WWF Conservation Insiders Series

Nature and Infrastructure: Building a Better Tomorrow

Kate Newman, Vice President, Sustainable Infrastructure and Public Sector Initiatives April, 2021

Infrastructure is the backbone of our society—a driver of social and economic growth and the foundation of our security and livelihoods. But infrastructure investments can have profound and lasting negative impacts on the environment as well as communities, wildlife, and supply chains. In this webinar, hear Kate Newman, vice president for sustainable infrastructure and public sector initiatives, discuss how World Wildlife Fund is striving to ensure the world delivers resilient, climate-smart infrastructure that allows both people and nature to thrive.

Virtual Safari: Tracking the Big Five in Kruger National Park

March, 2021

For nature and travel enthusiasts, staying home this past year has been challenging. Likely, many of you are eager to get back on the road or in the air, en route to any number of inspiring nature destinations around the world. In this episode of the Insiders Series, we’re going to bring the wilds of nature to you—no travel required—on a virtual safari with our travel partner Natural Habitat Adventures. Join us as we tag along with Rich de Gouveia & Matt Meyer, two of Natural Habitat’s most seasoned guides, as they traverse the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, deep within the bush of South Africa’s renowned Greater Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—and odds are good that, during the safari, we may see them all, along with a host of other species—like cheetah, hyena, wild dog, and unique bird species—that make this area legendary.

Thank you for joining us for the Virtual Safari! We will share a recording of the program in the coming days.

Restoring the Northern Great Plains "One Square Foot" at a Time

March, 2021

Botanica by Air Wick, Air Wick® Scented Oils and WWF have just launched a three-year partnership that will reseed 1 billion square feet (~23,000 acres) of disturbed grasslands and wildflower habitats in the Northern Great Plains (NGP). North America is home to nearly 4,000 species of native bees, many hundreds of which are found within the NGP. The “One Square Foot” project will provide food and shelter for many of these important pollinators, along with grassland birds, and the many other species that are native to the region. Since 2009, the United States has lost 33 million acres of grassland and wildflower habitats in the US Great Plains, which equates to half the size of Colorado. For more than 7 years, grasslands in this region have been plowed-up at an average rate of four football fields per minute, prioritizing row-crop agriculture over the preservation of wildlife. In this webinar, hear Clay Bolt, Communications Lead for WWF’s Northern Great Plains Program, discuss how this partnership will help restore and protect one of the last remaining temperate grasslands in the world.

Sustainable Fisheries & Aquaculture: A Whole Planet Approach

February, 2021

3 billion people around the world depend on fish as a vital source of nutrition and up to 10% of the global population, particularly in developing countries and coastal communities, relies on fisheries for their livelihood. While fisheries and aquaculture produce lower greenhouse gas emissions than other agricultural food systems, there are risks and challenges from poor management, climate change, and illegal exploitation. Join us to hear from Caroline Tippett, Senior Director, Seafood Markets; Vishwanie Maharaj, Director, Tunas and International Fisheries; and Aaron McNevin, Global Network Lead, Aquaculture, about the work WWF is doing to reverse marine species and ecosystem declines, buffer the effects of climate change, and provide financial and food security for local communities.

Securing a Future for Wild Tigers: A look beyond the numbers

Stuart Chapman, Leader, Tigers Alive Initiative, WWF InternationalDechen Dorji, Senior Director for Asia, Wildlife Conservation February, 2021

In 2010, the global wild tiger population was at an all-time low of an estimated 3,200. With the future of wild tigers at risk, leaders from 13 tiger-range countries decided it was time to act and work together towards an unprecedented goal: doubling the number of tigers in the wild by 2022, the next Chinese Lunar Year of the Tiger. WWF played a critical role in creating a shared vision for tiger conservation by partnering with the 13 tiger-range country governments and committing to the same goal. This effort, known as Tx2 is one of the most ambitious global recovery efforts ever undertaken for a single species and was a significant turning point for tiger conservation. In this webinar, hear from Stuart Chapman, Tigers Alive Initiative Lead and Dechen Dorji, Senior Director for Asia, Wildlife Conservation as they update us on the lessons learned in the first 10 years of the campaign—what worked, what didn’t, and where we go after 2022 to keep the population of this iconic species thriving.

A New Day in Washington, DC: Charting WWF’s Strategy under the Biden-Harris Administration and the 117th Congress

Alejandro Pérez, Senior Vice President, Policy and Government AffairsRose LuttenbergerAnthony Tusino January, 2021

With this election, the American people made clear they want to change direction. President-elect Biden has taken office with a mandate to turn the tide in America’s fight against climate change. He also inherits the job of managing the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and preventing future pandemics -- a task that includes repairing our broken relationship with nature and wildlife. As candidate for president, he set out the most aggressive climate and environmental justice plan ever introduced by a major party nominee and, as President-elect, he made it clear that science will be at the forefront of his administration. Join us to hear from Alejandro Pérez, WWF’s Senior Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs and his colleagues Rose Luttenberger, Legislative Affairs Associate and Anthony Tusino, Associate for Policy and Government Affairs as they discuss how the political landscape has shifted with the 2020 election and what it means for WWF’s policy priorities under the Biden-Harris administration.

The Race to Save the Arctic

Elisabeth Kruger, Manager, Arctic Wildlife January, 2021

The Arctic is a region like no other in the world. Diverse landscapes—sea ice, coastal wetlands, upland tundra, mountains, wide rivers, and the sea itself—are home to more than 4 million people and an abundance of wildlife. However, due to climate change, mining, shipping, oil and gas development, and overfishing, the Arctic faces an uncertain future. In this webinar, hear from Elisabeth Kruger, WWF’s Manager for Arctic Wildlife, as she talks about her work to save iconic species like polar bears, bowhead whales, and narwhals in this majestic corner of the world.

The Great Monarch Migration

María José Villanueva, Conservation Director, WWF-Mexico Eduardo (Lalo) Rendón, Deputy Director of the Terrestrial Ecosystems Program, WWF-Mexico December, 2020

Each year monarch butterflies migrate from southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States to hibernate in the forests of Mexico. There, a less extreme climate provides them a better chance to survive. Their annual migration—between 1,200 and 2,800 miles—is considered one of the most incredible phenomena in the animal kingdom. Preserving the monarchs’ remarkable journey requires action, especially in light of threats such as climate change, land conversion, and forest degradation. In this webinar, hear from María José Villanueva and Eduardo (Lalo) Rendón from WWF-Mexico about what is being done to address the threats to this cherished and imperiled species, and how our work involves and benefits local communities.

Forests: Our First Line of Defense Against Disease

Annika Terrana, Manager, Forests December, 2020

There is a clear link between human health and the health of the natural world. Healthy forests play a key role in keeping us protected against the dangers of infectious diseases like malaria, Lyme disease, and noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease. In fact, almost all aspects of human health depend on a thriving natural world. From fresh air, clean water, and food to energy, medicines, and materials, nature is vital to our survival and well-being. Join us to hear from Annika Terrana, WWF manager for forests, about how forests are inextricably linked to safeguarding human health and how those connections are critical to stopping the next pandemic before it starts.

Your Commitment in Action: 2020 Conservation Wins

Julie Miller, Senior Vice President, Development, WWF November, 2020

2020 has been a year unlike any other in modern history. From raging wildfires to a global pandemic, the consequences of our unbalanced relationship with nature can be seen around the globe. But, even in these unprecedented times, there are stories that we can be grateful for – conservation wins that you made possible. IN this very special Thanksgiving edition of the Insiders Series, we will give you highlights from the past year of WWF’s work to safeguard habitats, restore species, develop the next generation of conservation leaders, and support communities around the world.

If you are asked for a passcode to view the video, please enter: wwfus

The Future of the Amazon

Meg Symington, Managing Director, Amazon October, 2020

There is no other place on Earth that showcases the diversity of life quite like the Amazon. The vast region spans eight South American countries and is home to 10% of all known wildlife species and over 30 million people. For more than 40 years World Wildlife Fund has been at the forefront of efforts to help communities thrive alongside nature in the Amazon by protecting the forests, species, and people that call the rainforest home. In this webinar, hear from Dr. Meg Symington, WWF’s Managing Director for the Amazon about her work in the world´s largest remaining tropical forest and why protecting it is crucial to the overall health of our planet.

Please also enjoy a special information session about The Great Amazon River Cruise, a November 2021 river journey through the Peruvian Amazon with WWF experts and our closest supporters. You'll hear from our travel experts who will discuss the itinerary and river vessel as well as the activities and wildlife to be encountered along the way.

Conservation Across Borders

Robin Naidoo, Senior Conservation Scientist and Lead Wildlife Scientist October, 2020

In August 2011, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe signed a treaty to reach across their borders and create the world’s largest conservation area, the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, known as KAZA. The massive, contiguous landscape links together more than 20 national parks, numerous reserves and protected areas, and popular tourist destinations like Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, and Bwabwata National Park. Join us to hear from WWF’s Senior Conservation Scientist and Lead Wildlife Scientist Dr. Robin Naidoo about his research on the migratory patterns of wildlife in the area and how the work he is doing on the ground is helping to realize the ambitious vision of KAZA: five countries joining together to protect wildlife, promote tourism, and support the socioeconomic well-being of local communities.

Dzanga-Sangha: Land of the Gorilla

Allard Blom, Managing Director for the Congo Basin September, 2020

For more than 30 years, WWF has worked in Dzanga-Sangha, partnering closely with the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and local communities to support management of natural resources in this incredible forest ecosystem where gorillas, elephants, and people coexist. Driving conservation here is the ethos that nature and people can thrive together. Thanks to an approach based on long-term community engagement, Dzanga-Sangha stands as a model of enduring conservation in a region fraught with conflict. Join us on World Gorilla Day to hear from Allard Blom, WWF Managing Director for the Congo Basin, about his extensive experience in the region, including his leadership in creating a successful gorilla habituation program, where tourists can visit the elusive western lowland gorillas – and how that program is leading to the protection of the species.

The 2020 Living Planet Report

Rebecca Shaw, Chief Scientist and Senior Vice President, Global Science Daniel Dae Kim, Actor and Activist September, 2020

The Living Planet Report, published by WWF every two years, documents trends in biodiversity and the health of our planet. The report provides scientific evidence to what nature has been telling us repeatedly: unsustainable human activity is pushing the planet’s natural systems to the edge and the life-giving resources that humans rely on are at stake. Watch this video to hear Chief Scientist Dr. Rebecca Shaw's’ perspective on the report's findings and its implications for human health. Shaw is joined by Actor and Activist Daniel Dae Kim for a candid conversation about this year's report.

Solutions for a Plastic-Free Future for Nature

Erin Simon, Head, Plastic Waste and Business August, 2020

Nature has long taught us that change is key to survival. And with plastic pollution entering our oceans at a rate of one dump truck per minute—threatening the habitats and ecosystems on which we and many species depend—change can’t wait. In response, WWF has embarked on a global initiative to turn this faucet of pollution off and with a vision of No Plastic in Nature by 2030. In this webinar, hear from Erin Simon, Head of Plastic Waste and Business to learn more about the scope and scale of this global crisis—and why solving it isn’t as simple as ditching a straw habit.

Educating the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders

Nelly Kadagi, Director of Conservation Leadership and the Education for Nature Program, Global Science August, 2020

For 25 years the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) has helped build the next generation of conservation leaders committed to protecting the world’s most biologically diverse places. Started in 1994 to honor the late Russell E. Train, founder, president, and chairman of the board of WWF, EFN provides financial support to conservation leaders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, to help them gain the skills and knowledge necessary to address environmental challenges in their home countries. Since the program began, EFN has supported more than 2,700 individuals and organizations around the world, including Dr. Nelly Kadagi, WWF’s new Director of Conservation Leadership and the Education for Nature Program. In this webinar, Nelly shares her experience and her vision for the future of the EFN program.

Joining Forces to Stop Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Online

Crawford Allan, Senior Director, TRAFFIC July, 2020

The world’s most endangered species are under threat from an unexpected source—the Internet. Increased connectivity across the globe, combined with a growing middle class and rising buying power has made purchasing illegally obtained wildlife and wildlife products like elephant ivory, tiger cubs, and pangolin scales as easy as click, pay, ship. Join us to hear from Crawford Allan, Senior Director of Wildlife, about how WWF is working alongside the world’s biggest e-commerce, technology, and social media companies to shut down illegal wildlife trafficking online.

Innovating Climate Solutions for Wildlife

Nikhil Advani, Director, Climate, Communities and Wildlife July, 2020

From penguins in South Africa to rhinos in Nepal, climate change impacts wildlife across our planet. To help vulnerable species become more resilient to these changes, WWF launched the Wildlife Adaptation Innovation Fund. This Fund supports the testing of innovative, on-the-ground solutions that help species adapt to changes in weather and climate. Successful pilot projects can then be scaled or replicated elsewhere. Join World Wildlife Fund and hear from Dr. Nikhil Advani, WWF’s Director, Climate, Communities and Wildlife, to learn about the projects we have implemented over the last few years, and how, together, we are creating a brighter future for wildlife.

This webinar is interactive and offers you an exclusive opportunity to ask your most pressing questions. Already know what question(s) you would like to pose during the live event? Feel free to submit your question using the form below. We will do our best to get to as many questions as we can.

Human-Wildlife Conflict: Finding Solutions

Nilanga Jayasinghe, Manager, Wildlife Conservation June, 2020

Today, an increasingly crowded world has led to habitat loss and fragmentation and escalating competition for resources, resulting in more frequent and negative interactions between humans and wildlife. Human-wildlife conflict is a complex and escalating global conservation challenge, but also a significant livelihood issue for rural people in developing countries. It also poses significant risks to the survival of many species. Join WWF’s Nilanga Jayasinghe to learn more about human-wildlife conflict and how, with your help, WWF is working to address the issue around the world and keep both people and wildlife safe.

Freezing the Footprint of Food

Pete Pearson, Senior Director, Food Loss and Waste June, 2020

Today, 7.3 billion people consume 1.6 times what the Earth’s natural resources can supply. By 2050, the world’s population will reach 9 billion and the demand for food will double. Learn how WWF works with communities, industry leaders, governments, and others to feed the world while conserving the Earth’s precious natural resources. We will discuss how the issues of agriculture and food loss and waste are of critical importance to that work, and the impacts of COVID-19 on the global food system.

The Environment and Disasters: Building Resilience with Green Recovery and Reconstruction

Anita van Breda, Senior Director, Environment and Disaster Management May, 2020

Disasters, like the recent fires in the Amazon rain forest and in Australia, are on the rise. Each disaster reshapes landscapes and communities. The most destructive impacts occur instantly: lives lost, homes destroyed, families displaced. But the secondary rebuilding efforts can impact communities, and the environment, for years to come. Learn how WWF is working with governments and leading humanitarian organizations to advance green disaster recovery and build resilience for affected communities worldwide.

COVID-19 and Wildlife Trade

Ginette Hemley, Senior Vice President, Wildlife ConservationJan Vertefeuille, Senior Advisor, Advocacy, Wildlife Conservation May, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear the connections between zoonotic diseases and high-risk wildlife trade—and consequently, the devastating impacts this trade can have on human health and economies. Recognition of these threats—both present and future—requires us to address the dangers posed by illegal, unregulated and high-risk wildlife markets.

Tigers, Captive and Wild: A Dangerous Connection

Leigh Henry, Director, Wildlife Policy, Wildlife Conservation April, 2020

While roughly 3,900 tigers remain in the wild, an estimated 5,000 tigers live in captivity in the US. Only about 6% of these captive tigers reside in accredited zoos—the rest are privately owned. This is not conservation. Learn how the existence of captive tigers endangers the survival of wild tigers, and what WWF is doing to change that.

Wide Open Spaces: Saving America's Northern Great Plains

Monica Terkildsen, Tribal Liaison, Northern Great Plains Program (NGP), WWFKevin Ellison, Grasslands Ecologist, Northern Great Plains March, 2020

The Northern Great Plains is one of only four intact temperate grasslands left on the planet—and it’s threatened. Today, few bison roam the open plains. Grassland songbirds have suffered some of the steepest population declines of any birds in North America. And the black-footed ferret is the continent’s most endangered mammal. Watch this webinar to learn how, with your help, WWF is leading innovative work alongside tribal nations, ranchers, and other partners, on conservation solutions that bolster economic opportunities for communities while securing a sustainable future for nature in this iconic American region.

Climate Crisis: Mobilizing Action to Ensure a Livable Planet

Genevieve Maricle, Manager, Global Strategic Opportunities, WWF Climate and Energy Melanie Gade, Manager, WWF Foundation Relations November, 2019

Last month, the urgency of the climate crisis made headlines around the world as thousands mobilized in the streets, reports revealed the severity of climate impacts, and the United Nations General Assembly featured an emergency Climate Summit. In this critical moment of humanity's response to climate change, we need action from all levels – governments, businesses, local communities, and individuals. Join us for a look at the progress made during the UN General Assembly Climate Week and how, with your help, WWF is helping to shape the agenda, promote nature-based solutions, strengthen government commitments, and drive the kind of action the world needs.

Protecting Mangroves: Turning the Tide for a Critical Ecosystem

Michael Crispino, Communications Director, Oceans Laura Veverka, Program Officer, Resilient Coastal Ecosystems May, 2019

Almost two-thirds of the planet’s tropical coastlines contain mangroves. These watery, otherworldly forests constitute some of nature’s most dynamic and biologically complex ecosystems. They buffer coasts from storm surges, house an incredible amount of wildlife, and supply food and livelihoods for local communities. And they store carbon, which makes them one of the Earth’s best defenses against a changing climate. Yet, in the past 50 years, half of the world’s mangroves have been wiped out. Join us to learn how, with your help, WWF is leading the charge to safeguard these vulnerable habitats and build a future where both mangroves and people thrive.

Saving Species: A Global Coalition to End Online Wildlife Trafficking

Crawford Allan, Senior Director, TRAFFIC Giavanna Grien, Program Officer, Wildlife Crime & TRAFFIC October, 2018

Over the last decade, growing global wealth and demand has fueled an international poaching and trafficking crisis that is jeopardizing the survival of species like rhinos, pangolins, tigers, and elephants. As enforcement agencies crack down on physical marketplaces, criminals are shifting their operations to the internet. In this webinar, Crawford and Gia discuss how WWF has responded by partnering with more than 20 of the biggest tech companies in the world to create the Global Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online—and secure a future for threatened species.

Wild Rivers: A Sustainable Future for Wildlife and Communities

Michele Thieme, Lead Conservation Scientist, Fresh Water Catherine Blancard, Director, Freshwater Communications & Advocacy June, 2018

Free-flowing rivers are the arteries and veins of the Earth. The natural flows of clean, fresh water are essential for the health of entire landscapes, millions of people, and diverse wildlife—from river dolphins in the Amazon, to elephants in Africa, to tigers in Asia and beyond. But, free-flowing rivers are disappearing. In this webinar, Michele and Catherine discuss how WWF is helping to keep rivers wild and protecting the species and communities that depend on them.

Hope for Elephants: Shutting Down Demand for Ivory

Ginette Hemley, Senior Vice President, Wildlife ConservationJan Vertefeuille, Senior Advisor, Advocacy, Wildlife Conservation February, 2018

The world’s elephant populations are being decimated by poaching. Fueled by consumer demand for ivory, at least 20,000 elephants are killed each year, mostly for their tusks. In this webinar, Ginette and Jan discuss how WWF is leading a global effort to stop the crisis and ensure a future in which these majestic animals thrive for generations to come.

Delivering on the Promise of Paris

Mariana Panuncio-Feldman, Senior Director, International Climate Cooperation November, 2017

Mariana and Elan discuss how WWF is building a movement toward a climate-resilient future, including bringing together more than 2,300 governors, businesses, and colleges and universities in response to the Trump Administration’s decision to pull out of the historic Paris climate agreement.

Tech Solutions to Protect Wildlife

Eric Becker, Conservation Engineer, Wildlife Conservation ProgramColby Loucks, Vice President, Wildlife Conservation Program May, 2017

Eric and Colby discuss how WWF is using innovative solutions like thermal cameras, acoustic detection software, and unmanned aerial vehicles to stop poachers in their tracks and keep ecologically important species—including elephants and rhinos—safe.

Building on 2016 Wildlife Wins

Ginette Hemley, Senior Vice President, Wildlife Conservation January, 2017

Ginette discusses recent victories for some of Earth’s most iconic and beloved species, from tigers to elephants, rhinos, sharks and pangolins—and examines what these successes mean for the future of wildlife conservation and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

People & The Island of Lemurs

Rachel Kramer, Deputy Chief of Party, Targeting Natural Resource Corruption October, 2016

Rachel discusses how growing demand for resources is driving deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade on the world’s fourth largest island—and how WWF is working together with Madagascar’s people to create a sustainable future.

Nepal: Small Country Big Impact

May, 2016

Shubash discusses how this small Himalayan country is leading the fight against wildlife crime and spotlights how the lessons learned there are helping other countries protect not just rhinos, but also elephants, tigers and other vulnerable species.

Protecting our Planet in 2015

Carter Roberts, President & CEO, World Wildlife Fund December, 2015

Carter Roberts recounts our conservation successes from 2015 and looks to the year ahead, including a discussion about the UN climate negotiations in Paris and how WWF is working to combat climate change.

Stories from the Field

Barney Long, Director of Species ConservationDennis Jorgensen, Bison Initiative Coordinator, Program Officer, Northern Great Plains October, 2015

Barney and Dennis discuss WWF’s species recovery work, including on-the-ground efforts to protect and restore iconic species like tigers, bison, and rhinos.

Our Fish: Our Planet

Michele Kuruc, Vice President, Ocean Policy May, 2015

Michele discusses WWF’s work to combat black market fishing, how illegally caught seafood ends up on our dinner plates, and what each of us can do to ensure the fish we eat wasn't stolen from the sea.

Protecting Our Planet in 2014

Carter Roberts, President & CEO, World Wildlife Fund December, 2014

Carter Roberts looks back at conservation success stories from 2014 and looks ahead as WWF embarks on a new path to take our work to the next level.

Protecting the Amazon for Life

Meg Symington, Managing Director, Amazon September, 2014

Meg discusses WWF’s long-standing commitment to the region and how your support helped us broker one of the biggest conservation wins in history: a deal to permanently secure the world’s largest network of tropical forest protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon.

The Green Heart of Africa

Matthew Lewis, Senior Program Officer for African Species, WWF-US Wildlife Conservation Program June, 2014

Matthew discusses what makes the Congo Basin special and how WWF is working to empower local communities to protect their natural resources, collaborate across borders to curb wildlife crim and recover iconic species.

WWF in America's Backyard

Martha Kauffman, Managing Director, Northern Great Plains March, 2014

Martha discusses WWF's efforts—in partnership with Native American tribes, local ranchers and public land managers—to restore and enhance wildlife in ways that benefit the people and honor the cultures of the region.

Protecting Our Planet in 2013

Carter Roberts, President & CEO, World Wildlife Fund December, 2013

Carter Roberts discusses our successes from the past year as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Tigers in the wild

Dr. Barney Long, Species Protection and Asian Species Conservation October, 2013

Barney discusses how tiger recovery in places like Nepal’s Bardia National Park is helping us meet our goal of doubling the number of tigers in the wild by 2022.

This Sacred Earth

July, 2012

Dekila discusses WWF's work with diverse faith communities to protect wild places and animals through our Sacred Earth program.