The Values of Partnership

Through partnerships we can promote environmental stewardship, spur economic growth, and encourage social development in order to expand the circle of development.

—John Turner, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

Private sector involvement in aquatic conservation efforts ensures that the core competencies of our global community are leveraged to their maximum capacity. The ICWRP model facilitates the engagement of corporate technical and administrative resources and capabilities, beyond just financial support. Companies can contribute their expertise through:

• Involvement in the ICWRP Council, the governing body that oversees ICWRP projects and shapes its strategic objectives;
• Allying with NGOs in the community surrounding the conservation site; and
• Promoting ICWRP through existing corporate networks.

Why Now?

Increasingly, companies around the world are recognizing the links among environmental stewardship, best business practices, and global and social responsibility. Sustainable development has become a high priority, especially for industries that rely heavily on natural resources, including clean, safe water and the plant and animal life sustained therein.

Active private sector collaboration in the conservation of wetlands and other aquatic habitat can complement existing corporate awareness about responsible practices in limiting a company's "environmental footprint." Many companies are already reducing unnecessary water use, carrying out recycling and other programs to cut down on waste, and practicing other "green" activities. Despite these notable efforts, the world's wetlands are still disappearing at a remarkable rate. In the last 200 years, we have lost more than half of our world's wetlands. Wetlands provide a multitude of vital ecological functions, including flood buffering, erosion control, and water quality improvement. Preserving and maintaining our wetlands is a necessary component of sustainable development in emerging and industrial economies alike. Clearly, there is a need for greater involvement in the preservation and conservation of aquatic habitat, and ICWRP aims to fill that gap.

What do companies get in return for their support?

Positive Contribution to Sustainable Development and Corporate Citizenship

Perhaps most importantly, involvement in ICWRP signals an active commitment to good global corporate citizenship. Initiatives that prioritize the conservation of vital natural habitat ensure that our world’s diverse natural treasures are available for generations to come.

A Voice in the Partnership

The ICWRP model was created to be flexible. As a result, corporate and other contributions can be provided to the general fund or to a particular site, geographic region, or project. In other words, ICWRP matches aquatic habitats in need to donors' preferences.

Furthermore, private sector sponsors of ICWRP projects are not just expected to contribute financially. Instead, ICWRP partners are welcome to contribute their expertise in other ways, including through providing technical and administrative assistance to the partnership. The ICWRP Council has been envisioned to include private, NGO, and public sector participation.

Tax Benefits

The United Nations Foundation, the Coastal America Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy are classified under U.S. tax code as 501(c)3 organizations, which means that corporate contributions are eligible for tax deduction—regardless of whether or not corporate donations are geared toward the developing world—and may also be eligible for matching funds.