Cultural + Nature-Based Enterprises
Unlocking value so both people and wild spaces can thrive.
We work with Indigenous people and local communities to help them create sustainable livelihoods in and around protected areas in ways that are compatible with conservation.
Our approach places people at the centre of the process. We work with groups to identify, plan, test and launch viable enterprises. In this way, we strengthen existing capabilities through participatory processes that enable enterprise ideas to seed and grow.
Sustainable
A nature-based enterprise must be compatible with the conservation objectives of the protected area it operates in. This means the business must align with the Plan of Management. The impacts of the business activities should be monitored over time to ensure it is not having a detrimental effect on the conservation values of the area.
Inclusive
Nature-based enterprises must be inclusive and culturally appropriate. This means involving many different members of the community, sharing benefits widely and ensuring the business is aligned with cultural protocols. Nature-based enterprises owned and operated by women are a good way of contributing to gender equity in some communities.
Profitable
Nature-based enterprises operate in or around protected areas and derive the majority of their revenue from commercial trade. This means that goods or services are produced and sold with the intention of generating a profit and that something of value is being delivered to a paying customer. Income should exceed expenses over time.
Innovation works best from the ground up.
Our philosophy is to guide and enable groups to actively plan their own enterprises.
We use a flexible, community-centred approach. We tailor our methodology to suit the local context, conservation objectives, community priorities and current status of livelihoods development. But no matter what, we always empower people to seed and grow business ideas with the support they need on the journey to developing a successful (and sustainable) nature-based enterprise.
Learn more about our participatory techniques for nature-based enterprise development.
Read more about what defines a nature-based enterprise and how they are unique in supporting sustainable livelihoods in and around protected areas.
“At Ethical Republic, we believe sustainable economic futures can co-exist with the conservation of ecosystems, landscape and biodiversity.”