WWF is one of the world's largest conservation organizations. WWF came into existence on 29 April 1961, when a small group of passionate and committed individuals signed a declaration that came to be known as the Morges Manifesto.

Since its founding, WWF has invested nearly US$10 billion in more than 13,000 conservation projects in over 150 countries.

WWF runs about 1,300 projects at any one time. In carrying out its work, WWF cooperates with many partners, including UN organizations, IUCN, and development agencies such as USAID and the World Bank. WWF also works with business & industry partners.

Mission

WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by:

• conserving the world’s biological diversity
• ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable
• promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

What WWF Does

In order to achieve its mission, WWF focuses its efforts on two broad areas:

• Biodiversity
• Footprint

The first, is to ensure that the earth's web of life - biodiversity - stays healthy and vibrant for generations to come. WWF strategically focuses on conserving critical places and critical species that are particularly important for the conservation of the earth's rich biodiversity.

The second, is to reduce the negative impacts of human activity - humanity's ecological footprint. WWF is working to ensure that the natural resources required for life -land, water, air - are managed sustainably and equitably.