How we work

WWF has long recognised that the planet’s species, people, habitats, governments and global markets are directly and often delicately inter-related. We also know that meaningful conservation cannot take place without addressing the complex relationships that exist between these elements.

Our people – the WWF network

With almost five million supporters and team members working in more than 100 countries, the WWF network is a powerful force for change. Being part of this global network means that we can work collaboratively, pooling our collective resources and talents, and focus on activities that have the most impact world-wide.

Behind the scenes of our global on-ground projects are teams of conservation scientists, policy and communications experts, lawyers and other specialists, supported by our regional and national staff members.

Our partners

Our approach is to work with partners – in business, government, non-government organisations, communities and our own supporters – to achieve our objectives. Our reputation for being accountable, inclusive and constructive means that we can bring a broad range of stakeholders to the discussion table, as well as contribute to the debate in a positive way.

Market transformation

WWF works with major companies and their supply chains to change the way key global commodities are produced, processed, consumed and financed world-wide.

In collaboration with large retailers, manufacturers, traders and investors, we have demonstrated that commodities can be produced more efficiently and responsibly. By helping to create a demand for such products, we have achieved significant environmental results and rendered markets more sustainable.

We are currently working with Coca-Cola to bring about significant changes to the sugar cane industry. In conjunction with Coles and Woolworths, we are also highlighting the need for sustainable palm oil production to reduce landclearing.

Advocacy – working with governments and education

Advocacy, for WWF-Australia, simply means influencing decision-making in the interests of conservation.

All Australians have a vested interested in guiding the priorities of our governments and the investments they make on our behalf. Through the decisions that they make, governments have significant and enduring impacts on the environment.

Acts of Australian parliaments have given us national parks, World Heritage Areas, and controls on many kinds of damaging pollutants. Similarly, investment decisions, such as those made through the $2 billion Natural Heritage Trust, provide for management of damaging invasive pests, the recovery of damaged habitats and the protection of endangered species.

In recent years, WWF-Australia has been at the forefront of campaigning in Australia to change legislation and policy to protect our environment and biodiversity, and to push for greater public investment to safeguard our incredible natural assets.

Major Australian campaigns have focussed on climate change, energy, housing and the protection of our marine environment. The Australian Government is also active internationally, through the United Nations, the G8 or other fora, and WWF-Australia works through our network to ensure that key global environmental issues are raised during debates within the international community.

To understand how WWF Australia allocates fundraising donations and government grants to research, policy and conservation programs, please refer to our annual report.