If there was ever an indication that we are all in this together, Covid19 has clearly topped the list. Our international connectivity and interdependence could not be more clearly expressed. Our empathy and compassion for those who have suffered, are suffering now and will suffer over the next year is heartfelt and although likely to be painful, our compassion is essential as we face this unfolding catastrophe. There are many who express hope that this pandemic will awaken an awareness in decision-makers of the importance of addressing long-term global issues such as climate change, the illegal wildlife trade and the loss of nature. As much as I am hopeful, I worry this will not be the case. The clear skies and empty streets are but a fleeting respite from the relentless, if unintentional, assault humans will continue to make on this precious Earth. And yet, the future is still to be written. How can we take this moment of pause to reflect on our individual and our organizations’ part in the planet’s ecology? How can we turn the limitations of global leadership into an opportunity to build new coalitions and new connections, and support new voices? How can we bring more meaning into our own lives, our daily existence, and be more thoughtful to other humans and other species with whom we share this beautiful sphere? We humans seem to respond to crises much better than we respond to probabilities – how can we use this crisis to move the needle on nature and climate? I encourage you to think about these challenges and opportunities as if from afar, take a step back, take a deep breath, cherish it and then let’s get working.
One response to the situation as suggested by a CFA member is to hold regular online conversations to discuss how the crisis is impacting conservation finance – protected area finance, lack of tourism fees, donor funds, challenges holding meetings, and organizing, etc. The first such online discussion is scheduled for Monday April 20th at 10 am Eastern. Let’s get (online) together and see what solutions we can come up with. Save the date – more info coming soon.
As a more or less virtual organization, the CFA continues to push forward on many fronts. We recently hosted Angelique Pouponneau, CEO of SeyCCAT, who gave an excellent webinar on Seychelles’ efforts and innovations around conservation finance. We congratulate Angelique, The Nature Conservancy, Seychelles government and their partners on concluding the establishment of 30% EEZ protection! Please stay tuned for other upcoming webinars.
The CFA Incubator has begun to work with 15 selected companies and projects around the world – each one taking an innovative approach to conservation finance and addressing key challenges and opportunities. We are inspired by the passion, commitment and creativity of these conservation finance entrepreneurs. Please see the CFA Incubator web page for more information.
The CFA is very pleased to have begun collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF), the Environmental Defense Fund and IIX on a project entitled: Marine biodiversity and support of Coastal Fisheries in the Coral Triangle. The project is financed by the EU through KfW.
The ongoing Conservation Trust Fund studies – Update to the Practice Standards and 10-Year Review – are making great progress. The Environmental Funds Working Group will be reviewing the draft Practice Standards this month. If you wish to be part of this review, please join the working group via this link.
Please note that the IUCN announced that the World Conservation Congress will be postponed until January 2021. We look forward to hosting the Conservation Finance Pavilion as planned at that time.
Finally, I wish you all safety, health, and serenity in these troubled times.
Author: David Meyers, Executive Director of the CFA
Originally written: April 2020