EnterpriseWorks/VITA has drawn from its 40 years experience working in enterprise-based conservation to publish “The Conservation Marketing Equation: a Manual for Conservation and Development Professionals.” The manual helps practitioners better understand product development and marketing that promotes conservation and social equity.

The manual is intended to assist conservation and development professionals in choosing business opportunities that conserve biodiversity while reducing poverty for marginalized rural people. The assumption is that the proposed opportunity needs to be financially sustainable, and this tool provides specific information and product worksheets to assess product market readiness.

EWV's project partners implementing conservation enterprises in Bolivia, Cambodia, and the Philippine used "The Conservation Marketing Equation" manual in several trainings held over the summer. The project staff and community groups reported that the manual helps them to systematically review their options and better prioritize where they need to improve their enterprise management efforts. The concise format with interactive worksheets was appreciated by field staff who have scarce time to read and work through longer publications.

The Conservation Marketing Equation is available in English in hard copy and CD form, and can be downloaded from EWV's website. Production and publication of "The Conservation Marketing Equation" manual was supported by the USAID Translinks Project.