Science

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Conservation Impact Initiative - discovering what works, what doesn’t, and why
WWF has been at the forefront of conservation for almost 50 years. While tremendous strides have been made, much remains to be done. Threats like climate change, armed conflict, and a scarcity of resources – compounded by globalization – make today’s challenges increasingly complex. To meet the challenges of the 21st century, WWF and the conservation community must refine time-honored techniques while continuing to explore new approaches that will move our work forward for years to come.

WWF’s team of scientists is leading the effort to identify the next generation of conservation strategies using “impact evaluation,” a new application of the scientific method that draws upon best practices in sectors such as medicine and education. Download the factsheet

New Horizons for MPA Work
Marine conservation depends upon viable networks of effectively managed marine protected areas (MPAs) – yet underwater parks and nature reserves cover barely 1 percent of the world’s oceans. Furthermore, we have little conclusive information on what determines whether existing MPAs succeed or fail. This lack of basic knowledge highlights the need for a more strategic approach, grounded in the scientific method and building upon best practices in health, education and other sectors. Download the factsheet

• Learn more about MPA Performance: Linking Governance, Biodiversity Conservation, and Poverty Alleviation