Report on Community-Based Conservation and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Jean-Gaël “JG” Collomb, CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN), emphasizes the critical role of community-based conservation organizations in addressing complex ecosystem challenges. Despite their expertise, these groups often face significant funding shortages. WCN acts as a facilitator, connecting grassroots conservation efforts primarily in Global South countries with funders, adopting a model akin to “venture capital for conservation.” This report highlights WCN’s approach and its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, life on land, and partnerships for the goals.

Community-Based Conservation and SDGs

Community-based conservation integrates local knowledge and leadership to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change, directly contributing to several SDGs:

• SDG 13: Climate Action – by engaging frontline communities in climate resilience and ecosystem management.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – through protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by fostering collaborations between local organizations and international funders.

Challenges in Conservation Funding

Collomb identifies key challenges faced by community-based conservation groups:

1. Limited access to unrestricted funding, which restricts flexibility and responsiveness.
2. Funding often comes with bureaucratic conditions that delay or limit impact.
3. Recent cuts to major funding sources such as USAID have exacerbated financial constraints.

WCN advocates for increased unrestricted funding to empower local organizations to allocate resources effectively according to their needs, enhancing the impact on both community welfare and biodiversity conservation.

WCN’s Approach: Venture Capital Model for Conservation

WCN operates by identifying and supporting local conservation organizations, facilitating direct connections with philanthropists and donors. Key features include:

• Elevating voices of local conservationists to access broader platforms and funding.
• Encouraging unrestricted donations to enable adaptive and innovative conservation strategies.
• Organizing events such as the annual Wildlife Conservation Expo to connect donors with frontline conservationists.

This model aligns with SDG 17 by strengthening global partnerships and mobilizing resources efficiently.

Ethical and Transparent Philanthropy

Collomb stresses the importance of ethical considerations in philanthropic funding, advocating for transparency and caution when accepting funds from corporations with conflicting environmental impacts. This approach supports:

• Ensuring that conservation efforts are not undermined by the sources of funding.
• Promoting responsible investment and divestment strategies aligned with environmental sustainability.

Global Conservation Initiatives and Indigenous Sovereignty

Regarding initiatives like the United Nations’ 30×30 commitment to protect 30% of Earth’s land and waters by 2030, Collomb highlights the necessity of:

• Recognizing and respecting Indigenous sovereignty and land rights.
• Integrating Indigenous and local community perspectives in global conservation policies.
• Ensuring that conservation goals and community rights are complementary rather than conflicting.

This approach supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting inclusive and equitable conservation governance.

Science and Technology in Conservation

WCN leverages scientific research and technological advancements to enhance conservation outcomes, including:

• Use of animal tracking technologies to identify critical habitats and migration corridors.
• Rediscovery of species and habitats to inform protection efforts.
• Improving connectivity and access to information for remote conservationists through internet and satellite technologies.

These efforts contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Impact of Funding Cuts and the Need for Urgent Action

Recent reductions in funding, particularly from USAID, have negatively affected many conservation projects, leading to:

• Reduced capacity for anti-poaching and environmental education programs.
• Increased financial instability for frontline conservation organizations.
• Challenges in maintaining community health and education initiatives linked to conservation.

WCN has mobilized emergency fundraising efforts to mitigate these impacts, emphasizing the urgency of accelerating fund flow to frontline actors to sustain conservation and community well-being, directly supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Human-Wildlife Coexistence and Ecosystem Health

WCN’s programs, such as the Lion Recovery Fund, focus on fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife, recognizing the ecological importance of apex predators. This work supports:

• Maintaining ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.
• Reducing human-wildlife conflict through innovative community-based solutions.

These efforts align with SDG 15 and contribute to sustainable livelihoods (SDG 1 No Poverty).

Recommendations for Future Global Conservation Efforts

1. Increase inclusion of Indigenous peoples and local communities in international climate and biodiversity negotiations, such as COP meetings.
2. Accelerate the disbursement of committed funds to frontline conservation actors to enhance on-the-ground impact.
3. Promote unrestricted and flexible funding models to empower local organizations.
4. Ensure ethical and transparent philanthropy, avoiding conflicts of interest.

Conclusion

Wildlife Conservation Network’s community-based conservation model exemplifies a practical and inclusive approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By empowering local actors, fostering ethical partnerships, and integrating scientific innovation, WCN contributes significantly to global efforts addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development.

Additional Information

• Website: https://wildnet.org/
• Annual Wildlife Conservation Expo: Held in San Francisco each October, connecting donors with conservationists.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

• SDG 13: Climate Action – The article discusses tackling climate change through community-based conservation and emphasizes the importance of local and Indigenous involvement in climate strategies.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The focus on biodiversity conservation, protecting ecosystems, and initiatives like the 30×30 goal to protect 30% of Earth’s land and waters directly relates to this goal.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article highlights partnerships between community-based conservation organizations and funders, emphasizing collaboration and funding mechanisms.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The connection between environmental health and human health, including references to zoonotic diseases and community health initiatives, links to this goal.
• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article touches on the livelihoods of local communities dependent on natural resources and livestock, linking conservation with poverty alleviation.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Emphasis on Indigenous sovereignty, local community voices, and equitable funding reflects efforts to reduce inequalities.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning, including community-based approaches.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.
   • Target 15.4: Ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems and their biodiversity.
   • Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of forests and halt deforestation.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize financial resources to support developing countries in conservation and climate action.
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, including multi-stakeholder partnerships.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
5. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services and ownership of land and natural resources.
6. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, including Indigenous peoples and local communities.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator for SDG 15.1: Proportion of land that is protected under conservation initiatives such as the 30×30 target.
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Number of countries integrating community-based conservation and Indigenous knowledge into climate policies.
• Indicator for SDG 17.3: Amount of financial resources mobilized and disbursed directly to frontline community-based conservation organizations.
• Indicator for SDG 1.4: Access of local communities to sustainable livelihoods linked to natural resource management.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Representation and participation of Indigenous peoples and local communities in environmental decision-making processes.
• Additional Implied Indicators:
  • Number and amount of unrestricted funding provided to community-based conservation organizations.
  • Effectiveness and transparency of philanthropic funding in conservation projects.
  • Measures of human-wildlife coexistence success (e.g., reduction in livestock predation conflicts).
  • Access to technology and scientific tools by local conservationists (e.g., satellite connectivity, animal tracking collars).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.mongabay.com