|
|
Group takes "venture capital" approach to conservation Rhett A. Butler, mongabay.com September 16, 2008
The Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN), an organization based in Los Altos, California, works to protect threatened species by focusing on what it terms "conservation entrepreneurs" -- people who are passionate about saving wildlife and have creative ideas for dong so. After a rigorous review process to identify and select projects that will have the greatest impact on conservation in developing countries, WCN provides the conservationist with fund-raising and back-office support, technology, and access to its network of people and resources.
The Silicon Valley model WCN's emphasis on network-building, identifying "mavericks" in conservation, and use of technology is an approach similar to that of the many venture capital firms in the area that have funded the likes of Yahoo, eBay, Google, and Cisco. The group runs lean with 93 percent of donations going to programs and encourages its partners -- currently operating in 15 countries -- to do so as well.
"Hard-working, dedicated entrepreneurs know how to work on a shoestring," he continued. "In addition, the costs of working in-country are low, and when the conservationists train local people to play important roles in conservation education and wildlife management, they make a valuable contribution to the local economy while ensuring that the conservation ethic becomes part of the community." Stacey Iverson, WCN Program Manager, says that Proyecto Titi in Colombia exemplifies the benefits that creative conservation strategies can bring to a community. The project focuses on the cotton-top tamarin, a charismatic, but endangered species of primate that is at risk from capture for the local pet trade, habitat loss, and plastic bags that accumulate in their forest habitat and become a health hazard for curious tamarins.
Eve Schaeffer, also a Program Manager at WCN, adds that a project in Zimbabwe, which turns wire snares into art, has paid similar dividends to local communities while raising the profile of one of the world's most threatened canids. "Painted Dog Conservation has turned a deadly threat to wildlife into a successful entrepreneurial venture for villagers," she explained. "The group initiated Iganyana (the local word for painted dog) Arts to assist the local community in economic development by identifying, encouraging and training talented individuals to create arts and crafts for the national and international market. The basic material for these crafts is snare wire, which is sculpted into impressive wire animals that sell for hundreds of dollars."
On a larger scale, donors also have a chance to meet and speak directly with field scientists at WCN's annual Wildlife Conservation Expo each October. This year's event, which takes place in San Francisco on October 4th, features 18 leading conservationists from around the world, including experts on elephants, tigers, cheetahs, gorillas, and other highly endangered species.
"Whether it's for protecting the okapi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, conserving the maned wolf of South America, or helping tigers in Siberia, 100 percent of any donation can be designated to the conservation of a specific species," she added. Bill Miller, a life-long entrepreneur and former Vice President and Provost of Stanford University, agreed. "The personal connection with conservationists in the field helps donors see that funds are being used effectively." Venture connections spawn other benefits for local communities Beyond financial contributions, conservationists benefit from WCN's association with the entrepreneurs of Silicon Valley. At the 2003 WCN Expo, Rebecca Klein of Cheetah Conservation Botswana mentioned the challenge presented by a lack of electricity in her study area. Hearing this, Stephen Gold, a proponent of solar energy, recruited $350,000-worth of donations in solar equipment and eventually set up solar systems to power projects in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Botswana. Researchers now power their computers using the sun rather than noisy and polluting diesel generators, while staff members and their families have electricity. Another WCN relationship has enabled the group to offer HIV-AIDS testing, counseling, and treatment in areas where such services are not available. Still another program has established scholarships for students in local communities who represent the future of conservation.
The WCN Expo takes place on October 4th at the Mission Bay Conference Center in San Francisco. Speaker Schedule Speaker schedule subject to change Mission Bay Conference Center
WCN Expo
News index | RSS | News Feed Advertisements: Organic Apparel from Patagonia | Insect-repelling clothing |
MONGABAY.COM
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER INTERACT
T-SHIRTS 
CALENDARS 
CANVAS BAGS 
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Copyright mongabay 2009 |
