Selection criteria used by ICFC for our conservation work

Many opportunities for conservation related work exist. As a relatively new organization, we are still in the process of assessing where the best opportunities are for lasting conservation gains with a good benefit/cost ratio.

We have decided to specialize by focussing on direct conservation action rather than research and what are called "integrated conservation and development projects" (ICDPs). Scientific and socioeconomic research is important for conservation and existing conservation organizations are doing useful research, as are university-based scientists. In general, though, conservation action has lagged behind the science needed to undertake it. As for ICDPs, these have had variable success and sometimes result in little or no long-term conservation gains^1,2,3. This is not to say that conservation work doesn't need to involve local communities — it does. Just that our focus will be on conservation, with human-related aspects integrated into that goal⁴.

Here, then, are our criteria (which we will continue to refine):

Conservation projects or actions must:
(1) have a good chance of succeeding;
(2) provide lasting conservation gains that are reasonably secure;
(3) represent good value for money (good benefit/cost ratio);
(4) be focussed on measurable outcomes and adaptable as to process;
(5) not have scientific or other research as a primary purpose;
(6) not be sustainable development projects with conservation as a secondary component;
(7) take human interests into consideration, including those of local communities, and involve local communities and other people, groups, and agencies as appropriate.

Conservation projects or actions may:
(8) involve terrestrial, wetland, freshwater or marine habitats;
(9) entail making a large contribution to a conservation trust fund, provided that ICFC is assured a proportionate degree of control (e.g. through representation on the fund board);
(10) involve "payments for ecosystem services", including REDD (reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation) carbon credits projects or financing;
(11) involve purchase of land as a protected area, provided that adequate long-term management and protection is in place.

We welcome input from people knowledgeable about conservation.   [>] Take our survey.

We do not make grants or donations to other organizations or individuals, but we do work with local partners and consider project proposals from others.   [>] More info.
 

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1   Brandon, K., K.H. Redford, and S.E. Sanderson, eds. 1998. Parks in Peril: People, Politics, and Protected Areas. Island Press, Washington, DC.

2   McShane, T.O. and Michael P. Wells, eds. 2004. Getting Biodiversity Projects to Work: Toward More Effective Conservation and Development. Columbia University Press, New York.

3   Terborgh, J., C. van Schaik, L.C. Davenport, and M. Rao, eds. 2002. Making Parks Work: Strategies for Preserving Tropical Nature. Island Press, Washington, DC.

4   For example, programs that provide local jobs that are directly conservation related may be of interest, while programs aimed at providing "sustainable development" as an alternative to environmentally destructive activities by itinerant communities/families are not of interest.