What’s the book about?

It is, first and foremost, a playbook to guide the development of conservation enterprises in and around protected areas. It will also dive into loads of interesting topics related to sustainable livelihoods. Plus, the tools and techniques it covers will have broad relevance for consultative process with Indigenous people and local communities more generally.

Who’s it for?

Practitioners, program managers and policy-makers in conservation NGOs, international development agencies, government departments and similar organisations.

Why is it important?

Protected areas are one of the best and cheapest solutions we have to conserve ecosystems and biodiversity - and also to halt, if not reverse, climate change. But not everyone supports protected areas.

Opposition can come from governments and big business. Indigenous people and local communities who may be excluded from their territorial lands or prevented from using resources to make a living, can also be against conservation. Enterprises that generate environmental, social and cultural benefits alongside financial returns can lead to greater political and stakeholder support for conservation.

Since 1.1 billion people globally already rely on protected areas for a significant proportion of their livelihood, conservation enterprises are also critical to achievement of the SDGs.

How will it help me?

This book will help you better understand how to work with Indigenous people and local communities to support the development of conservation enterprises, secure investment, and identify the market enabling conditions that can help - or hinder - the success of those businesses over time.

“A go-to resource for anyone interested in how sustainable livelihoods can co-exist alongside biodiversity conservation and protected areas.”