Guiding principles - working with government and aid agency funder
Working in a coordinated and strategic manner
WWF has been actively engaged within the aid sector for many years and specifically Government and Aid Agencies (GAAs) funding since the late eighties.The initial relationship was largely opportunistic and based on project submissions for funding, which were either approved or rejected based on them meeting common goals.
In recent years we have recognized that opportunities for working with Governments are not limitless and if we are to be successful in promoting conservation then we have to work in a coordinated and strategic manner.
The result of this shift of emphasis is that GAA funding generates 22% of all of WWF's global income and, more importantly, has given WWF a voice within the development sector.
Conservation must stay on the agenda
The main goals and objectives of working within the GAA sector is to ensure that conservation stays firmly on the international development agenda. By promoting and seeking a dialogue with aid donors on the WWF mission we actively look for engagement on areas of mutual interest. This can be on a direct funding basis or by WWF being a partner in a policy dialogue.
Generally the GAA community has its goals set by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) and this is true in terms of international aid flows. But of vital importance for WWF and it's partners is in working with the governments of target or recipient countries to try and influence how the aid is used and that the environment is part of any national plans.
Livelihoods central to WWF's mission
WWF recognizes that for conservation to be truly successful, the issue of peoples livelihoods has become central to our mission. This does not only include the Worlds poor but the whole of humanity, that depend on the global services provided by the planet for all our survival.
The disparity is that the richer countries future well being is inextricably linked to that of the poorest, who live in regions who's natural resources hold the keys to our combined survival . The goals and objectives of our engagement are to promote programmes that take global issues that have local solutions and where possible share the lessons learnt.
