Description

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), a Swiss-based international non-governmental organization founded in 1961, focuses on wilderness preservation and reducing human impact on the environment. WWF is the world's largest conservation organization, boasting over five million supporters in over 100 countries and backing approximately 3,000 conservation projects, with investments exceeding $1 billion since 1995. Primarily funded by individuals, government sources, and corporations, WWF strives to halt environmental degradation and promote harmony between humans and nature. Noteworthy campaigns like Earth Hour and initiatives in areas like food, climate, and wildlife underscore their mission. Despite criticism over alleged corporate ties and controversial projects, WWF remains active in international networks like the Foundations Platform F20.

The concept of establishing a fund for endangered animals was formally presented by Victor Stolan to Sir Julian Huxley following articles Huxley published in The Observer. Huxley connected Stolan with Edward Max Nicholson, who had extensive experience bridging progressive intellectuals and corporate interests through the Political and Economic Planning think tank. Nicholson coined the organization's name, and the original panda logo was crafted by Sir Peter Scott. On April 29, 1961, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was conceived, with its inaugural office opening on September 11 at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) headquarters in Morges, Switzerland.

Engraver: Mihály Fritz