Since it was founded in 1961, WWF has become one of the world's largest and most effective independent organizations dedicated to the conservation of nature. It has reached this status through a constant record of conservation achievements.

WWF now operates in around 100 countries, supported by nearly five million people worldwide. Its initials and famous Panda logo have become a powerful rallying point for everyone who cares about the future of the planet and wants to help shape it in a positive way.

WWF-South Africa (WWF-SA) was established in 1968 by Dr Anton Rupert to raise funds and channel support to a variety of conservation projects that have been developed in co-ordination with other leading environmental and conservation organisations. WWF-SA plays a pivotal role in supporting the long-term sustainable management of South Africa’s natural resources, adopting a solid scientific basis in its process of identifying and pursuing key environmental programmes, based on authoritative international and local research.

These programmes include: marine, freshwater, climate change, conservation education – which cross-cuts all programmes - and ecoregions (fynbos, succulent karoo, grasslands and forests). By targeting these conservation priorities, WWF aims to create the momentum necessary to challenge the root causes of the degradation of our planet's environment.

The necessity for the work done by WWF-SA and its partners has become more important than ever. Sustained economic growth and the resultant improvement in quality of life are critically dependent upon the maintenance of a healthy natural resource base. Without conserving our natural heritage in a sustainable way, we cannot hope to build a future of long-term growth or well-being.

WWF is taking action to protect the environment for people and for nature.
For further information and to get involved, see http://www.wwf.org.za or phone 021 888 2800