Recommendation 08
Private Sector Funding of Protected Areas

There is a universal need to provide adequate funding to protected areas to ensure sustained conservation of biodiversity, natural and cultural heritage without compromise.

At the same time there is increasing desire from the private sector to engage with protected area managers on a mutually beneficial basis.

Nevertheless, policy and institutional barriers exist, which may restrict the involvement of the private sector in the management and funding of protected areas.

These are exacerbated by lack of transparency and effective mechanisms for equitable participation in decision-making.

Further, protected areas system managers are generally not familiar with the most appropriate forms of private sector participation required to secure the long-term financial future of protected areas, or the business methods and priorities of the private sector.

As a contribution to resolve this problem, the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas has implemented an initiative on Sustainable Financing.

Therefore, PARTICIPANTS in the Stream on Financing: Building a secure financial future at the Vth World Parks Congress in Durban, South Africa (8-17 September 2003):

1. RECOMMEND governments, national and international non government organizations, local and indigenous communities, businesses and civil society:

a. REMOVE the obstacles and enhance the opportunities for public-private –community partnerships in protected area management and funding to ensure sustained conservation of biodiversity, natural values and cultural heritage;

b. DEVELOP appropriate legal, administrative and financial instruments which implement new partnership arrangements for the benefit of both the protected area and its private sector partners;

c. ENSURE through adoption of appropriate legislation and other mechanisms a more effective, equitable and efficient distribution of the returns to the protected area from the emerging environmental services markets;

d. ENSURE that local and indigenous communities which provide services and contribute support to the protected area and its management are able to participate and engage in an equitable dialogue with the private sector and share in the financial benefits earned by the protected area and for project activities linked to protected areas;

e. FOSTER, ADOPT and PROMOTE business planning, marketing and related techniques appropriate to the management of protected areas;

f. CREATE business guidelines and standards for businesses that promote good governance and transparency and enhance the objectives of the protected areas; and

g. ENSURE that where specific private sector activities affect biodiversity, natural or cultural heritage adversely, the responsible parties should meet the costs of avoiding, minimizing, mitigating, restoring or compensating for their damages, including for support of protected areas;

2. CALL on the WCPA to consider means to:

a. ENHANCE financing opportunities for protected areas; and

b. PROMOTE a culture within all levels of protected area management which recognizes and respects local and indigenous community aspiration, culture and values.

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