WWF-Australia - for a living planet

About Us

WWF-Australia is part of the WWF International Network, the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation. It has close to five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries.

Our 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:

With over 80,000 supporters, and active projects in Australia and the Oceania region, WWF works to conserve Australia's plants and animals, by ending land clearing, addressing climate change, and preserving and protecting our fresh water, marine and land environments.

We achieve this by working on the ground with local communities, and in partnership with government and industry, using the best possible science to advocate change and effective conservation policy.

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Where and how we work

WWF has staff on the ground in the north, south-east and west of Australia, and in the Asia-Pacific.

To address the big issues facing our natural environment, our work spans the full spectrum of conservation activities - from on-ground field projects through to long-term, large-scale programs, and policy formulation through to public and political campaigns.

WWF Australia’s Conservation Programs

Coal energy plant © WWF-Canon/Adam OSWELL

Climate Change

Australian temperatures have risen by around 0.9 degrees Celsius since 1950. Hotter days, more severe storms, droughts and fire, and higher sea levels are expected under climate change. Scientists and some governments agree that an average global warming of 2 degrees or more above the pre-industrial level would result in dangerous and irreversible climate change with dramatic social, economic and environmental impacts.

Bullray swimming in the Great Barrier Reef © WWF-Canon/Jürgen FREUND

Oceans

In Australia, WWF is focusing on helping to establish a world class network of sanctuaries around Australia to ensure threatened marine life is protected and fish stocks recover from threats such as over fishing.

© Viewfinder

Water

In Australia, we live in one of the driest continents in the world. WWF convenes the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists to develop both scientific and sensible economic solutions to allow better management of Australia's precious fresh water resources, including our wetlands of national and international significance.

Hybrid Mother of Millions - one of the CSIRO's Top 10 invasive weed species © John Hosking

Weeds & Pests

The threat posed to Australian native species by invasive weeds and pest animals is growing. It is now second only to land clearing as the biggest threat to Australia's biodiversity.

 

Farmland in western NSW lies dry and life-less as a result of land clearing and extreme drought conditions © WWF-Canon/Adam OSWELL

Land & Forests

Australia's forests and landscapes are some of the richest and most diverse in the world. From the lush tropical rainforests in our north to the delicate Southwest Australia Ecoregion, WWF-Australia is working to conserve our native vegetation for future generations.

Leadbeater's possum © WWF-Canon/Frédy MERCAY

Species

Species conservation lies at the heart of all WWF's work throughout Australia. Twenty per cent of Australia's animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction. Climate change, ongoing habitat destruction caused by land clearing, and the enormous risk posed by invasive weeds and feral animals, mean our native plants and animals face a bleak future if action is not taken now.

WWF-Australia's Resource Conservation Manager, Andrew Rouse © WWF-Australia

Sustainable Industry

Sustainable industry is the cornerstone of WWF's work to protect the earth's vital life support systems and reduce the ecological impact of Australia's communities.

By working with government, community groups, businesses and industry WWF aims to find workable solutions to Australia's most pressing environmental challenges.

Employees from WWF's workplace giving partners Bain & Co. with WWF Staff © Matthew Singmin

Corporate partnerships

WWF-Australia is convinced that working with the business community is an effective way to find sustainable solutions to the world's pressing environmental challenges.

 

How we spend your money

To understand how WWF Australia allocates fundraising donations and government grants into research, policy and conservation programs, please refer to our annual reports in the adjacent column to the right.

Please click here for more information on how to support WWF and our conversation work.

Donate to our conservation work »