Governance
If we’re going to reverse nature loss and share resources fairly, now and in the future, then good governance is essential.
That’s why it’s such an important part of WWF’s work – whether tackling corruption, poaching and illegal logging, supporting local communities to govern natural resources, or ensuring development plans take into account environmental impact and the needs of local people.
'Given the scale of the environmental and social challenges we face, achieving sustainable prosperity is up to all of us – governments, industry and citizens at large all bear responsibility'
Delfin Ganapin
Global Leader, WWF Governance Practice
When governance fails
Often these failures result from deeper underlying problems.
Discrimination, unequal power relationships and lack of transparency exclude many from decision-making. The rights of indigenous peoples, local communities and women often aren’t recognized, particularly around land ownership. And strong legislation is undermined by corruption and weak enforcement.
Decisions made without consultation or serving only a narrow set of interests can lead to conflict, while short-term thinking can lead to high long-term costs.
We must address these issues to reverse nature loss.

© Cat Holloway

© WWF-UK / James Morgan
Good governance makes a difference
And there are many examples of good environmental governance in practice – locally-managed marine areas where fish stocks are recovering; certification schemes that balance production with conservation and workers’ rights; businesses, communities and local government working together to manage shared water resources.
CITES
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
As part of its work on species conservation, WWF supports both enforcement of, and the listing of endangered species in, CITES – the world's largest and, by some accounts, most effective international wildlife conservation agreement.

© Derk Kuiper / WWF
Bringing people together, making things happen
We’re also finding new ways to tackle corruption – one of the biggest barriers to preventing environmental crimes like poaching and wildlife trafficking, illegal logging and pirate fishing.
And we’re helping governments and businesses put their sustainability commitments into practice. This includes involving communities in the Sustainable Development Goals - the UN roadmap for a sustainable future - and ensuring the development of water, energy, food and transport systems meet the needs of people and nature.

© Global Warming Images / WWF
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