Won’t projects that generate returns draw funding away from those that do not (e.g., protections for species at risk) or cause ENGOs to cater projects to potential investors that meet financial requirements but have fewer benefits to nature?

It is important for project developers to be mindful of such concerns and seek investors and participants who understand the importance of ecological returns as much as financial ones. Conservation finance instruments do not apply in all circumstances, and it is not intended to redirect existing donor streams. Indeed, by identifying opportunities to attract new investors for revenue-generating projects, traditional donor funds can be freed up for non-revenue-generating projects.