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Catalysing local leadership and collaboration to sustain biodiversity for current and future generations.

CLP will address the limited investment in leadership development at the early stage of conservation careers within biodiverse countries.

  • at least 00

    early career conservation leaders are identified, resourced and supported

  • Where
    Global
  • Focus area
    Biodiversity
  • Duration
    2024 - 2026
  • Economy
    DKK 5 million
Prime partner: CLP - Conservation Leadership Programme

Background

The Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) addresses the urgent need for capacity building in conservation, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries, as highlighted by the 2019 IPBES Global Assessment Report. With nearly four decades of experience, CLP unites BirdLife International, Fauna & Flora, and The Wildlife Conservation Society to train and connect over 3,100 early career conservationists from more than 100 countries.

CLP alumni, primarily from biodiverse and rural areas, are equipped to navigate diverse socio-economic and political contexts, emphasizing equitable engagement with local communities and decision-makers. By providing resources, training, and expertise, CLP fosters long-term, trust-based relationships and strengthens the global network of conservation leaders to combat the biodiversity and climate crisis effectively.

The Project

This initiative will enhance the capability and capacity of at least 90 early-career conservationists, focusing on the Atlantic Forests Hotspot, the Eastern Afromontane Hotspot, Madagascar, and Indonesia.

Using a proven model, the project will provide financial resources, applied conservation training, peer-to-peer support, and career development activities to foster leadership and sustainable, locally led conservation efforts. Key components of the project include:

  1. CLP Team Awards: Identify, train, and support approximately 60 early-career conservationists, building essential leadership skills and executing impactful conservation projects.
  2. Career Placements: Offer unique opportunities for three early-career individuals to engage in practical conservation work and training under expert guidance, improving career prospects and contributing to priority projects in Hempel’s high-priority regions.
  3. Regional Knowledge Sharing Events: Bring together around 35 CLP alumni to share best practices, lessons learned, and coordinate conservation interventions.
  4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning: Ensure the program adapts to changing priorities and effectively shares knowledge and insights.

Objectives

  1. At least 60 early career conservation leaders are identified, resourced and supported to deliver effective conservation for threatened species and habitats, within high priority regions, through the CLP Team Awards, by 2026. 

  2. By 2026, three conservation leaders gain applied professional experience and build their conservation network through CLP’s Career Placements. 

  3. Knowledge exchange events support at least 35 CLP alumni within highly biodiverse regions to share, collaborate and commit to mobilising conservation action in their region by 2026.

  4. Through the implementation of the CLP Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) framework, CLP aims to advance the understanding of the programme’s impact enabling to adapt and share lessons learned with the wider conservation community by 2026.