The rural poor of developing countries have become gatekeepers of the world's biodiversity. However, the need to generate income for survival can result in the depletion of the biological resources on which rural people depend. Our challenge is to identify, implement, and support effective, place-based, income-generation strategies that depend on maintaining and restoring border forests that edge protected sites—the very sites where traditional livelihood, restoration and conservation goals have not always been compatible. Wild silk moth farming and cocoon collection can be configured as a micro-enterprise to meet income generation, restoration, and conservation criteria. Native silk moths are found in many different ecological habitats, feed on diverse, native plants and hence require that natural habitats be restored and maintained. Silk is a high value fiber and silk moth cocoons and larvae are easily accessible. The technology required to produce silk products is relatively simple and the tools that are needed lie within the economic means of the rural poor. Nevertheless, planning for the long-term needs of local communities and habitat preservation requires a collaborative network of conservation biologists, local and national governments, local financial institutions development organizations and commercial partners.
