1. Connecting Conservation Funders and Government Leaders to Real Grassroots Initiatives
Imagine a tour company that brings conservation funders and government leaders together with real grassroots initiatives and the world's most aspirational projects. This unique approach aims to shed light on successful and unsuccessful projects, providing valuable insights into how funds are spent and the need for greater creativity, urgency, and long-term financing in conservation.
2. Going Off the Grid: Embracing Real Stories and Cultural Heritage
Break free from the confines of boardrooms and conference rooms and embark on a journey of discovery. By venturing off the beaten path, we can connect with stories that ignite passion for change. By immersing ourselves in different cultures and experiences, we understand the context and perspectives needed to drive conservation forward.
3. Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Terrestrial and Marine Conservation Groups
While social media-savvy and seed-funded projects often dominate the mainstream, countless lesser-known conservation groups deserve recognition. These hidden gems are the world's best-kept secrets, significantly impacting terrestrial and marine conservation. It's time to spotlight these unsung heroes and learn from their innovative approaches and failures.Â
4. Embracing High-Risk, High-Reward Ideas
In pursuing progress, we must ask ourselves: Would we rather settle for functional yet incremental solutions or explore high-risk, high-reward ideas? This shift in mindset opens the door to groundbreaking innovations and transformative solutions. It's time to challenge the status quo and embrace the power of daring ideas.
5. The Crazy Idea We Need: A Bigger Figure in the Personnel Line in our Budgets and Long-Term Funding Commitment
Championing change in conservation funding and leadership requires a larger HR budget and long-term funding commitment. While it may seem a no-brainer, we need this shift to drive meaningful progress. Asking for unpaid labour makes our labour worth $0. We can change this! We can ask funders more often to pay more money for labour. And we shouldn't apologize when we ask! Say, “It is because I'm working to reduce the amount of unpaid and underpaid labour that we ask of folks in our field." They would have a hard time saying no to that.
Written byÂ
Veta Wade
I can share my experiences and stories at your next event or directly with your board. Just click this link and let me know the type of collaboration you seek.