WWF stands for World Wide Fund for Nature. Back in 1961 when it was founded, WWF stood for the ‘World Wildlife Fund’. However, as the organisation grew over the 70s and into the 80s, WWF began to expand its work to conserve the environment as a whole (reflecting the interdependence of all living things), rather than focusing on selected species in isolation. So although we continued to use our well-known initials, our legal name became ‘World Wide Fund For Nature’ (except in North America where the old name was retained).
More and more, however, to avoid confusion and mixed messages across borders and languages, WWF is known as simply ‘WWF, the global conservation organisation.’
What is WWF’s mission?
WWF’s 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:
- conserving the world's biological diversity
- ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable
- promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption
What is the history of WWF?
WWF was officially formed and registered as a charity on 11 September 1961 in the small Swiss town of Morges with the basic aim of preserving life on earth. One of the most important figures in WWF’s early history is the renowned British biologist, Sir Julian Huxley. It was started due to appalling worries of Huxley after a visit to East Africa that wildlife habitat was being destroyed and animals hunted at a huge rate.
What is the history of WWF-Malaysia?
Established as a national conservation trust on 13 January 1972, WWF-Malaysia began as a humble two person-organisation. HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh handed over the official WWF Charter to Encik Khir Johari (the late Tan Sri), WWF-Malaysia’s newly installed President.
WWF conducted its first ever project by assisting the National Parks Board (now Sabah Parks) with a survey of Pulau Gaya, off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. It is now part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park established in 1974. Read more about our history & milestones.
What does WWF-Malaysia do and what are its main activities?
WWF-Malaysia is a national organisation which is a part of the WWF Global Network. Since 1972, WWF-Malaysia has worked on important conservation projects, from saving endangered species such as tigers and turtles, to protecting our highland forests, rivers and seas. WWF-Malaysia currently runs more than 75 projects including:
- Scientific field research
- Policy work with the government
- Environmental education
- Public awareness programmes
- Working with local communities to improve livelihoods and protect the environment
- Training and supporting other conservation organisations in Malaysia
- Species Programme
- Forest Programme
- Freshwater Programme
- Marine Programme
- Conservation Education Programme
- Policy Advocacy
Where does WWF-Malaysia work?
WWF-Malaysia runs more than 75 projects and employs over 100 people. Our work extends all over Malaysia. Besides our headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, we have two more offices in East Malaysia – one in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and the other in Kuching, Sarawak. Both serve as bases for our Borneo projects. We also have project sites/ field offices in Fraser’s Hill, Langkawi, Malacca, Gerik in Perak, Jeli and Stong in Kelantan, Ma’ Daerah and Setiu in Terengganu, Semporna, Sukau and Kudat in Sabah.
How does WWF-Malaysia work?
WWF-Malaysia uses these approaches in carrying out conservation efforts:
- Scientific field research
- Policy and advocacy
- Engaging government agencies and local communities
- Community education and awareness
- Capacity building and training
- Nature education centres
- Networking with other NGOs and participation in conservation forums
- Advisory
- Business and industry engagements
- Communications and publications
- Environmental education programmes
- Fundraising activities for public participation and corporate activities for corporate donors to raise funds to support our conservation work
How does WWF-Malaysia fund its conservation work?
Our crucial conservation work is made possible through donations from various sources including:
- Caring individual supporters
- Corporations
- Other WWF offices within our international network
- Government agencies
- Trusts and Foundations
How can I help/support WWF-Malaysia’s conservation work?
You can also support us by:
- Donating to WWF-Malaysia to help conserve Malaysia’s rich natural legacy.
- Spare a moment to listen to our WWF representatives under the Direct Debit Donor Programme (DDDP)
- Purchasing WWF merchandise
- Spreading the green message by sending an e-card to friends
- Asking your company to support our projects or participate in our staff morale-building events
- Volunteering your time
Help make a positive change to your living planet today!
How can I join WWF-Malaysia?
WWF-Malaysia strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds to join us in protecting our environment. We offer volunteering and internship opportunities from time to time. We are also in need of dedicated full-time staff for some of our projects. Please go to Careers in Conservation and Volunteering & Internship for more information.
