Founded in Morges, Switzerland in 1961, the World Wide Fund for Nature is an international non-governmental organization that works for wilderness preservation, and the reduction of humanity's footprint on the environment.
With unprecedented levels of decline in animal species worldwide, the work that organizations like the World Wildlife Fund has become even more important than ever. From habitat conservation to protecting and saving wildlife species, the WWF has helped educate the public and also stop wildlife crime and poaching.
Some species under decline include tigers, polar bears, orangutans, rhinos and marine turtles. Tiger populations declined for over a century, but finally are seeing a slow comeback. Today there are roughly 3,890 tigers remaining in the wild - still a very low number. Through the concerted effort of the WWF and local authorities, tiger populations can escape extinction and increase.
Polar bears, like many other Arctic inhabitants, are struggling with climate change and loss of sea ice habitat. This loss is the greatest threat to their existence. The WWF is working with partners and local communities to establish a “Last Ice Area” in northernmost regions of Canada and Greenland where ice is expected to be preserved for the longest.