As the challenges of climate change, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss continue to loom large, they also present a remarkable opportunity for innovation and collaboration.
Nature is our life-support system, providing everything we need to survive and thrive. Yet, it is declining at a rate far exceeding its ability to restore itself. Our latest Living Planet Index reveals a staggering 73% reduction in wildlife populations over the past 50 years, with Asia and the Pacific experiencing a heartbreaking 60% loss. Raising awareness and igniting concerted action about these critical issues is no longer a choice; it is imperative for all of us who cherish the future we hope to see.
Now, more than ever, WWF is intensifying our efforts in response to the urgent need for action. In alignment with the global commitment to the “Decade of Action for Nature 2030,” we are reminded that our goals of “Zero Natural Habitat Loss, Zero Species Extinction, and Halve the Footprint of Production and Consumption” are just six years away. Every day, our dedicated team of environmental stewards serves as the voice of nature, tirelessly working to protect the species, ecosystems, and communities that sustain our world. Our mission goes beyond conservation; from WWF’s marine conservation work in the coral triangle region in Southeast Asia to forest landscape restoration in Bukit Tiga Puluh in Sumatra, we are committed to empowering individuals, communities, governments, and businesses to forge a future where people and nature thrive in harmony.
While the challenges of climate change, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss continue to loom large, they also present a remarkable opportunity for innovation and collaboration. Reflecting on the past year, our efforts at WWF-Singapore have led to the development of programmes that directly address the environmental challenges faced by Singapore and beyond. By building our organisation and efforts around key thematic pillars that address the most pressing global issues—Nature, Community, and Climate & Sustainability—we can remain agile, efficient, and innovative as we navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
We are convinced that positive change is possible when we collaborate. As we embark on another year of transformative efforts, we remain dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to the global goals for 2030. Our focus will continue to be on three key goals that resonate deeply with our mission:
1. Zero Natural Habitat Loss
Our ambition of achieving Zero Natural Habitat Loss is driven by the need to protect vital ecosystems—like forests, coral reefs, mangroves, wetlands, and our oceans—from further degradation. These natural habitats are not just beautiful; they are essential for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them. Safeguarding these habitats is critical to ensure the long-term sustainability of our planet.
Over the past year, our marine team has been hard at work restoring reefs and mangroves through the Coral Triangle Programme in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seascape, an area renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. The programme focuses on rehabilitating degraded coral reefs and mangroves while empowering local communities to actively participate in conservation efforts. We train individuals to co-manage these ecosystems, highlighting the importance of restoration. So far, we’ve successfully planted 2,800 coral fragments and replanted 18 hectares of mangroves, significantly enhancing the health of these vital habitats.
As an example of our terrestrial efforts, we have been collaborating closely with local communities in the Gunung Lesong and Ulu Sebuyau (GLUS) landscape, restoring 389 hectares of forest. This restoration creates a crucial eco-corridor that allows the remaining 2,500 orangutans to navigate between protected areas safely. This work is essential in tackling habitat fragmentation, which has severely limited their movement and survival.
Biodiversity is the backbone of our planet, yet we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture where many species face the threat of extinction. Human activities are behind the current rate of species extinction, which is at least 100 – 1,000 times higher than nature intended. Each species plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems, contributing to the overall health and resilience of our planet.
To prevent the extinction of the Malayan tiger, we have joined forces with WWF-Malaysia to strengthen conservation efforts in the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex. This area is vital not just for the survival of the Malayan tiger but also for a variety of other wildlife facing severe threats from habitat loss due to rapid development, agricultural expansion, and poaching. Together, we are enhancing ranger support, addressing habitat fragmentation, and engaging local communities in sustainable practices. This holistic approach is essential for the long-term survival of these iconic species.
Closer to home in Singapore, we are leveraging technology to tackle the pressing challenge of illegal wildlife trade. This growing threat pushes many species closer to the brink of extinction and undermines the conservation efforts of authorities and organisations alike. Our WWF Cyber Spotter Programme exemplifies this commitment. This year, we teamed up with AI Singapore to develop a cutting-edge machine-learning system designed to streamline the detection of illegal wildlife products. This initiative is not merely about technology; it represents a significant contribution to regional conservation efforts and the ongoing challenge against wildlife trafficking.
3. Halve the Footprint of Production and Consumption
As Singapore advances towards becoming a circular economy nation, collective action becomes crucial in driving meaningful change. Together with partners such as OCBC Group Property Management, we explored effective strategies for waste reduction, highlighting the power of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
To truly minimise the impact of how we produce and consume, we are committed to championing practices that promote more sustainable resource use. In collaboration with Marina Bay Sands (MBS), we aimed to strengthen their biodiversity commitment by addressing deforestation and ecosystem conversion risks within their supply chain. We identified seven key commodities–palm oil, pulp and paper, coffee, cocoa, soy, beef, and timber–and worked to develop a comprehensive no-deforestation and conversion commitment supported by a robust implementation plan.
We recently completed our second annual seafood sector assessment using our Sustainable Banking Assessment (SUSBA) and RESPOND (Resilient and Sustainable Portfolios that Protect Nature and Drive Decarbonisation) tools. This assessment has enabled us to address the pressing challenges of declining productivity, environmental degradation, and social injustices.
Within the finance sector, our Asia Sustainable Finance Initiative (ASFI) Academy hit a major milestone of training over 35,000 finance professionals since its launch in late 2021. Through 28 IBF-accredited e-learning courses, ASFI equips finance professionals with a comprehensive suite of accessible, practical, and technology-enabled e-learning courses in sustainable finance – driving a critical shift toward a resilient economy.
Together, Possible
Our ambitious vision for a sustainable relationship with nature hinges on collaboration. This year, we are especially grateful to our partners and supporters who have been instrumental in driving our conservation efforts forward.
As the International Partner for WWF’s flagship global movement — Earth Hour — Epson has played a key role in raising awareness for climate change through our signature Earth Hour Festival and Earth Hour Summit events Their valuable contributions to various coral restoration projects have expanded vital reef habitats, serving as a lifeline for marine biodiversity.
Our collaboration with Agoda embodies the power of partnership. With their steadfast support across Southeast Asia, we have achieved significant milestones in critical projects spanning eight countries—from protecting endangered species to restoring vital habitats.
With the unwavering support of our community, schools, and businesses, we have witnessed the incredible impact of hands-on involvement in our local education and outreach programmes. From nature-guided walks that deepen our connection to the environment to tree planting initiatives and invasive species management, together we are bringing conservation to life right in our own backyards.
This year, we are honoured to have hosted Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat at our Charity Dinner ‘One Earth, One Us’ highlighting the significant role our supporters play in driving conservation and climate action. Your contributions will drive our mission to create lasting change for nature, reminding us that every effort counts in this shared journey.
To all our volunteers, donors, dedicated partners, supporting associations and committed staff, your crucial support powers up our efforts. On behalf of the planet, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment.
As we amplify our focus on protecting and restoring nature, our vision is clear: a future that can support the nearly nine billion people who will inhabit our planet, ensure a stable climate and prevent mass extinction. The fate of the climate, economy, human development and nature are closely intertwined. At the heart of our mission is a simple yet profound belief: while nature is fighting for its future, it is also fighting for ours.
Hsieh Fu Hua, Chairman, WWF-Singapore
Vivek Kumar, CEO, WWF-Singapore
+65 6730 8100
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