Conservation

Abstract

* The time is ripe to reassess the role of private sector finance for biodiversity conservation. In 1992, the signatories of the Convention on Biological Diversity recognized that biodiversity would not be conserved unless economic reasons for protecting it and using it sustainably were broadcast, and unless the private sector contributed its vast technical, managerial and financial resources to the conservation effort. The Convention challenged signatory countries to seek out and attract new financial resources, including those of the private sector, to implement the objectives of the Convention, and to work with the private sector on sustainable use. During the intervening eight years, pioneering businesses have succeeded in making money while conserving and sustainably using biodiversity. What lessons have we learned? How can we speed up the adoption of biodiversity-friendly business activities? Where and how can additional private investment for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use be found? To answer these questions, this article will