World Wildlife Fund

What We Do

Support Sustainable Livelihoods

Make a donation to WWF in support of positive approaches to conservation throughout the world. We'll send you the thank-you gift -- a one-of-a-kind handcrafted item.

Donate today!

Wave Forward

Read about WWF's work to conserve our planet's vital marine environments and learn what you can do to help

Learn more.

Conservation Firsthand

Join WWF experts as they share their on-the-ground experiences in the places we're striving to save.
Learn more

Take Action

Join WWF's Conservation Action Network and speak out for wildlife and wild places around the globe. Learn more

Travel

Travel With WWF

Visit our travel section and choose from many amazing trips! Learn more

SUPPORT WWF

Digg

Community Action

Population, Health and the Environment

Happy children playing along the Mekong river. Vientiane, Laos.
© WWF / Michèle Dépraz

Empowering people to conserve natural resources

Local communities and indigenous peoples are the stewards of the natural places WWF works to conserve. They depend on the environment for their survival. Over generations they have developed traditions and practices that sustainably manage their natural resources. Today these communities face growing challenges such as competition for land and resources, conflict with wildlife and human population growth. In developing countries they often lack economic opportunities and have limited access to social services.

At WWF we protect wildlife, preserve habitats and empower people to conserve resources while improving their livelihoods. Our community conservation program links improving human lives and conserving biodiversity. We understand the close relationship between humans and the environment, and incorporate elements of governance, gender, health and education into our conservation work.

Population, Health & Environment

Partnering with Indigenous Peoples & Local Communities