CLIMATE, NATURE AND COMMUNITIES

Climate, nature and communities are deeply connected and supporting all three is essential for a thriving future. Explore stories of culturally grounded local leadership, nature-based solutions, and community-driven innovation, all working together to build resilience in a changing climate.

CLIMATE, NATURE AND COMMUNITIES

Climate, nature and communities are deeply connected and supporting all three is essential for a thriving future. Explore stories of culturally grounded local leadership, nature-based solutions, and community-driven innovation, all working together to build resilience in a changing climate.

Climate change is reshaping lives and landscapes across Australia, the Pacific, and Southeast Asia. People whose lives, cultures, and livelihoods are tied to nature are already living with the realities of a changing climate.

WWF-Australia works where climate, nature and communities meet, supporting people and nature to thrive together. By linking local action to global impact, Traditional Knowledge with modern science, and community priorities to the resources, we can help communities flourish now and into the future.

Thriving Together in a Changing Climate

Climate, nature and communities are deeply connected. Real progress happens when solutions reflect this relationship. Climate change is reshaping lives and landscapes, but the strongest resilience comes from solutions that restore ecosystems, sustain culture, and strengthen livelihoods together.

Healthy ecosystems support resilient communities, and resilient communities are better able to adapt to climate change. WWF-Australia works alongside communities to connect people, science and resources to ensure climate solutions are led by those who live them and so local priorities can flourish.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuong, CRxN Project Manager, WWF-Viet Nam holds a floating rice plant
Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuong, CRxN Project Manager, WWF-Viet Nam holds a floating rice plant © WWF-Australia / Veronica Joseph

Success in the Spotlight – Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN)

Discover how Climate Resilient by Nature (CRxN), an Australia Government initiative in partnership with WWF-Australia is supporting communities to lead nature-based solutions for climate resilience.

From restoring wetlands to pioneering sustainable livelihoods, this unique initiative showcases the power of locally-led solutions that ensure people and planet thrive.

Learn more here

Climate, Nature and Communities in Action

Climate adaptation is most effective when it strengthens both natural systems and community wellbeing. Restoring ecosystems not only protects biodiversity but enables communities to better adapt and respond to climate impacts.

WWF-Australia supports community and Indigenous leadership, where climate resilience is built on deep connection to culture and place.

Mr Ma, CRxN Mekong: Laos
Mr Ma, CRxN Mekong: Laos © © WWF-Australia / Thomas Broadhurst

In Siphandone, Laos, biodiversity loss, infrastructure development and climate change is placing natural resources and local livelihoods under strain.

This is why WWF-Laos is supporting local communities to restore and protect critical ecosystems that make up the Siphandone wetlands, as part of a nature-based solution to climate change.

Uunguu Ranger Damon Bundamurra conducting ground burning using a drip torch on Wunambal Gaambera Country
Uunguu Ranger Damon Bundamurra conducting ground burning using a drip torch on Wunambal Gaambera Country © Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation

Success in the Spotlight – North Kimberley Right-Way Fire Project

The North Kimberley Right-Way Fire project is an Indigenous-led nature-based solution for climate with the aim to restore northern Australian savanna ecosystems and create new opportunities for local communities.

As well as restoring northern Australian savanna ecosystems through Right-Way Fire, this project is an opportunity to:

  • Make communities stronger and more climate resilient
  • Use Traditional Knowledge to grow economically;
  • Strengthen cultural leadership on Country; and
  • Show the value and success of Traditional Land Management practices.
Learn more
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Nature: Our Greatest Ally

Nature-based climate solutions are practical, proven, and powerful. Healthy mangroves, forests, reefs, and wetlands are living shields against climate impacts. They act as a natural barrier between land and sea, protecting coastlines and homes, ensuring fresh water supply and food, and sustaining livelihoods.

In Solomon Islands, communities are leading efforts to restore vital mangrove ecosystems, protecting coastlines and supporting livelihoods.

Read their story
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC)'s Kiah Morgan operating drone during koala survey on Stradbroke Island in collaboration with Kenneth Geipel from Robotto (Denmark)
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC)'s Kiah Morgan operating drone during koala survey on Stradbroke Island in collaboration with Kenneth Geipel from Robotto (Denmark) © WWF-Aus / think Mammoth

Partnership is a Pathway to Nature’s Brighter Future

Real impact comes from addressing climate, nature and communities together.

On Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Quandamooka Indigenous Rangers are blending Traditional Knowledge with new technology to protect Australia’s only naturally occurring island koalas.

This partnership amplifies Indigenous and local leadership, ensuring climate solutions are led by those who live them.

Read their story
Ms Be, Floating rice farmer in Long An
Ms Be, Floating rice farmer in Long An © WWF-Australia / Thomas Broadhurst

Building Climate Resilience in Viet Nam

The most enduring solutions are community-led, rooted in cultural knowledge and local priorities.

In Viet Nam, nature-based solutions are helping communities revive a traditional, flood-adapted farming method that supports local livelihoods while rejuvenating the environment.

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Innovation Grounded in Place

Innovation flourishes when grounded in Traditional Knowledge, culture, and place. In Queensland’s Wet Tropics, the Djabugay rangers are leading Google.org-supported efforts to find and protect the elusive ngunba (platypus), symbolising hope and resilience.

Read the story