About WWF-UK

WWF works around the world to protect endangered species and habitats, and address threats such as climate change and the unsustainable consumption of the world's natural resources.

We are one of the most experienced NGOs in the world, with nearly 50 years of conservation work behind us.  We are also the largest - working in more than 90 countries, including the UK.

Although we are best known for our work to protect endangered species, this is only part of what we do. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment. We want to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. In order to do this, we need to protect the world’s biological diversity, ensure that our use of the planet’s resources is sustainable and reduce pollution.

As a science-based organisation, our work is guided by the best available scientific information available. We want to work with people – we look for dialogue and try to avoid unnecessary confrontation. We focus on achieving long-term sustainable solutions for the benefit of both people and nature.

And we are successful at doing this. We influence how governments and businesses think and act, through lobbying, campaigning and education. We build partnerships with other organisations. We work with local communities to improve their livelihoods and the environment upon which we all depend. And we involve indigenous peoples in the planning and execution of field programmes, respecting their cultural as well as economic needs.

By supporting WWF you can play your part in conserving the future of the natural world, and the wildlife and people that depend on it. You will be contributing to practical projects that protect endangered species, as well as helping us to persuade governments to adopt environmentally-friendly policies.

Thank you for any support you are able to give.

Our history

WWF was officially founded on 11 September 1961 amid fears that habitat destruction and hunting would soon bring about the extinction of much of Africa's wildlife.

Among the distinguished group of founders were Sir Julian Huxley, the renowned biologist, and Sir Peter Scott, the naturalist and painter, who designed the original panda logo. The organisation's international headquarters were established in Switzerland, and WWF offices were set up in many countries, starting with the UK.

By the end of the 1970's, the focus of WWF's work had broadened to encompass not only the conservation of wildlife and habitats, but also the wider implications of man's activities on the environment.

Launched in 1980, the WWF's world Conservation Strategy warned that humanity had no future unless nature and the world's natural resources were conserved. It also introduced the concept of sustainable development - living within the limits of the natural environment without compromising the needs of future generations - which has been central to WWF's thinking ever since.

In the four decades since its foundation, WWF has grown from modest beginnings into a truly global conservation organisation that has been instrumental in making the environment a matter of world concern. In addition to funding and managing countless conservation projects throughout the world, WWF continues to lobby governments and policy-makers, conduct research, influence education systems, and work with business and industry to address global threats to the planet by seeking long-term solutions for the benefit of people and nature.