Vienna, March 27, 2022. As the climate crisis intensifies and biodiversity loss accelerates, the work of nature conservation non-governmental organisations is becoming increasingly urgent. To tackle this matter, Impact Hub partnered up with the Luc Hoffmann Institute and the IUCN CEESP* to launch the Future of Conservation NGOs Innovation Challenge.

The pace of change is driven both by external and internal forces. Structural and systemic issues are at play within the sector, which are impacting conservation effectiveness. To remain relevant and legitimate, in addition to effectively dealing with the present global ecological crisis, conservation NGOs need to radically shift.

The three organising institutions driving the challenge are now inviting changemakers to apply for the chance to reimagine possible futures of conservation NGOs and to explore what their new roles can be in effectively approaching and managing nature conservation.

The challenge is calling out for solutions that proactively address the deep-rooted issues facing conservation NGOs are welcome. This might be by addressing legacies of discrimination, equalising voices and resources, dismantling existing power structures, reframing narratives or challenging the approaches that perpetuate existing social and economic inequalities.

Anyone, from any sector, experience or background, with a transformative vision for the ‘future of conservation’ can apply. Concepts at all stages of development, from ideation through to prototyping or beginning to scale, will be considered. The ideas or projects may include new business model innovations, partnerships, networks, structures and/or tools and tactics. 

Selected participants stand a chance to win €5,000, receive a place in a tailored incubation programme and gain access to a community of conservation practitioners, fellow change-makers and potential investors.

Applications for the challenge are open until May 22, 2022.

For further details on criteria, benefits and applications, head to the Innovation Challenge Portal.

* International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy