|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
|
by Chris Parel, NP Board Member and Management Specialist with The World Bank
We are losing the battle to conserve the environment. There´s no doubt. Despite the extraordinary efforts of extraordinary individuals around the planet, the sobering truth is that the pressure of too many people consuming too many resources is taking an irrevocable toll on the environment.
For NGOs to conserve the environment, they need to be able to tap into the good will and resources - both technical and financial - of well endowed corporations and individuals. No matter how dedicated, knowledgeable about the environment, enthusiastic, even well connected, NGOs still need to speak the language of corporate board rooms. The language of strategies, business plans, financial statements, accountability and results. And then they must develop proposals and forge links to mobilize corporate resources. That is the expertise that Natural Partners brings to our grassroots partners and the difference we're making in some of the world's most endangered ecosystems. Natural Partners is truly "in the serious business of conservation." |
|
|
|
Adam Tomasek is a Senior Program Officer at the World Wildlife Fund and directs ecoregion conservation programs in New Guinea (PNG and Indonesia), Madagascar and the Miombo woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. He has worked extensively with multi- and bi-lateral funding agencies, national governments, grassroots NGOs and numerous community leaders and groups. Adam has been a board member of Natural Partners since its founding.
How did you get involved in environmental work?
From reading books about far-off jungles and oceans, combined with my penchant for wandering outdoors, I felt a responsibility to keep the environment "natural."
What was one of the most significant events in your career?
Definitely becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer. I arrived in hot, steamy Paraguay with some theoretical knowledge and personal motivation, yet I quickly realized I had A LOT to learn about the practical side of conservation and sustainable development.
What strengths do you bring to Natural Partners?
I am very lucky to have a hands-on global perspective of the realities, challenges and opportunities conservation and sustainable development. I have worked in Latin America, South East Asia, Melanesia and the Pacific Islands, and Africa (including Madagascar).
What is your vision for Natural Partners?
My vision is that of an organization that draws on the strengths and inventiveness of many to support the work of local communities and organizations to protect and sustainably manage the precious natural world that surrounds them. |
|
NP's Newest Partner: Apremavi |
|
This year, Natural Partners broadened its base of NGO partners in Brazil from one to four. The newest partner is Apremavi, the Association for the Preservation of the Upper Itajai River Valley in the state of Santa Catarina. Apremavi was founded in 1987 and its mission is the defense, preservation and restoration of the environment, as well as cultural values, to improve the quality of human life in the Atlantic Forest biome.
Founded by 19 area residents, it has grown to more than 300 supporting members representing all sectors of the community, including farmers, students, scientists and businesspersons. Apremavi is collaborating with Natural Partners to create two new ecological corridors in the Upper Itajai River Valley.
Pictured above are Mauro Corbollini, Apremavi founder Miriam Prochnow, and Natural Partners Executive Director William Dent. |
|
|
|
Natural Partners is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization incorporated in the District of Columbia.The mission of Natural Partners is to assist grassroots environmental groups to mobilize the financial and human resources needed for them to acquire the rights to and manage strategic areas of the world's most threatened ecosystems.Please Note: No trees were killed in the sending of this message; however, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.
phone: (202) 487-5343
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
