BeyonD simpLy DoLLArs AnD cents
O
ne of the ways by which AWF encourages
conservation is to ensure that people who
live closest to Africa's wildlife have opportunities
to participate in income-generating activities
that reduce their dependence on natural resources.
From eco-lodges to livestock market-access
projects and more, our conservation enterprises
provide economic benefits that encourage
communities to engage in conservation.
Establishing a conservation enterprise is no small
feat. It takes time and money. So are conservation
enterprises worth it? The answer is a resounding
"yes." But the more important question may
actually be: What does AWF bring to the table
in the conservation enterprise formula?
domino effect
AWF's critical role lies in its ability to attract
and leverage funding from multiple sources
and to engage effectively with private sector
partners to establish and operate a sound
business. The business then develops into
an economic generator that perpetuates
conservation. "AWF is able to facilitate
tremendous opportunities that communities
may not otherwise attract on their own,"
explains Brian McBrearity, program director
for conservation
enterprise. "Then,
through judicious
site selection,
capacity building,
and concrete
conservation
goals, we build
upon those
advantages to
create a business that generates significant
returns for the community."
Those returns, Chief Financial Officer
Jeff Chrisfield hastens to add, extend well
beyond just dollars and cents, though AWF's
conservation enterprises do generate income
for communities. The conservation enterprises
create a domino effect of benefits, helping to
generate jobs, spurring infrastructure growth
that spawns greater education and social services.
Most importantly, the result is greater protection
for wildlife and enhanced biodiversity.
Conservation
enterprises
create a
domino effect
of benefits
q
Conservation enterprises, including tourism enterprises,
provide community benefits and encourage conservation.
Enterprise
22