Sustaining protected areas through conservation trust funds: a review

This article explores the unknown role of Conservation Trust Funds (CTF) through a review of the literature (scientific and technical) and a database of 89 CTF worldwide. It is based on the observation that there is little interest in the scientific literature for this instrument, although it is very well documented and used by conservation actors (NGOs, donors, governments). In the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, protected areas are the main instrument to achieve the SDGs 14 (Life below water) and 15 (Life on land). Then, sustaining protected areas through the use of CTF is particularly relevant to 'the mobilization of financial resources from all sources' (Targets 15.A and 15.B). The objective of the article is to provide an analysis of the literature and a typology of the different CTFs. We propose a mapping of the different CTFs around the world. Finally, we discuss the main risks associated with the use of this tool, particularly with regard to its dependence on stock market fluctuations.

Automated summary

This article examines the unknown role of Conservation Trust Funds (CTF) by reviewing literature and a database of 89 CTFs globally. It highlights the lack of scientific interest in CTFs despite their extensive use, and discusses the importance of CTFs in sustaining protected areas for achieving SDGs 14 and 15. The article aims to provide an analysis of literature, typology of CTFs, mapping of global CTFs, and discussion on the risks associated with their usage, particularly in relation to stock market fluctuations.