Safeguarding the natural world
Our planet’s most outstanding wildlife and places – on land, in the oceans, and in rivers and lakes – are under severe threat from habitat destruction, illegal and unsustainable trade, and over-harvesting.
WWF is working to improve their protection and governance – providing both practical support at a local level for wildlife, habitats and communities, and broader policy solutions that address the runaway demand for natural resources and help people value nature.
WWF’s Living Planet Report 2008 has shown average falls of nearly 30% since 1970 in populations of about 1,700 vertebrate species in terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats.
“The runaway demand for the world’s limited natural resources is pushing many species to the brink of extinction, and making many poor people even poorer,” explained Director of Programmes, Glyn Davies, who is responsible for our conservation activities. “It’s an ongoing battle, but our practical work and policy initiatives both in the UK and worldwide are making a real difference.”
Forest protection
Because animals depend on healthy environments to thrive, we have long focused on curbing deforestation.
Water pressure
The world’s rivers and seas are under increasing pressure from the demands placed on them by people.
How you can help
Also in this annual review
- Challenging illegal fishing in the Arctic
- Helping China's earthquake recovery
- Good news for Colombia's diverse nature
- Bringing the Indus back to life
Download
Living Planet Report 2008
…our practical work and policy initiatives both in the UK and worldwide are making a real difference.
Glyn Davies, Director of Programmes