World Wildlife Fund

When I started my career 30 years ago as an environmental economist, the lines and divisions between nature conservation and the other functions of society—like supporting effective government, promoting human wellbeing, and bolstering financial systems—were stark. These lines are now blurring. And we’re all benefitting from it. Being pulled in many directions has its costs, but it also has the added benefits of accumulating deep understanding across many sectors, so that we can better facilitate systems level change. For the last 17 years, World Wildlife Fund has hosted our Science for Nature symposia to bring together multidisciplinary conservation leaders from around the world with a common goal: translate conservation research into practice. In a year marked by dire warnings from the planet and unsatisfying conclusions in global meetings from Cali to Baku, it’s important as ever to find and celebrate opportunities to share knowledge across our field. Sharing my remarks from the opening session of the 2024 Thomas Lovejoy Science for Nature Symposium here ⬇️

"But positive tipping points don’t occur only at the macro level. As we heard, they are also triggered by local actions—by communities and individuals driving meaningful change that reverberates outward. This layered approach, where global systems are shifted by countless smaller tipping points, is a cornerstone of our collective path toward regeneration." - Rebecca Shaw

Last night, WWF's Erin Simon participated in a Newsweek Horizons panel. Erin, along with Allison Lin 林宜蓁 (Mars), Leonardo Trasande (NYU Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards), ♻️Jonathan Quinn♻️(U.S. Plastics Pact) and Jessica Long (Closed Loop Partners) were interviewed by Newsweek's Jeff Young and explored the future of plastics and what comes next in the global plastics treaty process. Read Newsweek's recap of the event: https://lnkd.in/ecRAzTFe Or watch the panel here (program begins at 11 min mark): https://lnkd.in/exnccEQe

Join us for the 2024 Lovejoy Symposium! This year, WWF and leading experts explore the state of knowledge on tipping points and learn how social change can be harnessed to reduce nature loss and address the climate crisis. To submit questions to the presenters and view other resources, visit https://lnkd.in/eYBCf6MJ

Update on the Global Plastics Treaty: While last week was supposed to mark the fifth and final meeting to secure a treaty, things have been delayed until next year. This delay means more time lost in the battle against plastic pollution, and the longer we wait, the more irreversible the damage becomes. Countries must come together next year and finalize a strong, legally binding treaty to combat plastic pollution. Get the details: https://wwf.to/3ZE6zx6.

Freshwater Challenge reaches 50 member nations!   Major boost for the #FreshwaterChallenge at the #OneWaterSummit as Global Environment Facility commits $5 million to accelerate action and Kazakhstan & Australia joined - taking membership to 50.   Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO of the GEF, announced the catalytic investment into the Challenge - the world’s largest freshwater restoration and protection initiative. It will support member countries to operationalize the challenge, and raise awareness about the central role of healthy rivers and wetlands in tackling climate and nature crises, and driving sustainable development.   Speaking during the Heads of State One Water Summit, Rodriguez said “The GEF is proud to announce an investment of US$5 million into the Freshwater Challenge as this critical country-led initiative will be key to achieving the 30x30 targets in the Global Biodiversity Framework. The GEF contribution will support targeted pilots and promote innovative metrics and communication efforts, including with youth, local communities and Indigenous People, which will contribute to the Challenge’s goals of ensuring 300,000 kilometers of rivers and 350 million hectares of wetlands are under restoration by 2030.”   During the Summit, the co-hosts, Kazakhstan announced its membership of the Challenge, following Australia’s earlier decision to join. Including the European Union, the initiative now boasts 50 Members.   As one of the partners to the Freshwater Challenge, we are pleased to see the growing momentum behind the initiative.   Find out more here:  https://lnkd.in/eeDk8t_2 WWF World Wildlife Fund The Nature Conservancy UN Environment Programme IUCN Convention on Wetlands Conservation International Wetlands International UN Convention to Combat Desertification Sarah Davidson Jesse Gallun Nik Sekhran Kerry Cesareo Richard Lee Stuart Orr Stephanie Cappa Isabel Filiberto Renae Stenhouse  

We are proud to share Modiki Claver of Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas (Central African Republic) has been recognized as Best Field Ranger 2024 in this year’s African Conservation Awards, hosted by Game Rangers' Association of Africa (GRAA). Modiki is known for his leadership, commitment to the rights of Indigenous peoples, and extensive field skills. We’re thankful for the dedication and perseverance of rangers like Modiki who are protecting Dzanga Sangha, as well as our world’s other natural places. https://lnkd.in/eNRzCfMr

We are excited to share this video about Nepal's Wildlife-Friendly Infrastructure Construction Directives, which highlights the importance of safeguarding natural resources during linear infrastructure development. The documentary was developed with support from the USAID funded Asia's Linear Infrastructure safeGuarding Nature (ALIGN) Project. World Wildlife Fund Center for Large Landscape Conservation Watch the video and learn how infrastructure development and biodiversity conservation can go 'Together': https://lnkd.in/gp-XwDE5 #wildlifefriendlyinfrastructure

WWF's Erin Simon was in Busan last week for what was supposed to be the final round of negotiations for a global treaty against plastic pollution. But it didn't turn out that way. Erin gives the play-by-play in a new blog, explaining what went wrong and why there's still hope. https://lnkd.in/dXqAqWa8

Linear infrastructure, such as roads, plays a crucial role in connecting people to goods and services and supporting economic growth, but its impact on arboreal species can be significant. Join us for a webinar hosted by the USAID-funded ALIGN Project on December 12 at 7 am ET as we explore how linear infrastructure affects arboreal animals and discuss strategies for mitigating these impacts. Experts will present their research findings, practical experiences, and recommendations for effective solutions. Register today! bit.ly/arborealsafeguards