WWF-UK: What we do

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What we do

WWF-UK works on both global and local environmental issues.
As part of the international WWF network, WWF-UK addresses global threats to people and nature such as climate change, the peril to endangered species and habitats, and the unsustainable consumption of the world's natural resources. We do this by influencing how governments, businesses and people think, learn and act in relation to the world around us, and by working with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend.

WWF uses its practical experience, knowledge and credibility to create long-term solutions for the planet's environment.

In the UK | Around the world

In the UK
Governments, business and industry, society in general... they all bring about change, and WWF's worldwide reputation gives us access to them all.

Government and policy WWF raises crucial environmental issues with decision-makers of all political persuasions. We seek to influence them so that our key messages for the environment are incorporated into policy initiatives.
Visit our Public Affairs Team's section to find out more about our presence at party conferences.
Visit www.wwf.org.uk/localmatters to find out more about local government issues.

Business and industry WWF's philosophy is to engage positively and constructively with business, so that we can develop partnerships, raise funds for the environment, stimulate green innovation in business, and challenge bad business practices. Find out more at www.wwf.org.uk/business

Education WWF-UK plays a vital role in influencing the education syllabus and ensuring that the environment and sustainable development are represented, as well as providing resources and materials for teachers. Find out more at www.wwflearning.co.uk

UK action WWF is active in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. We are focusing on how to reduce the UK's 'ecological footprint' - the environmental impact we make on the wider world - because the need to take action at home is as important as it is elsewhere in the world. To find out how you can reduce your footprint visit our One Planet Future pages.

Campaigning Visit our One Planet Future site to find out about our current campaigns.

Around the world
We select our programmes carefully, so that they bring the broadest range of benefits to people as well as nature.

WWF-UK's worldwide conservation work is based on a series of long-term, large-scale programmes that are designed to counter biodiversity loss and provide solutions to the challenges facing the natural world.

WWF-UK's Global Conservation Programmes include the following:

In China, WWF is aiming to re-link disconnected lakes, support local economic development and create a network of protected areas. Our programme is being conducted in partnership with local governments and is supported by HSBC. Find out more about our work in China

In Colombia, our programme promotes the creation of protected areas including forests, rivers and wetlands, supports the development of low-impact whale watching, and aims to improve protection of nesting beaches for turtles. Find out more about our work in Colombia

In East Africa, we are working to ensure that the marine resources, regional economies and the livelihoods of coastal communities are protected. Find out more about our work in East Africa

In the Himalayas, WWF is working in Bhutan, India and Nepal to tackle causes of habitat fragmentation. We are creating forest corridors between the region's protected areas, and involving local people in forest management. Find out more about our work in the Himalayas

In Namibia, WWF's programme demonstrates that properly managed wildlife resources can bring social, environmental and financial returns to communities through schemes such as responsible tourism. The past few years have seen dramatic increases in wildlife numbers. Find out more about our work in Namibia

In the north-east Atlantic region, we work in nine countries, including the UK, to maintain important natural resources. This is achieved by lobbying governments, building partnerships and demonstrating solutions through practical projects. Find out more about our work in the north-east Atlantic

In Tanzania, WWF is helping to develop a programme to restore the Great Ruaha River so it flows all year round once again. The year-round water supply will improve the long-term prospects for millions of people as well as for substantial numbers of wildlife. Find out more about our work in Tanzania

In the western Mediterranean, WWF is working to protect, manage and restore the natural wealth of cork oak landscapes, for people and nature, by influencing the policies, practices and markets that affect them. Find out more about our work in the western Mediterranean

As part of WWF's global policy programme, we work with governments and international organisations such as the United Nations, the European Commission and the World Trade Organisation to promote development that is both fair and sustainable. We are also closely engaged with international treaties such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Mountain gorillas, Mother and young© WWF-Canon/Martin HARVEY

WWF works to
  • conserve endangered species - such as tigers, great apes and whales;
  • protect endangered spaces - such as forests, savannahs, wetlands and seas;
  • address global threats to the planet - such as climate change and toxic chemicals

  • for the benefit of people and nature.











    WWF-UK's Chief Executive addressing a meeting © WWF-UK

    Children are the future © image100

    Campaigning against toxic chemicals © WWF-UK/ B Kelly/ Mousetrap Media






















    Chinese man reading a WWF wetlands poster © WWF-Canon/Y Zhang

    Rainforest, Colombia © WWF-Canon/A Rath

    Mafia Island, Tanzania © WWF-UK/E Parker

    Rhino, Nepal © WWF-Canon/M Gunther

    Teaching forest management, Mexico © WWF-Canon/A Rath

    Cheetah, Namibia © WWF-Canon/M Harvey

    Fishing boats, UK © WWF-Canon/E Newby

    Ruaha River, Tanzania © C Allen-Storey

    Cork oak tree high in the mountains near Alcala de los Gazules, Andalucia. Spain © WWF-Canon / Edward PARKER