The Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference concluded on Tuesday 23rd April 2024, marking a monumental moment for global conservation efforts. The conference, which was opened by Her Majesty The Queen of Bhutan, aimed to mobilize greater support for protecting tigers and their habitats.
In her address at the opening ceremony, Her Majesty emphasized the urgent need to safeguard tiger habitats for the wellbeing of our planet. She also stressed the importance of sustainable funding to carry out this task. “In our commitment to conservation, we must not neglect the realistic and vital need for sustainable funding,” Her Majesty stated. “All too often, the invaluable work of conservationists is impeded by the unpredictability of financial support. Therefore, the intention of this conference is to raise significant resources through innovative financing mechanisms for tiger landscapes.”
The conference, which took place at the inspiring Dungkar Dzong in Pangbisa, Paro, brought together tiger range countries, visionary private and public sector donors, international development agencies, and conservation organizations. The event also saw high-level representatives from ten tiger range countries deliver statements on the progress and ambitions for conserving their tiger landscapes, including key financing challenges and opportunities. Additionally, His Royal Highness Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Crown Prince of Pahang, addressed his commitment to increasing protected area coverage in Malaysia.
The conference culminated with the Paro Statement, issued by the Royal Government of Bhutan in partnership with the Tiger Conservation Coalition. The statement invited participants to join in the shared commitment to mobilize an additional US$1 billion to conserve tigers and tiger landscapes over the next ten years. This funding will not only contribute to securing and increasing the global tiger population but will also support expanding tiger range, enhancing ecological integrity, and benefiting local communities that share space with this species.
Valerie Hickey, Global Director of Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy, stated, “We will never have a world without poverty in a world without tigers.”
His Excellency the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay, also emphasized the importance of sustainable funding for tiger conservation. “Tigers represent much more than endangered animals,” he said. “Tigers represent the health of our forests and the resilience of entire ecosystems. More importantly, tigers represent our collective well-being and that of our future. To get the work done, we need resources; we need funds. This is why this conference can be a watershed moment in the history of tigers and conservation.”
The Paro Statement showcases a commitment to implementing innovative finance solutions, fostering international and public-private collaboration, and supporting national-level initiatives that benefit both tigers and people. The conference saw numerous opportunities for sustainable financing to be implemented or scaled in support of tiger conservation efforts in range countries. One such solution was presented by the UNDP in the form of the Tiger Landscapes Investment Fund, a new blended financial mechanism that will catalyze nature-positive businesses with positive impacts on tigers, biodiversity, and people. The Asian Development Bank also announced their intention to explore opportunities to support relevant countries with innovative financing instruments, such as a tiger bond, to engage private sector investors and promote nature-based solutions and conservation.
In a closing statement, Lobzang Dorji, Director of the Department of Forests and Park Services with Bhutan’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, expressed gratitude to all participants for their dedication to the cause. He also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the Paro Statement.
The Conference marked the first step in a ten-year collaborative process towards securing sustainable financing for the conservation of tiger landscapes.
Quotes from the Tiger Conservation Coalition:
Richard Scobey, Executive Director of TRAFFIC, stated, “The Paro Statement provides a powerful call to action to accelerate global efforts to increase tiger populations, restore the landscapes they inhabit, and support communities who live with tigers. These investments will not only secure the future for these magnificent animals but also contribute to broader global commitments for biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development. But we will only achieve these goals if we eradicate poaching, illegal trade, and consumer demand for tigers and their parts and products. TRAFFIC is committed to supporting the ongoing work of Tiger Range Countries to bridge the gaps in law enforcement, investigations, prosecution, and consumption to safeguard tigers from poaching and illegal trade for the future.”
IUCN Director General, Dr Grethel Aguilar, stated, “The Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference gave us the opportunity to celebrate our progress while recognizing the fragility of our success. It also raised the urgency of mobilizing funds to conserve tiger habitats in living landscapes. This collective effort, guided by the ambitious vision of the Paro Statement, underlines the crucial role of partnerships and integrated approaches in safeguarding not only tigers but also biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable development. IUCN is
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