Conservation is a long-term investment. It took decades of dedication and conservation interventions to build what is now an increasing global tiger population. To keep up the momentum, we need to set up long-term funding mechanisms that match the commitments we need or we’re at risk of losing the progress we’ve been able to achieve. That’s why we need to look at innovative ways to fund tiger conservation and the landscapes that support them.
Sustainable financing is the best way forward to deliver conservation impact at scale and align with ambitions for green economic growth for the people living in and around spaces with tigers.
Why Tiger Landscapes are So Important
We all know that the significance of tigers extends beyond their ecological roles. Culturally, they are symbols of strength, courage, and royalty across various traditions. Their allure also has a considerable impact on tourism, especially in countries like India, where wild tiger safaris are a significant attraction. This not only helps in raising awareness about tiger conservation but also contributes to local economies, providing an incentive for governments and communities to protect these magnificent animals and their habitats.
In fact, tiger landscapes, some of the last wild spaces in Asia, are home to resources and services with an economic value in the trillions (USD) per year that support over 100 million people.
For biodiversity overall, and tigers specifically, the continued focus on short-term grant-based funding will not be sufficient for the impact we need to make. It is at a different scale and magnitude, so we need to think differently, and we need to think collaboratively. We’ll need to ensure there is a reliable and uninterrupted flow of funding invested into various actions of the conservation mix, with the environment, social and governance considerations in mind. The Tiger Conservation Coalition is actively exploring and collaborating on innovative financing mechanisms for tiger conservation at the site, landscape, and global scales.
