World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF - India)

Focuses on the protection of specific species of wildlife that are in danger of going extinct because of the destruction of their natural habitats.

It included prominent species like the tiger, rhino and elephant when the programme started and now has expanded to include the Nilgiri tahr, red panda and snow leopard.

WWF India aims to work to reduce the threats to these species from poaching, human-wildlife conflicts, trade in wildlife parts, habitat destruction and legal support.

This programme seeks to protect key regions with rich biodiversity by partnering with key stakeholders and with appropriate interventions. It shifts focus from the narrow vision of just looking at protected areas to a wider approach to landscapes, livelihoods, long term initiatives in coordination with local communities, NGO’s and Government agencies.

This programme concentrates on addressing surface water usage and over-exploitation of groundwater resources to grow crops like paddy, cotton and sugarcane. It attempts to rope in farmers to be stakeholders in its efforts of conservation and works to improve farming practices using best management methods facilitating market access and maintaining the sensitive balance between agriculture and forests.

India’s coastal and marine eco-systems boast of a rich variety of biodiversity and are of critical ecological value. Due to exploitation, these habitats are facing a severe threat of destruction that in turn is threatening marine life with extinction.

WWF India is active in addressing the issues of illegal fishing, habitat degradation, illegal wildlife trade, unsustainable tourism and plastic pollution by introducing sustainable fishing and development practices and also improved waste management methods.

WWF India has been working on this important aspect of its efforts since 1969. It strives to educate and inform children, youth and citizens of India to work towards creating a sustainable planet.

Its awareness programmes are running in sixteen states across India and include the development of nature clubs, building environmental awareness and knowledge, developing requisite capacity and skills and enabling action for conservation and sustainability.