How We Do it
A comprehensive approach
Species and habitats are essential to a healthy planet. But focusing on these areas alone is not enough. Global events such as climate change and deforestation have a tremendous impact on the Earth’s species and places, as well as our own lives. A new approach to conservation is required, and WWF is innovating at every step to ensure our programs bring about positive, lasting change.
WWF’s way of conserving the planet’s natural resources combines our unmatched global reach with a foundation in science, it involves action at every level – from local to global – and it ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.
Priority places - The diversity of life isn't evenly distributed around the globe. It is concentrated in certain areas, making them a greater priority for conservation.
Global markets - WWF has long known that our entire planet is one delicate and complex set of relationships between species, people, habitats, governments and global markets. We also know that meaningful conservation cannot take place without focusing on all of them.
Science - Effective conservation requires a solid scientific foundation. Our scientists work to advance biodiversity conservation worldwide through the development and application of innovative scientific principles, tools and information.
Experts - Our strength lies in the amazing and dedicated people whose passion has created some of the planet's greatest conservation victories. We will achieve our ambitious goals through the efforts of WWF's peerless team of scientists, field staff and policy makers.
Partnerships - Increasingly, businesses today understand the link between sound environmental practices and their profitable, long-term sustainability. WWF is uniquely poised to assist companies looking to improve their business practices. We also partner with government agencies, economic development organizations, academic and cultural institutions, and other groups vested in conservation and humanitarian work.
Government relations and policy - WWF's government relations team collaborates with the U.S. Congress and the administration to further our conservation mission legislatively and secure funding from U.S. government partners to support our programs and fieldwork around the world.
Community conservation - At WWF we protect wildlife, preserve habitats and empower people to conserve resources while improving their livelihoods. We understand the close relationship between humans and the environment, and incorporate elements of governance, gender, health and education into our conservation work.
Conservation finance - One of the greatest challenges facing global conservation is the overwhelming lack of resources for funding long-term, comprehensive programs. This challenge is all the more daunting as WWF and its partners pioneer large-scale, ecoregion-based conservation efforts that demand correspondingly large investments.
Species - WWF safeguards hundreds of species around the world, but we focus special attention on our flagship species. These species not only need special measures and extra protection in order to survive, they also serve as umbrella species: helping them helps numerous other species that live in the same habitats.
