Haviv described the symbol as an instance “where the power is truly embedded in the simplicity,” yet expressive enough to help the organization redefine itself.[2]
Conservation International maintains official logo use guidelines that specify minimum clear space around the logo to ensure it retains a strong presence wherever it appears.[6]
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