WWF is the largest and most experienced independent non-governmental environmental protection agency in the world. It has 5.2 million supporters all over the world and active networks in more than 100 countries. Since the establishment of 196 1, WWF has initiated or completed about 12000 environmental protection projects in six continents 153 countries. WWF works in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa through a global network consisting of 27 national members, 265,438+0 project offices and 5 affiliated member organizations. As the main fundraiser, reliable fund manager and efficient operator of environmental protection projects, WWF has achieved its environmental protection goals through full cooperation with countries, governments at all levels, international institutions and other non-governmental organizations, as well as local people in the project implementation areas.

An important figure in the founding stage of WWF was Li Juan Huxley, a famous British biologist. He was the first Director-General of UNESCO, and he also helped to establish a nature conservation institution-IUCN, which focused on scientific research.

From 65438 to 0960, Huxley went to East Africa as a consultant for UNESCO's wildlife protection activities in this area. After returning to London, Huxley published three articles in the Observer to warn the British public. In his article, he pointed out that if humans destroy animal habitats and kill wild animals at such a speed, the wild species in this area will be extinct within 20 years. Huxley's article immediately caused a sensation in Britain, and the public began to realize that nature protection is a serious problem. Huxley received many letters from the public, including a businessman named Victor Stoland. In his letter, he pointed out that an international organization could be set up to raise funds for nature conservation, but Stoland pointed out that his status was not suitable for him to set up such an organization. Later, Huxley got in touch with Max Nicholson, director-general of British Conservation Organization and ornithologist.

196 1 year, Nicholson convened a group of scientists and public relations experts, and they all agreed to set up the foundation suggested by Stoland. Because the newly established foundation plans to cooperate with IUCN, IUCN has moved its headquarters to Morges, a small town on the north bank of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, so they decided to set the foundation's headquarters here, and IUCN is very welcome. In the cooperation agreement between the two parties, it is written as follows: "We will work together to arouse public awareness and let the world realize the importance of protecting nature." WWF was officially registered as a charity on September 196 1+0 1. The first country of WWF is planned to be established in Britain on June 23rd,1961165438, with the Duke of Edinburgh as the chairman. 65438+February 1, the United States also established the national institution of the World Wide Fund for Nature, followed by Switzerland.