The private sector is a major driver of change. According to the World Bank, net private capital flows in 2010 to developing countries alone topped $1 trillion. The private sector has real power to lead. It can influence entire industries to adopt environmental best practices, promote investment in sustainable economic endeavors and businesses that conserve biodiversity, and communicate the value and importance of conservation to consumers and the general public.

Our Goal

Engage the private sector together with governments, communities, and consumers to generate critical outcomes for biodiversity.

Our strategies include:

• Create and improve sustainable financing mechanisms that leverage donor funding and multilateral aid with private sector investment to achieve biodiversity conservation and the protection of critical ecosystems.
• Incubate small- and medium-sized conservation enterprises to achieve financial sustainability and scale.
• Aid local and national banks, primarily in developing countries, in the adoption of lending performance standards relevant to biodiversity and provide bank loan departments the right tools to implement these standards.
• Engage with extractive industry to promote practices that lead to effective mitigation and compensation for impacts to species and habitats.
• Work in collaboration with government and key stakeholders to promote the adoption of policies and regulations that require the implementation of the mitigation hierarchy and achievement of no net loss of biodiversity.

Why WCS?

Our long-term presence on the ground, strong connection with governments, and deep relationships with communities make WCS a valuable partner. This is evident in some recent accomplishments.