WWF Science

Community leadership in conservation is more important than ever. The Stewards of the Coastline report distills the state of local marine governance across five countries in the Southwest Indian Ocean and offers strategic actions to strengthen governance, support livelihoods, and protect marine resources. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/gdwGzr-d

Join us for the next Fuller seminar, where we’ll explore the vital connections between human health, climate change, and the broader environmental nexus. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eY4cYDPZ

“Growing up in Pokhara, Nepal—a place of snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and vibrant landscapes– I developed a deep appreciation for the natural world,” said Karuna Paudel , PhD, Senior Ecosystem Carbon Specialist at WWF. “Witnessing nature’s beauty and fragility firsthand shaped my love for conservation and set me on the path I’m on today.” Karuna’s journey in conservation started with an internship at WWF Nepal, which inspired her to pursue a PhD before returning to WWF in the U.S. “It felt like a full-circle moment—blending my childhood inspiration with my professional aspirations.” Now, at WWF, Karuna works to assess the climate impact of conservation projects and translate complex policies into actionable insights. “One of the most rewarding parts of my work is ensuring that local and Indigenous-led conservation efforts receive the funding they need,” she said. “These investments don’t just support individual projects; they can transform entire regions.” Since becoming a mother recently, Karuna says she’s found an even greater sense of purpose in her work. “I am driven by the hope that, through the small contributions I make today, my son will be able to experience the same pristine landscapes I did—hiking the same trails, marveling at the same snow-covered peaks.” That hope–and the incredible dedication of her WWF colleagues– Karuna says, fuels her commitment to her work, even on the toughest days. Stay tuned for more profiles of WWF scientists this week in honor of #InternationalDayofWomenAndGirlsInScience!

“I grew up near the coast and was always fascinated by the complex relationships between people, nature, and our oceans,” said Shauna Mahajan, Director for the Western Indian Ocean Seascape at WWF. Shauna’s journey into conservation was driven by curiosity—and a little luck. “That fascination took me from the agricultural landscapes of Quebec to the coastlines of the Indian Ocean, and eventually to WWF.” “Working with teams of international scientists and conservationists has definitely been the highlight of my career,” said Shauna. “It’s an amazing way to foster creativity, empathy, and to learn about different cultures and how we can reach our global goals together.” Shauna partners with conservationists, communities, NGOs, and governments to advance holistic marine conservation solutions. “I'm really excited that at the end of this month, we will be publishing the inaugural Stewards of the Coastline report. It summarizes the current state of community-led governance in five countries and charts a roadmap for strengthening the capacities and finance needed to accelerate community-led conservation.” More than anything, Shauna hopes decision-makers understand that conservation isn’t separate from other societal challenges—it’s deeply interconnected. “The biodiversity crisis is tied to issues like poverty and climate change. That means we need creativity and out-of-the-box solutions that work across sectors to create a future where both people and nature can thrive.” In honor of #InternationalDayOfWomenAndGirlsInScience, we'll be sharing WWF scientists' stories throughout the week!

“I was born and raised in Mexico City. For many, it might just seem like a vast and polluted city, but for me, it was the gateway to a lifelong love of nature,” said Lucía Ruiz Bustos, Conservation Areas Director at WWF. “My parents gave my brother and me an incredible gift—their passion for the natural world. They took us hiking, drove us to nearby forests, and, thanks to their research work, we traveled to protected areas and archaeological sites across the world. Growing up immersed in nature, I realized that this was my true passion—this is where I felt most at home: in the wilderness.” Today, Lucia supports the advancement of protected and conserved areas. Right now, Lucia says there are two projects that she’s most excited about. “First, I’m leading the translation of a complex technical guide into an engaging e-learning course tailored for policymakers and decision-makers—because knowledge should be empowering, not intimidating. Second, I’m working to strengthen sustainable, long-term conservation finance in Yucatán, ensuring that conservation commitments are built from the ground up—with partnerships, innovation, and in hand with the government and local communities.” For Lucia, the most rewarding part of her work is the people. “I get to collaborate with some of the most talented, passionate, and driven individuals in conservation. Learning from diverse perspectives and working across cultures is what I wake up for every day.” At WWF, Lucia says she found more than just a job—she found a movement. “There is a profound sense of belonging, a feeling that we are all working toward something bigger than ourselves. It’s a place where you can learn from the best minds in conservation, collaborate across continents, and see real impact on the ground.” Happy #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience! Watch this space throughout the week for more content celebrating our incredible scientists. 👩🏽🔬 🔬

“I love learning about the creative and unique ways people all over the world have long peacefully co-existed with their environments,” said Rafaella Lobo, Senior Social Scientist at WWF. “It excites me to work on empowering and strengthening that diversity. Conservation must recognize all the ways people interact with and protect nature.” Rafaella leads research on conservation efforts in Latin America guided by the vision, rights, and needs of local communities. “Being from Brazil myself, I find it really fulfilling to do work that contributes to the region. Latin America has some of the greatest people, culture, and nature—and I feel very fortunate to maintain that connection through my work.” The growing recognition of community-driven approaches in conservation – especially at important global meetings and large conservation organizations – is exciting to her. Even when the work feels daunting, Rafaella stays motivated by shifting perspective. “People default to binary thinking—either ‘we save the planet’ or ‘we’re doomed’—but the reality is there are millions of possibilities in between. Every little bit we do is better than the alternative. Protecting a few species is better than losing them all. Keeping warming to 1.8°C is better than 2.5°C. Improving the lives of hundreds is better than none.” For Rafaella, conservation must embrace complexity. “The world is messy, and the best conservation solutions will accept and work within that complexity.” Stay tuned for more profiles of World Wildlife Fund’s women scientists throughout the week in honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Tuesday! #InternationalDayofWomenAndGirlsInScience 🔬 👩🏽🔬

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is an escalating challenge to both conservation and development around the world. As human and wildlife populations continue to grow and at times struggle to coexist, it is now more important than ever to address this challenge in a holistic and sustainable way. WWF and experts on human wildlife coexistence have developed The C2C: Conflict to Coexistence Approach, a framework that can be tailored to a specific local, regional, or national contexts. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2CyAuyn

Efforts to sustain our ocean must do more than protect ecosystems—they must also ensure inclusion and equity for the people who depend on them. Social equity remains an overlooked pillar of ocean governance, yet it is essential for addressing past injustices, aligning with international commitments, and achieving true sustainability.   A new framework offers a path forward, outlining key steps for assessing and improving ocean equity across marine conservation, fisheries management, climate adaptation, and the ocean economy. From co-designing assessments with affected communities to ensuring findings translate into real change, these steps can help make ocean governance more inclusive and just.   Read the research: https://lnkd.in/ewyb2sbe

Did you know that animals play a vital role in supporting human well-being? WWF's Global Biodiversity Lead Scientist, Becky Chaplin-Kramer, talks with Mongabay's John Cannon about her latest research on the benefits people get from wildlife. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/ecyr3bys

Biodiversity loss, climate change, food insecurity, water scarcity, and human health are deeply interconnected—yet policies often address them in isolation, leading to trade-offs and missed opportunities.   The IPBES Nexus Assessment and Transformative Change Assessment offer pathways to address these crises holistically. In a new WWF seminar series, we will explore how these assessments connect, strategies for creating synergies across sectors, and approaches to balance incremental and transformative solutions.   The first seminar will provide an overview of both assessments and discuss the roles different actors can play in driving change.   Register for this free, virtual event: https://lnkd.in/dJdMMvgJ