[13] CI focuses on four strategic priorities: protecting nature for climate; ocean conservation at scale; promoting nature-based economic development; and innovation in science and finance.

[14] CI works with governments, universities, NGOs and the private sector with the aim of replicating its successes on a larger scale.

By showing how conservation can work at all scales, CI aims to make the protection of nature a key consideration in economic development decisions around the world.

[17] The organization has been active in United Nations discussions on issues such as climate change[18] and biodiversity,[19] and its scientists present at international conferences and workshops.

[20] Conservation International works in partnership with many prominent companies to reduce their impact on the environment and support the protection of nature.

[25] A 2008 article in The Nation claimed that the organization had attracted $6 million for marine conservation in Papua New Guinea, but that the funds were used for "little more than plush offices and first class travel.

"[26] CI has touted its operations in Papua New Guinea, claiming that they have contributed to new scientific discoveries and the establishment of new protected areas.

[28] In 2011, Conservation International was targeted by a group of reporters from Don't Panic TV who posed as an American company and asked if the charity could "raise [their] green profile."

Film footage shows the Conservation International employee suggesting a vulture and North African birds of prey as a possible endangered species mascot for the company.