(1) The document discusses the Global Conservation Standard (GCS), a mechanism for commercial conservation that reconciles economic and ecological interests. (2) The GCS works by annually quantifying and certifying Conservation Credit Units from protected areas, which are then sold to sponsors to generate funds for continued conservation efforts and benefits for local communities. (3) Recent developments include 13 potential GCS projects being identified in Costa Rica and funding being secured to develop the top three projects.

1. Conservation & Development
Reconciling economy and ecology
in a mechanismo for commercial
conservation

2. Environmental vision
Nature is priceless
valuing is protecting

3. Social vision
Conserving natural landscapes starts with the
improvement of living conditions for the rural poor

4. Economic vision
All elements of the landscape are interdependent.
Fertile soil is the last resource.

5. Financial vision
The sale of Conservation Credits
contributes to rural development

6. How the GCS works
Annual quantification and certification of
Conservation Credit Units (CCU) of the
Conservation Areas and sales promotion
Benefit sharing
CCU sales to – Landowner for continued protection
sponsors of – Conservation management
Conservation
– Stakeholder Fund for improvement
Areas
of livelihoods and microcredits

7. Who buys CCUs?
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Individual biodiversity donations
• Project investors
– Primary sector for the contraction of new
productive areas
– Secondary sector: Water
management, electrification, construction…
– Services sector: Telecommunication, road
infrastructure, tourism…

8. Latest news
• Costa Rican Ministry for
the Environment
receives GCS chairman
• San José national
workshop identifies 13
GCS projects in CR
• National GCS working Costa Rican Vice Minister Lorena Guevara
group formed receives Robert
Dilger, GIZ, Michael Dutschke, GCS and
• Funding secured for the Michael Schlönvoigt, GIZ
3 top projects to be
developed

9. More information:
Info@globalconservationstandard.org
www.globalconservationstandard.org
Dr. Michael Dutschke
Chairman
Tel. +49 178 33 55 749