Obverse. Photo © Monetnik.ru
  • 25 Forint 1988, KM# 663, Hungary, 25th Anniversary of the WWF, Red-footed Falcon
  • 25 Forint 1988, KM# 663, Hungary, 25th Anniversary of the WWF, Red-footed Falcon
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: György Bognár

Obverse

Depicts a protected bird in Hungary, a red-footed falcon, standing on the edge of its nest in its natural habitat, surrounded by the inscription "25th Anniversary of the WWF".

The red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus) is a small to medium-sized bird of prey recognized for its remarkable appearance, featuring males sporting slate-grey backs and reddish-brown underparts. Found in open grasslands and agricultural regions, they primarily prey on insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. Despite their graceful flight and hunting abilities, they encounter challenges such as habitat degradation and pesticide exposure. Conservation initiatives strive to protect their habitats and address these dangers.

• VILÁG VADVÉDELMI ALAP •
25.
ALAPÍTÁSÁNAK ÉVFORDULÓJÁRA

Reverse

Depicts the coat of arms of the Hungarian People's Republic, the country name above, the engraver's initials (BGY), the mintmark (BP), the denomination, and the issue year below.

The coat of arms of the Hungarian People's Republic consists of a centrally positioned Hungarian shield adorned with a five-pointed red star at the top, symbolizing socialism. Surrounding the shield are ears of wheat on either side, representing agriculture and the nation's bounty.

MAGYAR NÉPKÖZTÁRSASÁG
BGY
BP. 50 FORINT
1988

Edge

25 Forint

People's Republic
KM# 663 Schön# 160 Adamo# EM101
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Cupronickel
Weight 12 g
Diameter 30 mm
Thickness 2.1 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

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