The World Wildlife Fund(WWF) is one of the largest environmental conservation focused NGOs in the world, focusing on addressing the global biodiversity crisis, and priming the preservation of endangered species.WWF was founded in 1961, by a group of British conservationists. The initial goal of the organization was to promote conservation through funding raising for existing organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The WWF became a method of grassroots funding for the IUCN, bridging the gap between the supranational scientific focused community and everyday people. A primary goal of the WWF is bringing sustainability and conservation of nature to everyday people, making conservation more accessible.The WWF has continued to grow, with yearly expenses close to $400 million a year towards the operation of programs. The WWF has taken a critical role in leading conservation efforts globally, particularly in bridging the gap between high income countries and low income countries, particularly as industrialization and development in lower income countries threatened previously untouched natural habitats. The mission of the WWF now includes creating a world where Humanity and nature can live in harmony, pushing for a more sustainable future.

Topic 1: Increasing Grassroots Partnerships Towards Conservation

Conservation of endangered plants and animals relies on local grassroots partnerships. The local residents of an ecosystem or habitat are most likely to care about the preservation of biodiversity within the region, making these partnerships necessary for the preservation of endangered species. Addressing economic issues within these largely remote regions can also help to create lasting partnerships between local officials and activists and conservation. Effectively providing economic alternatives to illegal poaching and mining and logging can help to ensure the natural environment is protected while providing a livelihood for residents of the area. 

Topic 2: Regulation of the Exotic Species Trade

The trade of exotic animals takes many forms, from exotic pet trade to by-catch in fishing, agricultural or good production, to illegal poaching. This trade is highly unregulated, leaving blackmarket and illicit transactions common. The trade encompasses thousands of species of plants and animals, from Bees to Rhinos. This trade has potential to worsen the global biodiversity crisis, endangering thousands of species of plants and animals. The exotic animal trade has potential to worsen black market criminal activity, with the trade of exotic species often tied to other illegal operations such as illegal mining, drug production, or logging. Regulating the trade of exotic species can help to promote conservation while addressing criminal activity, working to regulate a grey area of the international trade networks.