Community Action

Nepalese woman at a community health clinic, Eastern Himalayas, Nepal.
© WWF / Lee Poston

With the support of USAID and Johnson & Johnson, and in partnership with Ministries of Health and many nongovernmental health partners, WWF helps communities manage their natural resources more sustainably while meeting their family planning, health and livelihood needs. The following stories illustrate our integrated approach to population, health and environment at the local level.

Empowering Communities to Conserve in Madagascar's Spiny Forest
WWF leveraged our ten years of on-site conservation experience in Madagascar's Spiny Forest to increase awareness of family planning options while initiating sustainable natural resources management and livelihood strategies.

Improved Health and Livelihoods in Kenyan Coastal East Africa
WWF offered improved access to family planning and education to the communities living in and around the Kiunga Marine National Reserve, whose well-being is vital to the conservation of local marine resources. WWF also created an eco-friendly livelihood project to generate income and ensure clean nesting beaches for endangered marine turtles.

Protecting the Philippine Coral Triangle: A Community Success Story
Palawan is one of few remaining large islands in the Philippines with relatively intact ecosystems and abundant marine biodiversity. WWF led a project here to improve access to family planning, deliver integrated messages about conservation and health and improve the ability of local groups and government to manage resources sustainably.

Community-Based Forest Recovery in the Eastern Himalayas
WWF led a community conservation project that enhanced health and livelihoods while conserving the forests of Nepal's Terai Arc. We trained volunteers to provide important first-aid services and family planning education while promoting fuel efficiency for cooking. Our conservation work also provided better access to drinking water and sanitation systems.