Wildlife Friendly™ Certification and Species-specific Certifications for Products and Tourism

 · Shared by : Christine Lippai
 · Last update : 9 June 2022
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Implementation, use
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Initiative
description

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Leader name
Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network
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Entity type
Non-governmental organization
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Launching Date
19 March 2007
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Assessment initiative
Assessed

BACKGROUND

The Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network (WFEN) implements Certified Wildlife Friendly™ certification for products across a variety of sectors, including agriculture and livestock, non-timber forest products, and handicrafts. WFEN’s programs are based on the best available science and are implemented globally to assist producers in maximizing wildlife conservation outcomes, while helping products reach new markets, and assisting consumers in making truly Wildlife Friendly™ purchases. The standards behind WFEN’s certification offerings have been developed in collaboration with leading biologists, conservationists, and experts in the protection of biodiversity and generation of sustainable community livelihoods. WFEN’s work protects over 13+ million hectares worldwide across 5 continents, contributes to the livelihoods of over 300,000 people, and protects hundreds of key species including many listed here with the potential to be applied to any species with which human-wildlife conflict occurs.

DESCRIPTION

Wildlife Friendly™ certification is a global program providing best practice guidelines for farming, ranching, and other enterprises who seek to generate sustainable livelihoods while protecting key species of biodiversity. Our certification programs, also including species-focused initiatives such as Elephant Friendly™ Tea, Jaguar Friendly™ Coffee, and Wildlife Friendly™ IBIS Rice™, are trusted labels that guide consumers towards products that genuinely contribute to species and habitat conservation. Examples of Certified Wildlife Friendly™ and Certified Predator Friendly™ enterprises include producers of dairy, meat, poultry, honey, and crops that use non-lethal management practices and allow for the passage of wildlife and protection of habitat across productive lands. WFEN also certifies tourism enterprises under its core Certified Wildlife Friendly™ Tourism program, such as community-based tour operators and lodges, and others under its Certified Sea Turtle Friendly™ Tourism program, such as resorts that are protecting key sea turtle nesting and foraging habitat while minimizing other tourism related impacts on these species. Wildlife Friendly™ certification provides a science-driven framework for producers seeking to implement practices that support ecosystem integrity, while also requiring that local communities are actively involved and see real benefits from truly Wildlife Friendly™ practices. Consumers are willing to pay a small premium for these products, absorbing the cost often associated with the implementation of best practices for biodiversity. The stories behind certified products and producers build consumer brand loyalty and open access to new markets, while bringing benefits to local communities. Incentivizing best practices across the landscape works to ensure positive conservation outcomes and increased tolerance for wildlife. Across the globe, Wildlife Friendly™ certification and the Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network are leading the way in promoting agriculture for biodiversity along supply chains and in promoting shared values, understanding, and respect between producers and consumers.

PRINCIPLE

Wildlife Friendly™ certification is a voluntary tool that uses the power of the marketplace to create on-the-ground change by providing incentives for the protection of biodiversity around the world. In so doing, we offer opportunities for people in rural and often disadvantaged communities. By offering scientifically-sound, measurable standards to agricultural producers around the world, Certified Wildlife Friendly™ increases the credibility and promotes understanding of wildlife stewardship among producers and consumers alike. Through this approach, WFEN works to support both communities and wildlife by creating incentives and enabling cross-learning for sound ecological management of farms, ranches, and other private lands.

CONDITIONS OF SUCCESS

Engagement of communities and enterprises globally to create a more Wildlife Friendly™ world. Branding experts advise that it can take 10 years for brands to build visibility. Our certified products are now expanding into markets in the United States, Europe, and regionally in the areas where our enterprises are located.


Advantages

  • - Incentives for the uptake of best practices
  • - Development of expert-driven best practices
  • - Connecting supply and demand for products supporting biodiversity directly through their production and management of production areas
  • - Increased market access
  • - Increased consumer awareness

Disadvantages

  • - We primarily certify organizations working with on-the-ground conservation partners. These relationships do not exist everywhere.
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Implementation, use
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IMPLEMENTATION

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IMPLEMENTATION KEY STEPS

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EQUIPMENTS

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USE & MAINTENANCE

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STEPS OF USE

Enterprises interested in certification inquire to WFEN directly or can find our application information on our website at www.wildlifefriendly.com.
Most enterprises apply under our Global Wildlife Friendly™ Products or Tourism program, which is a program designed to adapt to varying species and contexts where human-wildlife conflict occurs.
Some enterprises may opt to develop a species-specific program. This is a more time-intensive option with associated costs for development of the standards and protocols involved.
Enterprises may also apply to our species-specific programs, including Certified Elephant Friendly™ Tea, Certified Gorilla Friendly™ Tourism and Park Edge Products (for mountain gorillas specifically), Certified Jaguar Friendly™ Coffee, and Certified Sea Turtle Friendly™ Tourism.

EQUIPMENTS

  • - Our model is to establish an ongoing relationship between the enterprises and a conservation entity (NGO, University, Government Agency) to assist with long term monitoring and to provide additional technical support as needed. Monitoring protocols are context-specific and appropriate based on the key species present and types of conservation activities, production processes, and partnerships involved. In some cases these relationships with external entities do not exist or may be addressed through in-house expertise. WFEN is also willing to discuss specific situations on a case-by-case basis.
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