For 50 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature.

The world’s leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by more than one million members in the United States and close to five million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.

These things are not just “nice to have”. . . they are “need to haves.” They are the things that make it possible for them to live. And so, to ensure their very survival, they must be kept safe.

It’s a big job. And no one person or organization can do it alone.

WWF-US is part of the WWF global network which has worked for more than 50 years to protect the future of nature. In 2016, WWF embraced a bold new strategy and transformation designed to make the organization stronger and even more effective in tackling the challenges ahead. In this video, Marco Lambertini, Director General, WWF International, talks about WWF’s new way of working and commitment to conservation results.

History

In 1961, a limited number of organizations around the world—such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and The Conservation Foundation—were trying to meet conservation needs, but were desperately short of funds.

The first call for broad support was the Morges Manifesto, signed in 1961 by 16 of the world’s leading conservationists, including biologist and African wildlife enthusiast Sir Julian Huxley, IUCN vice president Sir Peter Scott and director-general of the British Nature Conservancy E. M. Nicholson. The Morges Manifesto stated that while the expertise to protect the world environment existed, the financial support to achieve this protection did not. The decision was made to establish World Wildlife Fund as an international fundraising organization to work in collaboration with existing conservation groups and bring substantial financial support to the conservation movement on a worldwide scale.