This presentation outlines the fact that the problems facing conservation are the same problems facing rural development. It gives a background on the history of conservation strategies before focusing on the Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) model. The presentation gives an overview of the pilot project, how it has been implemented and the benefits to this form of conservation strategy. It then discusses the primary data obtained in accordance with the project, the aims of the COMACO model and the research being conducted to prove the effectiveness and sustainability of the model in rural areas of Zambia.