Conservation entrepreneurs create new ways to save endangered wildlife

Like their counterparts in business, successful conservation entrepreneurs are creative, action-oriented and dare to try different strategies. Their passion and commitment to wildlife preservation compels them to undertake conservation projects in areas the mainstream considers too risky, too arduous, or too formidable. As they seek ways to work under these difficult circumstances, they develop new approaches that advance our knowledge and expand the repertoire of tools we have for saving endangered species. Our leaders in conservation today often began their careers as conservation entrepreneurs with shoe-string projects considered "radical" at the time.

Conservation entrepreneurs develop local ownership of conservation plans

Conservation entrepreneurs typically work under extreme conditions in remote areas where they depend on local communities. By working with locals to understand their needs and balance them with the needs of endangered wildlife, WCN entrepreneurs create and implement holistic conservation plans that benefit both people and wildlife, and have the support and commitment of these communities.

Conservation entrepreneurs maximize the value of every dollar invested in conservation

Hard-working, dedicated entrepreneurs know how to work on a shoestring. In addition, the costs of working in-country are low, and when the conservationists train local people to play important roles in conservation education and wildlife management, they make a valuable contribution to the local economy while ensuring that the conservation ethic becomes part of the community.