Press Releases and Updates

The Story of Baim, a Rescued Baby Orangutan

Read the story about a baby orangutan rescued on the island of Borneo.

15 Success Stories of 2011

Discover highlights from our work around the world to protect species and habitats.Read more.

U.S. and Indonesia Announce $28.5 Million Debt Swap To Protect Borneo’s Tropical Forests

The Nature Conservancy and WWF are joining with the Indonesian and U.S. Governments to sign a debt-for-nature swap agreement that will result in a $28.5 million investment to help protect tropical forests.

Protecting wildlife habitat in Sumatra

A declaration to protect Sumatra’s forests was endorsed by the governors of eight Sumatran provinces.

Forest Habitat Protected, Positive Result for Orangutans and Elephants

Nearly 750,000 acres of forest have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council in Malaysia.

WWF and Kimberly-Clark Corporation Announce New Global Commitment to Responsible Forestry

Kimberly-Clark and World Wildlife Fund announced the expansion of Kimberly-Clark’s membership in the Global Forest & Trade Network.

Leaders Work Together to Protect the World’s Precious Forests

Leaders from 30 countries met at the Brazzaville Tropical Forest Summit to find shared solutions to save their forests and support the fight against the devastating consequences of climate change.

WWF Releases Rare Footage of Sumatran Tiger Cubs

WWF released rare video footage of three Sumatran tiger cubs playfully chasing leaves in the forests of the Bukit Tigapuluh landscape in Indonesia.

An Innovative Approach to Conserving the World’s Forests

Business and political leaders met for the Business 4 Environment Global Summit, uniting around a goal to stop the forest loss that affects much of the world’s valuable and threatened forests.

WWF and Global Companies Take Action to Protect Tigers

As Year of the Tiger according to the Chinese lunar calendar comes to an end, it is more crucial than ever to take action to protect wild tigers. 

WWF, big companies call for more corporate action to protect tigers

As the Year of the Tiger comes to an end, WWF, backed by a group of leading companies, today issued a call for more corporations around the world to reduce their impact on tiger habitats, through responsible procurement of wood, paper, palm oil, coffee, and other commodities.

How your choice of paper can help tigers

A new investigation by WWF and other groups reveals that one of the world’s largest paper suppliers is still cutting down the rainforest on the Indonesian island of Sumatra – even though the company claims to have stopped doing so. The forest being cleared is vital to the survival of tigers and other endangered species. You can voice your opposition to this by making more responsible choices about the paper you buy.

Camera catches bulldozer destroying Sumatra tiger forest

A video camera trap installed by WWF and partners has captured footage linking the destruction of a crucial Sumatran tiger forest to the expansion of palm oil plantations in Indonesia’s Riau Province.

Scientists Show Waves of Deforestation Across East Africa

A new study co-authored by a World Wildlife Fund scientist documents waves of forest degradation advancing like ripples in a pond 75 miles across East Africa in just 14 years.

Russian Tiger Habitat Gets a Boost With Protection of Key Tree Species

The Russian government has introduced measures to protect Korean Pine, a key species found in Amur Tiger habitat in the Russian Far East.

Glimmer of hope for ravaged Madagascar as precious woods nominated for trade restrictions

More than two years of lobbying by WWF  and Malagasy scientists, are expected to see the island’s rosewoods, ebony and other precious woods listed for international trade restrictions, giving some hope for a slowing of the organized illegal logging assault on the threatened species and the forests and protected areas where they are found.

Landmark Legislation’s Anniversary Highlights Strong Need for Continued Efforts to Curb Illegal Logging

Marking the amended Lacey Act’s two-year anniversary, Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Earl Blumenauer today praised the landmark legislation for protecting the environment, leveling the playing field for honest businesses and halting the egregious practice of illegal logging. The celebratory event, jointly hosted by WWF and the Environmental Investigative Agency (EIA), gathered a diverse group of experts from industry, government and the environmental community to share early successes, lessons learned and anticipated benefits of the Lacey Act.

New investigation finds suspect clearing operations of natural forest in Indonesia

The coalition Eyes on the Forest (EoF), based on the ground in Indonesia, has published a new Investigative Report on two Asia Pulp & Paper (APP)/Sinar Mas Group (SMG) wood suppliers who conducted natural forest clearance in Kerumutan peat forest, Sumatra. These forests are some of the last refuges for the endangered Sumatran elephant and the critically endangered Sumatran tiger. If forest clearing isn't halted, both could become locally extinct in a few years' time. Forest loss is the single biggest threat to Sumatra’s elephants. Most of Sumatra’s decline of local elephant herds, from 1400 to less than 200, happened where large areas of forest were lost or severely fragmented.

Study Highlights Forest Protected Areas as a Critical Strategy for Slowing Climate Change

A new study involving scientists from 13 different organizations, universities and research institutions states that forest protection offers one of the most effective, practical, and immediate strategies to combat climate change. The study, “Indigenous Lands, Protected Areas, and Slowing Climate Change,” was published in PLoS Biology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and makes specific recommendations for incorporating  protected areas into overall strategies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses from deforestation and degradation (nicknamed REDD).

Announcing ONE GOOD WORLD ECOngress: Legal Wood Sourcing and Building Green Markets Las Vegas Market

The Sustainable Furnishings Council and World Market Center, in cooperation with World Wildlife Fund, Rainforest Alliance, Forest Stewardship Council and numerous other leading governmental, environmental, academic and trade organizations is launching the first cross-disciplinary ECOngress on legal and sustainable wood sourcing in the home furnishings industry in conjunction with Winter Market in Las Vegas. All media, materials suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and designers are strongly encouraged to attend all or part of the one-day event on Jan. 31, 2010, the day prior to the opening day of the February 2010 Las Vegas Market, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in World Market Center’s Building C, on the 8th floor, Room C-888. Registration is free.

Falling Amazon deforestation rates create opportunity for other damaged forests

Fewer trees were cut down in the Amazon this year, creating an opportunity to apply sound government policies to halt deforestation in other damaged forests, WWF says.

WWF Elephant Flying Squad Joins Global Day of Climate Action

Among many foreign visitors to Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN), Pelalawan district, Riau, the presence of US Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R. Hume brings its own impression to the Head of TNTN, Suprahman Hayani.

Kimberly-Clark and WWF Work Together to Conserve the World's Forests

Kimberly-Clark Corporation, one of the world’s largest producers of tissue products, has joined WWF’s Global Forest & Trade Network and committed to increase its use of wood fiber from sustainable sources to help protect the world’s forests. Protecting the world’s forests is critical to addressing climate change as deforestation accounts for nearly 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Tetra Pak Inc. Joins Global Forest and Trade Network

Tetra Pak Inc., a leading manufacturer of food processing and packaging systems, is joining WWF’s Global Forest & Trade Network in North America (GFTN-NA) to promote trade of responsibly sourced forest products. The Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) is WWF’s initiative to eliminate illegal logging and transform the global marketplace into a force for saving the world’s valuable and threatened forests.

HP Joins WWF’s Global Forest and Trade Network

HP today announced it has joined the Global Forest & Trade Network in North America (GFTN-NA), a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) initiative linking more than 300 companies globally that share a commitment to responsible forestry.

WWF Engages with Business Leaders to Support Responsible Forestry

The Global Forest & Trade Network-North America (GFTN-NA) hosted its second annual meeting for companies in its program that have made commitments to responsible forest management and trade, as well as other businesses interested in responsible purchasing. The meeting provided a unique forum in which attendees had access to information, tools, resources, peers and industry experts to help North American wood and paper purchasers in their environmental commitments supporting a more sustainable global forest products industry. 

Congo Basin Heads of State and Conservation Groups Celebrate 10 Years of Success in Saving World’s Second Largest Rainforest

Leaders of the Congo Basin countries and conservation groups are pressing for more attention, funds and technical support to save the world’s second largest rainforest and benefit its population during a Congo Basin Forest Forum and Congressional Hearing today.

International Conservation Caucus Foundation Hosts Heads of State Forum on Congo Basin Forest Partnership

Leaders of Congo Basin countries, members of Congress and leading conservation organizations are gathering in Washington to recognize 10 years of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership. At a Congressional hearing the future of the world’s second largest rainforest will be discussed, including how those forests can help solve the climate crisis and contribute to regional security, effective governance and sustainable development.

Responsible Forestry Operations Important for Survival of World's Few Remaining Great Apes Says WWF

Responsibly managed forests – such as those managed according to Forest Stewardship Council standards (FSC) – play an important role in the conservation of the world’s remaining great apes, according to a new World Wildlife Fund report.

Soy Industry Adopts Environmental Standards

Elements of the soy industry have agreed to take a milestone step toward improving their production practices, which have led to widespread deforestation, displacement of small-farmers and indigenous peoples, and loss of natural habitats.

Controversial Paper Company Driving Sumatran Species to Local Extinction

A massive logging operation planned by one of the world’s largest paper companies would destroy the forest home of 100 great apes that are part of the only successful reintroduction program for Sumatran orangutans.

Paper Giant Asia Pulp and Paper Set to Destroy Home of Reintroduced Orangutans, Indigenous Tribes

A massive logging operation planned by one of the world’s largest paper companies will destroy the forest home of 100 great apes that are part of the only successful reintroduction program for Sumatran orangutans, conservationists have learned.

World Wildlife Fund Statement on the American Clean Energy and Security Act

World Wildlife Fund issued the following statement from President and CEO Carter S. Roberts on the revised American Clean Energy and Security Act resulting from negotiations led by House Energy Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Edward Markey (D-MA).

Slow Sales Of Sustainable Palm Oil Threaten Tropical Forests; WWF To Grade Palm Oil Buyers

New figures released by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) today show that only 1 percent of the sustainable palm oil available on the market has been bought, raising concerns that one of the major solutions to halting deforestation of tropical forests is not catching on fast enough.  Rapid increases in the production of palm oil, which is found in everything from cosmetics to ice cream to chocolate bars, has caused extensive land clearing in places like Borneo and Sumatra, resulting in loss of habitat for endangered species like tigers and orangutans and contributing to climate change.

WWF Urges Presidents of US, Brazil to Add Climate Change, Deforestation to Agenda for Weekend Meeting

On the eve of this weekend’s meeting between US President Barack Obama and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, World Wildlife Fund issued a call for the two leaders to include climate change – specifically the role of deforestation – in their agenda. 

WWF Announces Williams-Sonoma, Inc. As Newest Member Of Global Forest and Trade Network

World Wildlife Fund announced today that Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has joined the Global Forest and Trade Network (GFTN), WWF’s initiative to save the world’s most valuable and threatened forests.

WWF Promotes Responsible Forest Management and Trade

Brazil Gets Tough to Stop Amazon Deforestation

Dr. Ruth Defries To Speak At World Wildlife Fund

Dr. Ruth DeFries, a leading expert in sustainable development, will discuss “Changing Dynamics of Tropical Deforestation and Atmospheric Carbon Emissions: Science Meets Policy” at World Wildlife Fund on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 4:30 p.m.  The lecture is part of the Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Seminar series, which brings distinguished scientists from a variety of fields to Washington, D.C. to present cutting edge research of central importance to international conservation. 

New Hope For Sumatra's Elephants And Tigers As Indonesia Doubles Size Of Key National Park

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) hailed today's commitment by the government of Indonesia to more than double the size of Sumatra's Tesso Nilo National Park, one of the last havens for endangered Sumatran elephants and critically endangered Sumatran tigers.

Wal-Mart Joins WWF's Global Forest and Trade Network

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. joined the Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN), World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) initiative to save the world’s most valuable and threatened forests, WWF announced today. By joining the GFTN, Wal-Mart has committed to phasing out illegal and unwanted wood sources from its supply chain and increasing its proportion of wood products originating from credibly certified sources – for Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Clubs in the United States.

WWF-Supported Timber Provision Becomes Law

The import, purchase, sale and transport of products made from illegally harvested wood will for the first time become a federal crime under legislation passed today by the U.S. Congress.

Reducing Deforestation is Key to Addressing Climate Change, WWF Official Tells Congress

WASHINGTON -- National and international plans to combat climate change must address the root causes of deforestation, which is responsible for nearly 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) official said in testimony before the U.S. Senate today. 

Major Manufacturers Commit to Responsibly Source Forest Products

Procter & Gamble and Domtar Corporation have joined the North America Forest & Trade Network (NAFTN), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) announced today. NAFTN is the North American arm of the Global Forest & Trade Network, WWF's initiative to eliminate illegal logging and improve the management of valuable and threatened forests. By facilitating trade links between companies committed to supporting responsible forestry, the Global Forest & Trade Network creates market conditions that help conserve the world’s forests while providing economic and social benefits for the businesses and people that depend on them.

WWF Hosts Indonesia Pulp and Paper Roundtable

The Global Forest & Trade Network - North America (GFTN-NA) hosted a Roundtable for investors and buyers of pulp and paper from Indonesia, a country that currently has the highest deforestation rate in the world and is the third largest contributor of CO₂ emissions due to illegal and unsustainable forest management practices. 

Destruction of Sumatra forests driving global climate change and species extinction: WWF

Pekanbaru, Sumatra-Turning just one Sumatran province's forests and peat swamps into pulpwood and palm oil plantations is generating more annual greenhouse gas emissions than the Netherlands and rapidly driving the province's elephants into extinction, a new study by WWF and partners has found.

Staples Inc. Ends Relationship with Asia Pulp & Paper

Office-supplies giant Staples Inc. has ended their relationship with Asia Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd. (APP). Staples sourced over 9 percent of its total paper supply from APP, and is the latest of large paper sellers worldwide, including Office Depot Inc., to stop buying from this paper company because of its poor environmental practices. WWF, along with businesses and many other conservation organizations, believe that APP is destroying natural rainforest and contributing heavily to climate change in order to feed its mills.

Highway Planned by Paper Giant Asian Pulp and Paper Will Destroy Sumatran Forests, says WWF

Washington D.C.– An investigative report released today by World Wildlife Fund revealed that paper giant Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and its affiliates are in the process of constructing a massive  highway for logging vehicles that threatens one of Indonesia’s most important forests. The highway, described by WWF in the report as being “legally questionable,” would cut an enormous swath  through one of Sumatra’s last remaining large forest blocks, home to two tribes of indigenous people and endangered elephants, tigers and orangutans.

Senate Passes Legislation to Prevent Imports of Illegal Wood

WASHINGTON, D.C. – World Wildlife Fund (WWF) commends the Senate for including Senator Wyden and Senator Alexander’s “Combat Illegal Logging Act” language within the manager’s amendment to the Farm Bill, which passed by a vote of 79-14 on December 14.  The amendment makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, buy or transport illegally-sourced wood products, and enables U.S. enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal timber traffickers.

Amazon Deforestation Rates Decreasing, Rainforests Still Threatened

New data from the government of Brazil shows that deforestation rates for the Brazilian Amazon from August 2006 to July 2007 have fallen for the third consecutive year - and are the lowest registered for the region since 1991.

WWF Statement on the Forest Stewardship Council in Response to Oct. 30 Wall Street Journal Article

"The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the premier international organization ensuring that forestry practices are environmentally, socially and economically responsible. Its decision to rescind the rights of Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) to use the FSC logo shows that it is a robust and credible system that is committed to the responsible management of the world's forests.

Unprecedented Pact to Save Amazonian Forests

Brasilia, Brazil - Today nine Brazilian conservation organizations, including WWF-Brazil, launched an initiative to protect the Amazon's rainforests. This historic pact establishes a system of economic incentives for conservation with a goal of eliminating deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon by 2015 - an ambitious 7 year target.

WWF Welcomes Government Support for Conservation of Indonesia's Forests

WASHINGTON --WWF welcomes the announcement this weekend by the Australian and Indonesian governments of the Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership. The Australian Government aims to contribute $30 million over four years to the partnership and encourages other government, private sector and non-government organizations to meet a target of $100 million to protect and rehabilitate large areas of forest across Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo).

WWF Nature Reserve Management Course Celebrates its First 24 Graduates

The first 24 participants in WWF's nature reserve management course have graduated from the three-year program. WWF initiated this first-of-its kind program in Xi'an (Shaanxi Province) in 2004 to address the increasing demand of nature reserves in the Qinling Mountains for a higher level of technical knowledge and capacity among their staff.

Rebuilding the Green Way

The impetus for the partnership between the American Red Cross and WWF is a shared conviction: The only way to ensure a healthy future for disaster survivors, of all species, is through the protection and sustainable restoration of the natural systems upon which we all depend. In the wake of the 2004 tsunami, WWF was asked to provide technical support on green reconstruction to the American Red Cross in their rebuilding of devastated communities.

Rate of deforestation in Amazon slowing

Brazilia, Brazil - Deforestation rates in the Amazon are declining, but ranching, logging and agriculture activities are still responsible for continued degradation of the world's largest rainforest, according to data released by the Brazilian government.

WWF Lauds Paraguay for Slashing Deforestation 85 Percent

WASHINGTON - The World Wildlife Fund today congratulated the Republic of Paraguay for its efforts in reducing deforestation rates by 85 percent. This was achieved through the implementation of the Zero Deforestation Law which prohibits the transformation and conversion of forested areas in the eastern region of Paraguay.

Barama and WWF to Influence Global Markets Through Responsible Forest Management in South America

Georgetown, Guyana - In a record-setting accomplishment for tropical forest conservation, Barama Company announced that 570,000 hectares (about 2,200 square miles) of Barama's forests in Guyana is being certified as meeting the rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Made possible by support from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Barama's certified forest becomes the largest tropical natural forest certified by FSC in the world.

WWF Featured on Front Page of Wall Street Journal

The World Wildlife Fund was featured in an article on the front page of the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, Feb. 23.

WWF and Tetra Pak to Work Together to Improve Management of Forests and Climate

Washington, DC - Tetra Pak and WWF today signed a three year agreement to cooperate to improve management of the world's forests and to reduce industrial emissions contributing to climate change. Under the agreement, Tetra Pak will take steps to strengthen its purchasing of forest-based products from well-managed forests and to reduce its CO2 emissions over the next five years by an absolute 10 percent.

Forest Service Losing Money on Biscuit Post-fire Logging

Medford -- A new report released today by scientists, former Forest Service employees, and conservation groups indicates that logging within the Biscuit fire area of southwest Oregon is costing the public both ecologically and economically. According to the report, the Forest Service has lost approximately $14 million in sale preparation and administration costs on the Biscuit fire area. Biscuit timber sold for about 70 percent less than the agency projected in its planning documents due primarily to low bid values received and driven by expensive helicopter logging operations.

One Year After the Tsunami: Building Back the Right Way

One year after the Southeast Asian tsunami, reconstruction is finally under way. But some of the hardest hit areas risk sowing the seeds of future disasters unless donor countries include sustainably sourced building materials in their long-term aid packages, according to experts from the World Wildlife Fund.

WWF Applauds Potlatch Corporation for Commitment to Responsible Forestry

"World Wildlife Fund applauds Potlatch Corporation for being a leader in responsible forest management in the U.S. With today's announcement that all 1.5 million acres of Potlatch forest land in Arkansas, Idaho, and Minnesota are now certified to the rigorous standards of the Forest Stewardship Council -- along with FSC certification for most of its processing facilities -- Potlatch joins a growing number of visionary forest products companies operating around the world. Through their corporate environmental policies and responsible forestry practices, these companies are demonstrating that responsible forestry can provide long-term, stable supplies of timber and access to markets for responsibly-produced forest products.

WWF/World Bank Forest Alliance launches ambitious program to reduce deforestation and curb illegal logging

New York - WWF and the World Bank (WB) today announced an ambitious global program aimed at reducing global deforestation rates by 10% by 2010. The announcement was made at the fifth meeting of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) both as a call to action for the international community and to mark the renewal of their cooperation agreement covering the Alliance for another five years. The present rate of global deforestation is more than 14 million hectares (about 54,000 square miles) per year, roughly equal to the size of Greece. Most of the losses occur in the tropics.

U.S. Forest Products Industry, Environmental Organizations Create Unique Partnership for Tsunami Reconstruction

Washington, D.C. - Two global conservation groups and the U.S. forest products industry have formed a unique partnership to help the tsunami-stricken people of Indonesia rebuild their lives without destroying the already threatened tropical forests of Sumatra.

World Wildlife Fund Applauds Potlatch Corporation for Commitment to Responsible Forestry

"World Wildlife Fund applauds Potlatch Corporation for being a leader in responsible forest management in the U.S. With over a million acres of forestland in Arkansas and Idaho certified to the rigorous standards of the Forest Stewardship Council, Potlatch joins a growing number of visionary forest products companies operating globally. Through their corporate environmental policies and responsible forestry practices, these companies are demonstrating that responsible forestry can provide long-term, stable supplies of timber and access to markets for responsibly-produced forest products.

Indonesia Adopts WWF Reconstruction Guidelines for Aceh

JAKARTA, Indonesia - With a strong endorsement from Indonesian officials, World Wildlife Fund Tuesday unveiled a set of reconstruction guidelines designed to promote both the economic and environmental recovery of tsunami-ravaged Aceh province.

New Commitments and Bold Measures Needed to Save the Congo Basin's Forests

Washington, DC - Despite extraordinary progress on conservation since the historic Yaoundé Summit in 1999, two thirds of the Congo Basin's forests remain at grave risk and could be lost within 50 years unless more is done to combat illegal logging, poaching, wildlife smuggling and the illicit bushmeat trade, World Wildlife Fund warned today.

'Green Reconstruction' Vital in the Aftermath of the Tsunami

Washington, DC - In the aftermath of the tsunami disaster, WWF, the global conservation organization, is calling on governments to support the devastated communities by ensuring that efforts to rebuild their livelihoods are environmentally sustainable. The call comes as a UN conference on the vulnerability of small island developing states gets underway in Mauritius in the Indian Ocean -- the area severely impacted by the tsunami.