At WWF-Malaysia, we believe that safeguarding the environment must go hand in hand with upholding the rights and well-being of Indigenous and local communities. Inclusive conservation happens when people are included and empowered, their voices are heard, their rights respected, and their knowledge valued.

That’s why we support inclusive conservation — where local communities lead the way, working alongside us and other partners to build sustainable futures together. To guide this, we follow our global network’s Statements of Principles, which guide us to respect human rights, promote gender equality, and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples. These principles are implemented through the Environmental & Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) — a set of nine safeguards designed to ensure that all our conservation efforts are fair, ethical, and sustainable for people and the planet alike.

Putting principles into action
 

A clear example of this work can be seen in Nabawan, where WWF-Malaysia’s Sabah Landscapes Programme has long supported the Sapulut community. By building their understanding of territorial boundaries, local species, and natural resources, the community is better equipped to sustainably manage the surrounding forest reserve. We actively engage and empower local communities to become stewards of natural resource management, fostering a strong sense of ownership in conservation efforts. Through capacity-building and by exploring the establishment of Community Conservation Areas (CCAs), we aim to support long-term biodiversity protection and enhance community well-being.

 

Community members in Nabawan shared their views and provided feedback during the Environmental and Social Safeguard Framework (ESSF) workshop.
© Sabah Landscapes Programme / WWF-Malaysia

 

Still, even with careful collaboration, issues can arise. This is why individuals and communities who may be impacted by our conservation activities are encouraged to voice their grievances and seek resolution through CRM. Once a grievance is formally submitted, WWF-Malaysia commits to addressing and resolving all grievances effectively, respectfully, and confidentially, aiming to resolve them promptly. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, a reinvestigation can be requested.

Since the socialisation of CRM to our conservation partners and stakeholders began in 2023, WWF-Malaysia has received six complaints—all of which have been carefully addressed and successfully resolved to date through a rights-based approach and meaningful, fair consultations. These figures reflect more than process; they strengthen WWF’s accountability and our commitment to upholding local and Indigenous communities' rights, voices, and livelihoods.
 

 

Our CRM approach puts people at the centre, ensuring those affected by our conservation work can raise grievances safely, be heard, and witness their concerns resolved through meaningful dialogue and action. This will not only strengthen environmental and social impact on the ground but also contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly inclusive institutions, reduced inequalities, and life on land.

At WWF-Malaysia, protecting nature must go hand in hand with respecting rights. We call on all partners and stakeholders to promote awareness of the grievance mechanism, ensure it’s accessible to communities, and champion a transparency and continuous learning culture. Together, we can make conservation truly inclusive.

 

Community dialogue in Tungku on their experiences with the CRM.
© Elelia Nahun / WWF-Malaysia

 

Forest restoration workers in Lower Sugut share their understanding of the CRM. 
© WWF-Malaysia