Rethinking Conservation: Can Private Companies Be Part of the Solution?

Successful Models: Private Companies Making a Difference

However, it’s worth exploring how some private companies are genuinely making a positive impact. Eco-tourism businesses like African Parks and Reserva Ecologica de Guapi Assu in Brazil manage natural reserves, reinvesting profits into habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and community development. These companies offer guided tours and educational programs, and their revenue directly funds conservation efforts.

Financial sustainability is a major challenge for NGOs, who often depend on grants and donations that can fluctuate. Private companies can help fill this gap by creating steady revenue streams through products and services such as sustainable forestry, organic farming, eco-lodges, and ethical wildlife safaris. This allows conservation projects to grow and adapt, even when outside funding is scarce.

A well-known example is Patagonia , the outdoor clothing company. Patagonia invests in environmental activism and sustainable supply chains, showing that a business can thrive while putting conservation at its core. By choosing eco-friendly materials and supporting restoration projects, Patagonia demonstrates how private companies can be powerful allies for nature.

A similar story is that of Douglas Tompkins, founder of The North Face and Esprit. Tompkins was initially criticized for purchasing vast areas of land in Chile and Argentina, with some accusing him of trying to control natural resources like water. However, over time, his intentions became clear: Tompkins and his wife, Kris, dedicated their fortune to large-scale conservation. Through their foundation and partnerships with NGOs like Rewilding, they have donated millions of acres to create national parks, making them among the most significant private conservationists in the world. Tompkins’ legacy now stands as a powerful example of how private initiative can drive lasting environmental protection.

These two last examples may have started as a for profit business that ended up funding conservation projects, in our case we start as a conservation organization that creates business, to be able to do that we had to choose the format of a private company, where our main partner is Earth itself.

Accountability Matters: Nonprofits Are Not Immune to Failure

While many NGOs operate with integrity and genuine commitment, the nonprofit sector has also seen its share of scandals and failures. For example, some high-profile NGOs have been exposed for misusing funds or exaggerating their impact. In 2015, the charity Kids Company in the UK collapsed after receiving millions in public funding, with investigations revealing poor financial management and a lack of transparency in how donations were used. Similarly, the Red Cross faced criticism after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, when reports showed that hundreds of millions of dollars raised resulted in very few permanent homes being built, raising questions about accountability and effectiveness.

In the conservation world, many NGOs are founded by passionate individuals whose personal vision drives the organization. While this dedication is admirable, it can sometimes lead to unintended harm or stagnation. When founders rely on donations and their livelihood depends on the organization, they may resist expansion, innovation, or collaboration in order to maintain control. For instance, some wildlife sanctuaries operate more like private collections—providing rescued animals with better conditions than typical zoos, yet often falling short in efforts to rehabilitate or reintroduce species into the wild. By contrast, traditional zoos have in some cases demonstrated more effective conservation programs, actively engaging in breeding, research, and reintroduction initiatives. This underscores the importance of prioritizing genuine conservation goals over personal ownership, ensuring that organizations serve the greater good rather than individual interests.

These cases highlight that ethical lapses and failures are not limited to private companies—NGOs can also fall short of their missions. The key factor is not the legal structure, but the values, transparency, and real-world actions of the organization. Whether for-profit or nonprofit, lasting positive impact depends on genuine commitment, accountability, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Complementary Roles: NGOs and Businesses Working Together

It’s important to recognize that private conservation companies are not the opposite—or the enemy—of NGOs. In fact, both models can complement each other. Private businesses can bring innovation, efficiency, and new funding sources, while NGOs offer advocacy, research, and community engagement. Together, they create a diverse ecosystem of conservation efforts, each playing a unique role.

Private conservation companies also empower local communities. By hiring local staff, supporting indigenous initiatives, and sharing profits, these businesses help people become stewards of their own environment. This creates opportunities for education, jobs, and entrepreneurship, making conservation a shared, sustainable goal.

In summary, while skepticism is healthy and necessary, there are examples of private companies genuinely supporting conservation—and also cases where they fall short. The key is transparency, accountability, and a commitment to real impact. Conservation is everyone’s business, and the more diverse the approaches, the greater the chance for lasting change.

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* for this author all brands and organization mention do nota have any kind of relationship with Plumas Imprevistas Unipessoal LDA, nor the author of the note.