The Future of Conservation Challenge // Apply by 22nd May
This global challenge aims to drive innovation and support solutions that proactively address the deep-rooted issues facing conservation non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and help build a just, inclusive and regenerative future. Apply by 22nd May
As the climate crisis intensifies and biodiversity loss accelerates, the work of nature conservation organisations is becoming increasingly urgent.
The scope of conservation too is widening. The conservation agenda, traditionally determined by environmental drivers, is now confronted by the human and social rights agenda and drivers such as inclusion, race, and equity.
Structural and systemic issues are at play within the sector, which are impacting conservation effectiveness.
There is an urgent need for root reform – dismantling existing power structures, addressing legacies of discrimination, equalizing voices and resources, reframing narratives, and challenging the approaches and structures that perpetuate existing social and economic inequalities.
In relation to this The Luc Hoffmann Institute, the IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP), and Impact Hub have launched a global challenge to drive innovation and support solutions that proactively address the deep-rooted issues facing conservation and help build a just, inclusive and regenerative future.
Participants of the The Future of Conservation Challenge have the chance to win:
- €5,000 per winning entry
- A place in a tailored incubation and co-learning program
- Access to a community of conservation practitioners, fellow change-makers, and potential investors.
Where is change needed?
Four broad themes, identified collectively through the Luc Hoffmann Institute’s initiative “The future of conservation NGOs“, provide a guide to where change is most needed.
In this challenge, we are looking for ideas that will help address these themes, but also welcome ideas that may not fit directly under them.
Get inspired by the 15 innovative propositions of possible conservation futures in the report.
What the The Future of Conservation challenge is looking for?
The challenge is seeking problem-solvers using innovative methodologies to address deep-rooted issues and bring together solutions for a just, inclusive and regenerative future.
Innovative and actionable ideas or prototypes:
The challenge is inviting submissions from anyone, from any sector, experience or background, with a vision for the future of conservation practices and an idea that can challenge the existing approaches, structures and narratives that are adversely impacting conservation effectiveness.
These might include new business model innovations, partnerships, networks, structures and/or tools and tactics.
Solutions-driven concepts:
The ideas must proactively address the deep-rooted issues, challenges and questions facing conservation NGOs and impact conservation effectiveness.
From idea to scale-up:
The challenge welcomes concepts at all stages of development, from ideation through to prototyping or beginning to scale.
Guiding principles
Diversity, intersectionality, and social equity should be guiding principles for all successful ideas.
The application deadline for this challenge is 22nd May 2022. Learn more about the challenge here
The Luc Hoffmann Institute’s also recently published report, “Exploring possible futures for conservation NGOs”, proposes ideas on how conservation NGOs can shift towards possible new roles, each idea filtered through a lens that captures our fast-changing world.
