Science
Overview
WWF’s conservation work is grounded in science. Our scientists develop innovative approaches and apply the best available information to efforts directed at meeting the needs of both nature and people in a changing world.
WWF draws on biology, hydrology, oceanography, and the social sciences to advance cutting-edge conservation tools and methods, connect natural and social systems, and tackle emerging threats. Our scientists track conservation needs and lead regional and global analyses to identify and set priorities for the world’s valuable habitats and species. We also rely on the scientific process to ensure that our on-the-ground conservation programs are effective and producing measurable results.
Protecting Snow Leopards in the Face of Climate Change
For the endangered animals of our planet—like the rare and regal snow leopard—climate change means much more than hotter days and intensified storms. These creatures face the prospect of a significant transformation of the habitats that sustain them.
Science Driven
Why I'm Science-Driven
Science Driven
Welcome to the WWF Science Blog
What WWF Is Doing
The Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund supports an annual Science for Nature Symposium, featuring global leaders in science, policy, and conservation.
We harness the power of science to advance conservation of the most important species and places. Scientific publications, computer-based tools, and data sets generated by WWF strengthen the integrity of conservation efforts worldwide. WWF’s seminar and symposia series foster scientific discourse and facilitate the cross-fertilization of ideas across sectors. Other conservation organizations, government agencies, and academic researchers regularly adopt WWF’s innovations.
Connecting Scientists
WWF employs a wealth of scientific expertise in its work around the world. Sharing information among WWF’s hundreds of dispersed scientists is critical to accelerating conservation. The WWF Conservation Science Network connects, supports and grows this community by providing access to the latest information and techniques, coordinating training and providing opportunities for collaboration.
Our planet is increasingly under pressure from human activity. To meet this challenge, WWF carries out rigorous scientific analyses of conservation questions that explore the relationship between people and nature. With this work, WWF leads global efforts to develop the emerging field of conservation social science.
Natural ecosystems support livelihoods and economies in countless ways: they store carbon to slow climate change, purify and regulate water supplies, pollinate crops, and provide food and medicine. WWF scientists quantify these benefits and map their sources so the value of these ecosystem services can be included in resource-use decisions.
WWF scientists use new technology to answer key conservation questions. Wireless internet, global telecommunication systems, cloud computing, online mapping, and smart phones help us approach scientific research in new ways. Our analyses enable decision makers and field practitioners to quickly incorporate the best information into their work.
WWF scientists are leading an effort to determine which conservation strategies are working well, which need improving, and, most importantly, why. They are doing this through “impact evaluation,” a new application of the scientific method that draws upon best practices in the medical and education sectors.
The Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund supports and harnesses the most promising conservation science research and puts it into practice. Named in honor of the former president and CEO of WWF-US, the fund supports an annual Science for Nature Symposium featuring global leaders in science, policy, and conservation. Additionally, a regular seminar series provides a regular forum for the conservation community to learn, discuss, and network.
WWF scientists and colleagues research climate change impacts and analyze data to find ways to protect vulnerable people and species. We strive to provide practical solutions for conserving biodiversity by developing a new paradigm of “climate-adaptive” conservation that puts nature at the center of sustainable development.
Projects
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2012 Fuller Symposium: Conservation Crime
Global leaders shared their insights on the growing crisis of wildlife crime at the 2012 Fuller Symposium. The symposium was held on November 14, 2012 at the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.
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The Natural Capital Project
The Natural Capital Project is a partnership that works to align economic forces with conservation by mainstreaming natural capital into decision making. By developing a scientifically-sound, reliable way to assess the true value of the services that ecosystems provide, WWF works to stop the degradation of the most important places on the planet.
Publications
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From the Vision to the Ground: A Guide to Implementing Ecoregion Conservation in Priority Areas
application/pdf, 2.93 MBThis guide is based on emerging innovations in designing and implementing conservation across various landscapes. It focuses on refined conservation planning following an ecoregion vision with a focus on biological prioritization and key elements of stakeholder engagement and negotiation.
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Global Lakes and Wetlands Database: Lakes and Wetlands Grid (Level 3)
application/x-zip-compressed, 8.85 MBThe Global Lakes and Wetlands Database combines data from the best available sources for lakes and wetlands on a global scale at three coordinated levels - large lakes and reservoirs, smaller water bodies, and wetlands.
Experts
Jon Hoekstra
Vice President and Chief Scientist, Conservation Science Program
Eric Dinerstein
Vice President and Lead Scientist, Conservation Science Program
Colby Loucks
Senior Director, Conservation Science Program
Helen Fox
Marine Conservation Biologist, Conservation Science Program
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