Emerging Approaches to Conservation Fundraising and the Case of “WYldlife for Tomorrow”

Abstract

State agencies responsible for wildlife management and habitat preservation have historically relied on revenues generated from traditional sources, such as hunting and fishing licenses (consumptive users). This conventional funding model tends to overlook the shift in demographics and preferences toward non-consumptive activities like wildlife watching and nature tourism, as well as the indirect benefits from such activities. To address this disproportionate representation, innovative funding mechanisms are being explored throughout the Rocky Mountain West to provide avenues for inclusive conservation funding that incorporates non-consumptive users, such as recreational fees, conservation-oriented merchandizing, and co-branding partnerships with small businesses. Inspired by this methodology, initiatives like the University of Wyoming’s, “WYldlife for Tomorrow” (WFT) have been developed as an innovative approach that fosters collaboration between state agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and local communities for the purpose of creating sustainable funding streams for wildlife and habitat conservation. By responding to the evolving trends in hunting and fishing interests, this collaborative effort holds the potential to establish a sustainable model for wildlife management programs.

Citation

Carr, G., Brown, N., Clark, K., McBarnes, C., Phillips, T., Shreve, T., Willis, I. and Hochard, J. (2024), "Emerging Approaches to Conservation Fundraising and the Case of “WYldlife for Tomorrow”", Foerster, T.A., Koprowski, J.L. and Mars, M.M. (Ed.) From Local to Global: Eco-entrepreneurship and Global Engagement with the Environment (Advances in the Study of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Growth, Vol. 30), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 39-49. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1048-473620240000030004