Private or public companies that engage in conservation supportive business activities including ecotourism, sustainable fishing and forestry, and other businesses that employ best management practices and contribute to nature conservation. A growing range of businesses have identified opportunities that contribute to conservation through their business models. Opportunities range from high technology development for tracking environmental conditions through landscape level activities for watershed management and ecological forestry. One interesting example is Ibis Rice™. Ibis Rice has been built around a program by the Wildlife Conservation Society working with rice farmers in Cambodia to protect the breeding areas for the endangered giant ibis. This social enterprise markets the rice under that brand, Ibis Rice, which is Certified Wildlife Friendly – combining a high quality product with clear conservation outcomes.
Products sold for conservation or wildlife
A range of products from chocolate, water bottles, toys, cloths, etc. are developed and sold to help generate profit for conservation and endangered species. A significant percentage of profit should go to target NGOs or conservation efforts or the product may be seen as benefitting from marketing nature while not actually contributing (green washing).
Promotion of sustainable tourism
The promotion of sustainable tourism through an enabling legal framework and direct or indirect incentives. Responsible travel to natural areas can provide an alternative sources of income for the conservation of protected areas and the welfare of local communities. Receipts from tourists include accommodation and catering as well as any expenditure in the country where they travel to. The Government benefits from the direct and/or indirect taxation. To promote sustainable tourism is particularly critical in the early development stages and can direct tourism investment towards sustainable infrastructure and tourism activities.