Sustainability 

Many conservation efforts funded by international agencies are interrupted when global economic conditions weaken. It is therefore advisable that new investment mechanisms be planned in advance, to ensure the continuity of conservation efforts in the regions addressed by CEPF after the fund is exhausted. Conservation professionals in each corridor will support this effort by seeking additional partners for the projects; supporting NGOs in their fundraising efforts; creating an endowment fund for the Private Protected Areas that will support their operations in perpetuity; and making proactive innovative outreach efforts to attract new investors. FUNBIO - a private foundation supporting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Brazil - is interested in participating in the creation of this fund to support the management of RPPNs.

Attracting and involving many stakeholders in the creation and maintenance of the corridors is vital to the success of the projects to be funded. In fact, it seems obvious that isolated organizations cannot achieve the conservation aims for the corridors. Partnerships can combine efforts and maximize efficiency, producing truly long-standing results.

In Brazil, there are several levels of possible institutional agreements that can lead to cooperative and financial actions. The presence of numerous NGOs, private enterprises, and state and federal agencies in the corridors - many with strong environmental programs and good working relationships with NGOs - is also a great advantage.

Finally, CEPF investment in the Atlantic Forest should persuade new stakeholders to invest and participate in NGO efforts in the Central and Serra do Mar Corridors, as this and other initiatives accelerate changes in favor of protection and conservation of the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest.

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