WWF recognises that respect for rights is at the heart of sustainable development. Guided by our organisational values of courage, integrity, respect and collaboration, the Statements of Principles encapsulate our commitments to respect and promote human rights, foster gender equality and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF), which includes nine Safeguards, supports the Principles by helping us to live up to our social and human rights commitments in relation to our place-based work.

Indigenous Peoples are stewards of much of the planet’s remaining biodiversity. Respecting and promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and recognising their knowledge and leadership are at the foundation of conservation efforts. These 10 principles are core to this approach and a cross-cutting theme for all our work.

While the protection of human rights lies with states as the ‘duty-bearer’, WWF recognises that businesses and organisations, including ours, can play an important role in respecting and promoting human rights in the context of our work. These 10 principles guide us in everything that we do.

Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and a necessary foundation for a sustainable, resilient and peaceful world in which people live in harmony with nature. These seven principles guide us in advancing and embedding gender equality as a right in all our work.

The Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF) provides an institutional mechanism to manage the environmental and social risks, together with the impacts of WWF’s work, helping deliver better conservation outcomes, and contributing to the well-being of local communities in the places where WWF operates. ESSF is designed to address a broad range of environmental and social risks, mindful of the different challenges and needs in different parts of the world. Importantly, ESSF also supports WWF’s accountability and transparency towards those who may be affected by our place-based work.

In 2018, WWF-Malaysia established a mechanism to receive and respond to concerns raised by stakeholders who may be affected by WWF-supported conservation activities as a key means to strengthen implementation of WWF’s Social Policies and Safeguards.

- Mekanisme Penyelesaian Aduan WWF-Malaysia

WWF-Malaysia works with indigenous and local communities as key partners who play an important role in environmental protection. Our goal is to achieve more inclusive, equitable and sustainable conservation outcomes.

- Community Engagement and Education Brochure