Science
Field Work and Projects
Marine Science
WWF's Conservation Science Program is working to ensure that WWF's marine conservation efforts are based on sound science. Currently, our main foci are ecoregional planning, the development of marine protected areas (MPAs) and marine MPA networks, and conservation of specific marine species. Read more
Freshwater Science
Around the world, freshwater species and habitats are among the most endangered. Freshwater conservation planning recognizes the distinct nature of freshwater systems: the importance of dynamic hydrologic processes, of connectivity across multiple dimensions, and of threats that disproportionately affect aquatic systems.
In recognition of this urgent conservation need and special methodological considerations, WWF's Conservation Science Program is devoting increasing effort to freshwater projects at the global, continental, ecoregional and landscape scales. Read more
Ecosystem Services
Alluvial forest on the Tisza River in Hungary.
© Klaus-Henning GROTH
WWF is leading the development and implementation of an innovative approach to sustainable financing for conservation known as Payment for Environmental Services, or PES. Environmental (or Ecosystem) Services are the multiple benefits that people receive from nature, such as water purification and flood control by wetlands. PES schemes reward those whose lands provide these services, with subsidies or market payments from those who benefit. Read more
Conservation Biology Research
The Conservation Science Program (CSP) research addresses general principles in conservation biology, ecology, biogeography, and resource economics. Our research projects aim not only to inform the work of specific WWF efforts and programs, but also to address issues of broad scientific interest. We also work to evaluate and develop the next generation of scientific tools for conservation, and to adapt them to be most useful to WWF's mission. Read more
Hydrosheds
Amazon Basin mapped with HydroSHEDS data.
© WWF
WWF's Conservation Science Program is currently developing a new and innovative global hydrological database, termed HydroSHEDS. For many parts of the world these data and the tools built to use them will open up a range of previously inaccessible analyses and applications related to freshwater conservation and environmental planning. Read more
The Hyacinth Macaw Makes a Comeback
Hyacinth macaws
© WWF-Canon / Martin HARVEY
Learn about WWF's results in protecting the Hyacinth Macaw in the Brazilian Pantanal. Read more
More On Field Work & Projects
More on Science
WWF Experts
Dr. Eric Dinerstein
Chief Scientist and Vice President
Conservation Science
"We must decide how many of Earth's 15,000,000 species receive a ticket on the ark to the next century. By protecting forests, deserts, grasslands, coral reefs, lakes, rivers and streams, WWF commits to guaranteeing their safe passage."
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