Together for People, Nature and Climate

The Amazon is unique in both its biodiversity and cultural wealth. Water is the lifeblood of the entire Amazon region, yet its role is often overlooked in decision-making, and ecosystems and people alike are threatened by wildfires and deforestation. The spread of cattle pastures and mining are among the other serious problems facing the region.

WWF is developing protection and management plans for Ramsar wetland areas and Amazon river systems together with authorities, landowners and local communities. WWF also supports fishing groups in impoverished communities and works with small and medium-sized cattle farmers to promote regenerative livestock farming. In addition, WWF works to prevent and mitigate forest fires. The programme also involves collaboration with other countries across the Amazon region.

Indonesia is home to some of the world’s most diverse wildlife, yet this is threatened by unsustainable land use. The region is uniquely rich in species and provides a vital habitat for birds of paradise and leatherback sea turtles, among others. Land use also threatens the rights of the region’s indigenous peoples.

WWF promotes indigenous peoples’ land rights and works in collaboration with communities to develop livelihoods and preparedness for the impacts of climate change, for example.

In Laos, nature is threatened by deforestation, illegal logging and wildlife trafficking. Protected areas are diverse and important for carbon sequestration, but their management is weak. Local communities play an essential role in restoring forests and eradicating illegal wildlife trafficking and poaching.

WWF supports improved management of two national parks, engages local communities in restoring park habitats, and works to make value chains, livelihoods and agriculture more sustainable. Furthermore, WWF promotes adaptation to climate change through nature-based solutions and monitors illegal wildlife trafficking and poaching.

Madagascar’s long isolation from the African continent has given rise to a distinctive and extraordinarily diverse array of species found nowhere else in the world. Deforestation is a vast problem in Madagascar. The population of this impoverished country is growing and agriculture is spreading into new areas, and the programme region is vulnerable to cyclones and flooding. Madagascar also faces illegal timber and natural resource trading as well as illegal mining.

WWF protects, restores and manages protected areas and the buffer zones surrounding them. WWF also supports species monitoring and poaching prevention. The programme also works to improve community livelihoods and food security, including by promoting value chains that protect forests and improving access to new markets. WWF provides technical support for preparedness for the impacts of climate change.

In Nepal, the habitats of tigers, rhinos and elephants as well as other endangered species face various threats, such as infrastructure projects. Conflicts between people and wildlife have become more frequent. The region is also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, drought, landslides and wildfires.

WWF supports community forests and sustainable forest management, maintains forest corridors connecting woodland areas, strengthens nature-compatible livelihoods and seeks solutions to conflicts between people and wildlife. Nature-based solutions are used to support both communities and ecosystems.

In Tanzania, the programme area is the country’s largest source of fresh water. The remaining forests are threatened by deforestation, forest degradation and inadequate natural resource governance. Population pressure and poverty are driving smallholder farming into forest areas.

WWF helps communities and authorities to restore forest areas and raises awareness of sustainable use of natural resources. The programme also improves communities’ and ecosystems’ abilities to prepare for and adapt to climate change through, for example, training, more sustainable agriculture and restoration. Food security and ecosystem health are likewise addressed through changes in agricultural practices, whilst community and organisational capacity for natural resource governance is also strengthened.

In Uganda, the programme area of Virunga is home to many unique species, including mountain gorillas, elephants, chimpanzees, lions and hippos. Poverty and population growth drive deforestation, and demand for wildlife products causes poaching, which is exacerbated by the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

WWF supports local communities and the development of the forest industry to ease pressure on natural resource use. Furthermore, WWF restores forest areas, develops value chains and strengthens the position of producer organisations and cooperatives. WWF is also involved in developing regional forestry plans and management of national parks.

In Ukraine, nature is burdened by both long-standing environmental challenges and widespread destruction caused by Russia’s war of aggression. Forests, waterways and soil have been contaminated and ecosystems destroyed. At the same time, pressure for rapid reconstruction has grown, increasing the risk that environmental concerns are sidelined.

WWF’s work in Ukraine focuses on protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable reconstruction. WWF supports authorities in strengthening environmental governance and promotes consideration of environmental and climate issues in Ukraine’s reconstruction and EU integration.

WWF works closely with civil society organisations and strengthens their role in decision-making. The aim is to ensure that the protection and restoration of nature and the wellbeing of people go hand in hand in Ukraine’s reconstruction.

In Africa, both people and ecosystems face an acute need to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Funding is needed for adaptation measures, and political decision-making must strengthen communities’ capacity to adapt to climate change.

WWF leads regional learning and sharing of best practices among WWF offices and partners, and seeks to improve climate policy and financing of solutions. Effective and inclusive regional partnerships are also being built, and participation in multilateral agreements and their implementation is being strengthened. WWF provides technical support to regional offices and partners.

Poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking are among the greatest threats to wildlife in eastern Africa. This criminal activity has harmful effects on species, people’s livelihoods and security, and tackling it requires regional cooperation. Conflicts between people and wildlife cause damage and can increase poaching.

The programme supports regional WWF offices, authorities, local communities and other key partners in combating poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking and preventing conflicts. The programme promotes and supports implementation of both national and regional agreements and cooperation between different parties. WWF works together with local forest and wildlife ranger organisations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, and raises awareness and understanding of the latest conservation methods.