WWF in Brief

WWF is a global organization acting locally through a network of family offices. All these offices do all they can to halt the accelerating destruction of our natural world.

Photo: WWF-Canon / Martin
Harvey
Since its inception in 1961, WWF has worked to conserve nature and ecological processes through a combination of action on the ground, national and international advocacy work to establish appropriate policies, and international campaigns to highlight and demonstrate solutions to crucial environmental problems.

Indeed, over the course of its 41 year history, WWF has contributed significantly to the development and impact of the world conservation movement and to sustainable development in a period of great pressure on the world’s natural resources.

We also see the private sector as a critical partner in these endeavours, as well as those governments and individuals willing to take courageous decisions in support of the environment.

Through conservation successes in a few well chosen areas, and effective communication of the results, WWF aims to create the momentum necessary to challenge the root causes of the degradation of our planet’s environment.

In order to work as effectively as possible for the benefit of nature, WWF has chosen a set of global priorities for its work .These are:

  • the conservation of forests,
  • the conservation of oceans and coasts,
  • the conservation of freshwater ecosystems,
  • the conservation of endangered key species,
  • stopping climate change, and
  • ending the use of toxic chemicals.

The Baltic Sea is one the
Global 200 Ecoregions.
WWF Finland has voluntary
oil brigades to combat oil
spills in the Baltic Sea.
Photo: WWF/Anita Mäkinen
These priorities are also reflected in the Global 200 Ecoregions, the priority places where WWF will apply its efforts and support. The Global 200 identifies the richest, rarest and most distinctive examples of the Earth´s forest, marine and freshwater habitats. The Baltic Sea belongs to the Global 200 network as a part of a larger Northeast Atlantic Shelf marine ecoregion.

Best Solutions to Save Nature

Everything is linked: To save species, we must save their habitats. And to do this, we must tackle global threats to the environment, like climate change, pollution and deforestation. Our aim is to create a future where human beings live in harmony with nature.

In order to succeed in this, WWF wants together with its partners find the best solutions to save nature.

The work of WWF is based on, and reflected in our eight core values. These are:

  • Optimistic & Passionate
  • Challenging & Inspiring
  • Credible & Accountable
  • Persevering & Delivering Results

Links

Modified 2002-9-21