WWF-Australia Annual Report 2011

ANNUAL 

REPORT 

2011 

WWF-Australia – Annual & Sustainability Report 2011 

Connecting people & nature

FOREWORD 

FROM the 

president 

As 

WWF-Australia works effectively 

across all sectors of society and 

geographical borders to deliver 

meaningful environmental change. 

we celebrate the 50th anniversary of WWF 

International, it is abundantly clear that WWF 

remains a powerful force for environmental 

change throughout the world. The influence and 

achievements of WWF-Australia in the Asia-Pacific 

region during the past year underline the important 

role that we play within this international network. 

© fiora sacco/ WWF-Aus 

There is no better illustration of the formidable reach of WWF-Australia than 

Earth Hour – the grassroots environmental campaign that had its humble 

beginnings in Sydney in 2007. In March 2011, Earth Hour became a true global 

phenomenon when it was embraced by a record 135 countries. In encouraging 

hundreds of millions of people to conserve energy and reduce their ecological 

footprints both here and abroad, WWF demonstrated our individual and our 

collective power to create a sustainable future. 

“The global 

phenomenon 

Earth Hour 

demonstrates 

our individual 

and collective 

power to create 

a sustainable 

future.” 

The world, including Australia, has changed dramatically during the past 50 years 

and WWF has evolved to tackle new and emerging challenges posed by these 

changes. However, two things have not changed; WWF’s resolve and its practical 

approach. We continue to partner with committed individuals, Indigenous leaders, 

other non-government organisations, businesses and governments within our own 

and neighbouring countries to develop and deliver progressive solutions to many 

of the environmental challenges we face. 

Within these pages are many inspiring accounts of the ways that WWF-Australia 

is making a difference every day on the Great Barrier Reef, within the Kimberley 

and in the biotically rich Southwest Australia Ecoregion. Further afield, our 

endeavours are also protecting livelihoods of peoples in the Coral Triangle, 

protecting fisheries in southern oceans, bringing comfort to the people of Pakistan 

and security to the jungles of Borneo. 

Conservation organisations like ours must be able to work effectively across 

all sectors of society, and geographical borders, to bring about meaningful 

environmental change. That we maintain the trust and support of people the world 

over is testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our fine WWF staff. What 

they achieve never ceases to amaze me. 

Many of the major threats to our natural environments cannot be addressed 

overnight. The challenges posed by landclearing, pollution, unsustainable resource 

use and climate change, demand a concerted effort on the part of the entire global 

community. WWF-Australia is an integral part of that community, with a proven 

track record and an international reputation. We look forward to your continued 

support and sharing our conservation successes over the next 50 years. 

Dr Denis Saunders AM 

President, WWF-Australia 

2 WWF-Australia Annual Report 2011

© fiora sacco/ WWF-Aus 

MESsage from 

the CEo 

Connecting people and nature is 

essential if we are to address the 

complex threats to our planet’s 

biodiversity. 

We live in an increasingly connected world. Decisions 

made on one side of the globe can have a profound impact 

on distant people and places. This is especially true for our 

precious natural environment which is under greater pressure than ever before. Our 

unique animals, plants and landscapes are threatened by complex forces – economic, 

cultural and political. 

I believe addressing these threats requires not one, but multiple solutions that 

have the power to transform the way we think and behave. 

I am proud of WWF’s inspiring staff, who excel at delivering practical solutions 

to such complex problems, and our supporters, whose generosity is helping to 

safeguard the natural world. 

As WWF-Australia embarks on a new five year strategic plan, the importance of 

connecting people with nature is uppermost in our minds. We will focus on six 

High Impact Initiatives that create practical solutions to some of the most urgent 

local, regional and global environmental challenges. 

“I know that by 

connecting people 

to nature we 

have the power 

to make an 

environmental 

difference on a 

global scale.” 

One of our ambitions is to transform entire supply chains for some of the world’s 

biggest commodities which impact on the places and species you and I care about. To 

be successful in this task, we will need to work in partnership with local communities, 

Indigenous peoples, farmers, governments, business and our supporters. 

As you’ll see in this Annual Report, Project Catalyst is a powerful example of this 

kind of partnership. By developing innovative, precise agriculture techniques 

we can save money and reduce the amount of fertilisers and pesticides washing 

off farms and onto the Great Barrier Reef. This work also supports our ongoing 

Indigenous and scientific partnerships for reef conservation, protecting iconic 

species like marine turtles and dugongs. 

We hope our work to protect the Great Barrier Reef will also create solutions for 

the innumerable species, communities and livelihoods that rely on healthy reefs 

right across the globe. 

WWF will continue to work with partners here and around the world to reduce the 

environmental impact of commodities such as sugar, palm oil, seafood and beef. 

If we are to achieve our mission to create a world where humans live in harmony 

with nature, we must also find a way to connect our economy with our environment. 

Embedding a true value of the natural world is an urgent task that WWF will 

continue to champion. 

I know that by connecting people to nature we have the power to make an 

environmental difference on a global scale. 

Dermot O’Gorman 

CEO, WWF-Australia 

WWF-Australia Annual Report 2011 

3

our global work 

WWF is uniquely placed as one of the world’s largest and most respected 

conservation organisations to work locally and internationally with its 

partners to develop, embrace and implement lasting solutions to the 

environmental challenges we face. 

Through our global conservation projects, we can tackle the biggest 

threats and drivers of biodiversity loss and humanity’s ecological 

footprint, many of which are interlinked. In doing so, we can ensure 

that people and nature thrive in a stable environment for generations 

to come. Our lives depend on it. 

Global Mission 

WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s 

natural environment and to build a future in which humans 

live in harmony with nature by: 

• Conserving the world’s biological diversity 

• Ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable 

• Promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption 

Global Biodiversity Goal 

Places 

Biodiversity is protected and well managed in the world’s 

most outstanding natural places. 

We will conserve most of life on Earth if we manage to conserve 

a representative sample of biomes and habitat types found in the 

Global 200 ecoregions. In coming years, WWF will focus on the most 

biologically important ecoregions, whilst ensuring representation across 

biomes. There are 35 WWF Priority Places around the globe. 

Species 

Populations of the most ecologically, economically and 

culturally important species will be restored and thriving 

in the wild. 

Many species are of special concern because conserving their habitat 

alone will not guarantee their future survival. WWF is focusing its 

efforts on conserving species that are of special importance ecologically 

(for example, key parts of the food chain that help regenerate habitats), 

economically (commercial value), and culturally (important icons or 

demonstrate broader conservation needs). 

By focusing on a small set of species, and by conserving the places they 

live in, WWF hopes that most of the other species sharing the planet will 

also be conserved. There are 36 WWF Priority Species around the world. 

Global Footprint Goal 

By 2020, humanity’s global footprint will fall below its 2000 

level and continue its downward trend, specifically in the 

areas of: 

• Energy/carbon footprint 

• Commodities (crops, meat, fish and wood) footprint 

• Water footprint 

Project Catalyst’s dedicated cane farmers in Queensland © Coca-Cola Foundation 

See page 6 for details

“ We are meant to live in a world which we share, 

and we are meant to live as members of one family.” 

Archbishop Desmond Tutu at WWF’s 50th Anniversary celebration

CASE StuDY 

Saving the Great Barrier Reef 

Pollution, poor fishing practices and climate change 

threaten one of the world’s greatest marine assets – the 

Great Barrier Reef. However, WWF is supporting a range 

of practical, legislative and scientific measures that are 

bringing urgent relief. 

Through Project Catalyst, WWF is promoting cutting-edge 

farming practices that both reduce pollution and improve 

productivity. We are working with sugarcane growers 

responsible for more than 15,000 hectares to cut fertiliser 

and pesticide use, and ensure cleaner water run-off to the reef. 

This farming initiative boosts the Reef Rescue program that 

WWF has been helping to roll out since 2007 – a program 

that now involves some 3,600 farms spanning 1.2 million 

hectares. Efforts to cut reef pollution have seen more than 

2,000 kilometres of new fencing erected to minimise erosion, 

and 562,000 hectares of land converted to nature refuges. 

Reforms to Australia’s pesticide laws, announced this 

year after concerted WWF advocacy, will invigorate these 

practical efforts. New government policy puts the onus 

back on the pesticide industry to prove its chemicals 

are safe. WWF has also helped to secure a $175 million 

government reform package to ban outdated farm chemical 

practices, increase farmer assistance and invest in worldleading 

pollution monitoring and reporting. At least 2,600 

farmers have improved their management of an estimated 

12 million hectares as a result. 

At the scientific level, WWF is working along the Great 

Barrier Reef coast with local communities, Traditional 

Owners, government and James Cook University staff 

to learn more about the dangerous fibropapilloma virus 

threatening young green turtles. Our team is monitoring 

and tagging turtles, and supporting research into 

water quality and turtle health to find a solution to this 

emerging threat. 

Green turtle sampling, Cardwell, Qld © Jurgen Freund

oll call of 

AChievement 

WWF-Australia is active at home and 

abroad protecting threatened species, 

their habitats, and the livelihoods of 

Indigenous peoples who depend upon 

these rich natural resources. Our 

groundbreaking partnerships, advocacy 

and practical programs are transforming 

government policies, land management 

and consumer behaviour to create a more 

sustainable future for all. 

endosulFAn 

banned 

& deregistERED 

Reforming pesticide laws 

We helped secure a Federal Government commitment to reform pesticide laws 

to better protect human and environmental health. This will put the onus on the 

pesticide industry to prove its chemicals are safe – an important step in reducing 

chemical run-off onto the Great Barrier Reef. Similar reforms in Europe led to 

hundreds of dangerous chemicals being deregistered. WWF also successfully 

advocated for the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) 

to ban the insecticide endosulfan. The decision means that this chemical will be 

deregistered and existing stocks phased out of use in Australian horticulture, 

cotton and macadamia nut production within two years. 

70 + 

turtlES taggED 

& monitORED 

Turtle rescue mission 

We are working with local communities, Traditional Owners, governments and 

James Cook University along the Great Barrier Reef coast to learn more about the 

dangerous fibropapilloma virus that is threatening young green turtles. Together 

with our partners, we monitored and tagged more than 70 endangered turtles this 

year, and WWF continues to support research into water quality and turtle health 

to try to find a solution to this emerging threat. 

Sweet relief for reef 

Our pioneering collaboration with industry partners in Great Barrier Reef catchments 

is improving the sustainability of sugarcane production to benefit the environment. 

Project Catalyst involves more than 50 sugarcane growers, millers, natural resource 

management groups and the Coca-Cola Foundation in promoting cutting edge 

farm practices to cut pollution and improve productivity. The reduced fertiliser and 

pesticide use across 15,000 hectares of cane land is producing cleaner run-off water 

to the reef and increased yields. The project earned this year’s Sustainability Award 

for an outstanding sustainability partnership from the Queensland Premier and won 

the 2010 Banksia Environmental Award for sustainable agriculture and food. 

research 

uncovERS new 

information 

Protecting rare dolphins 

We collaborated with ING Direct to cast the spotlight on the rare Australian 

snubfin dolphin and this year funded hundreds of hours of research. Important 

new information on Kimberley dolphin populations is improving our 

understanding of the habitat, status and management needs of this species. WWF 

also advocated for new protected areas of dolphin habitat in Roebuck Bay and 

nominated the snubfin as a threatened species under Australian law. 


7

CASE StuDY 

Conserving Australia’s international 

biodiversity hotspot 

WWF’s decade-long commitment to one of the globe’s 34 

most important biodiversity hotspots has produced a worldclass 

plan to guide future conservation work to protect the 

Southwest Australia Ecoregion. 

WWF has mapped a network of priority zones for conservation 

action across Southwest Australia, promoting better ways 

for WWF to focus attention across Southwest Australia’s 

diverse landscapes. These zones highlight the most important 

areas for biodiversity protection and cover almost half the 

region – an area the size of Norway (more than 320,000 

square kilometres). This process lays the groundwork for 

strengthening relationships with our conservation partners 

to identify the most effective conservation strategies. 

WWF continues to work with landholders throughout 

Southwest Australia to protect and manage some of the 

region’s most important habitats and species. During the 

past year, more than 3,200 hectares of high conservation 

value bushland was protected, including threatened 

ecological communities and habitat supporting the 

endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo. 

In partnership with the Western Australian Government, 

WWF has also installed 16 motion-sensor cameras to better 

monitor and manage the threatened wheatbelt population 

of black-flanked rock wallabies. The cameras have zoomed 

in on potential predators, including foxes and feral cats, 

and will help to determine the best ways to conserve the 

remaining wallabies. 

Numbat in Dryandra forest,Southwest Australia Ecoregion 

© Fredy Mercay / WWF

340,000ha 

IPA declARED 

Growing the national estate 

WWF was instrumental in convincing the Australian Government to expand 

our system of national parks and other protected areas. WWF has been working 

closely with Traditional Owner groups to secure new Indigenous Protected Areas 

(IPAs) in the Kimberley region, a biodiversity stronghold. In May, the Wanjina 

Wunggurr community declared an IPA covering more than 340,000 hectares of 

the Kimberley, which will give local people greater opportunities to manage their 

land for future generations. 

266 ha 

bushland 

protECted 

33 Indigenous 

rangers 

tRAinED 

Saving WA bushland 

WWF has been working with private landholders in the Western Australian 

wheatbelt and south of Perth to protect critical habitats. We are in the final stages of 

negotiating the conservation of more than 3,000 hectares of critical bushland in the 

Southwest Australia Ecoregion that contains threatened ecological communities and 

habitat for threatened species like the Carnaby’s black cockatoo. On the southern 

urban fringes of Perth, WWF has also contributed to the protection of 266 hectares 

of bushland surrounding the Ramsar listed Peel-Yalgorup System wetlands, which 

annually attract hundreds of migratory shorebirds. 

Sharing our skills 

WWF is introducing new technology and skills to support the conservation efforts 

of Traditional Landowners in Western Australia. We delivered a series of motionsensor 

camera workshops to 33 Indigenous rangers in the One Arm Point and 

Bidyadanga regions of the Kimberley to help them monitor and manage native 

animals, including the threatened bilby. WWF has also been using the cameras in 

partnership with landholders in Southwest Australia. 

Earth Hour a turn-on 

The global Earth Hour campaign reached new heights this year, with a record 135 

countries and hundreds of millions of people taking part around the world. In 

Australia, more than 8.75 million people switched off their lights as awareness of 

Earth Hour grew to 97 per cent across the country. Some 16.6 million Australians 

have undertaken to participate in the future. 

supportED 

by 3 million 

austRAlians 

Tackling climate change 

WWF joined forces with community advocacy groups to establish the ‘Say 

Yes Australia’ campaign that called for a price on carbon to reduce Australia’s 

greenhouse emissions. The campaign organised nationwide rallies and advertising 

campaigns, brought together prominent Australians and won the support of 

three million Australians. WWF also coordinated leading business people and 

economists to endorse an open letter supporting a carbon price. Our efforts 

culminated in the Multiparty Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change 

agreeing to legislate for a carbon price by the end of 2011, clean energy funding for 

renewable energy sources and a carbon reduction target by 2050. 

Improving marine management 

As part of the Australian Coral Triangle Alliance, WWF is establishing partnerships 

between Australian universities and training institutes in Papua New Guinea and 

the Solomon Islands to ensure a greater focus in their curricula on marine resource 

management. This project is developing tailored tropical marine resource management 

training courses and equipping local teachers to run them. WWF is also leading the 

development of the Coral Triangle Climate Adaptation Marketplace, which will develop 

and secure finance for new on-ground climate adaptation research. 


9

CASE StuDY 

Sustaining livelihoods in the Coral Triangle 

The Coral Triangle contains more than half the world’s 

coral reefs and over one-third of its coral reef fish species. 

Collectively, these natural assets support the health and 

livelihoods of around 240 million people. 

WWF is working to protect the unique wildlife of the Coral 

Triangle and to create sustainable economic opportunities 

for its people and communities. 

We contributed to the development of the Australian 

Government’s $2.5 million Coral Triangle Support Package. 

It includes direct support for initiatives instigated by WWF 

and our long-term partners to build the capacity of local 

people to better manage their environment while improving 

community livelihoods. 

One such partner, the Tetepare Descendants’ Association in 

the Solomon Islands, oversees the management of marine 

and coastal areas on and around Tetepare Island. Funding 

under the support package is enabling the association to 

complete a range of marine surveys, the data from which 

will inform ongoing conservation and management. The 

surveys will assess the stocks of fish and other marine 

species such as marine turtles to determine sustainable 

harvesting numbers, that will enable those communities 

to manage their local resources sustainably. 

Dorothy fishing in her boat, Old Michi village Solomon Islands 

© WWF South Pacific / WWF-Canon

action Plan 

addresses urgent 

thREAts 

raised 

awarenESS 

4 

fisheriES 

certifiED 

pARtnERED 

for sustainable 

FOOD supply chains 

Investing in kangaroo and wallaby fight-back 

WWF has estimated that it will cost approximately $290 million to recover Australia’s 21 

threatened kangaroo and wallaby species over the next decade. WWF’s Action Plan for 

Threatened Australian Macropods outlines what is needed to achieve species recovery. 

It argues that renewed investment and research is urgently needed to address threats 

such as predation by introduced animals such as foxes and cats. This will not only benefit 

threatened macropods but also a range of native animals facing similar threats. 

Standing tall with forests 

WWF is helping to raise consumer awareness of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) 

eco-label through our partnerships with Kimberly-Clark Australia & New Zealand (makers 

of Kleenex, Kleenex Cottonelle, Wondersoft, Thick & Thirsty and Viva Paper Towel 

products) and Bunnings. Both companies stock a range of FSC certified products and are 

helping to drive awareness of the importance of sustainable timber and paper sourcing. 

WWF also continues to work with companies like Kimberly-Clark Australia & New 

Zealand, Bunnings, Australian Paper and Elders Forestry as part of our Global Forest and 

Trade Network, which aims to eliminate illegal logging and to improve forest management. 

Netting a future catch 

WWF continues to ensure that major fisheries on our shores are certified by the Marine 

Stewardship Council (MSC), an independent organisation that rewards sustainable 

fishing. Our submissions have seen the Ross Sea Toothfish Fishery, Spencer Gulf 

Prawn Fishery, Australian Mackerel Icefish Fishery and the Aker BioMarine Antarctica 

Krill Fishery certified for the first time or recertified. Certification gives buyers and 

consumers a means of identifying and purchasing seafood from sustainable fisheries 

and boosts WWF’s efforts to create markets for sustainable seafood. 

Sustainable seafood sales 

WWF has partnered with Coles to improve the sustainability of its seafood supply 

chain and to help educate consumers about more responsible seafood choices. We 

are also working with Coles’ suppliers to increase the sustainability of their products. 

Over time and with technical assistance from WWF, Coles will be seeking to ensure 

that all its own-brand seafood and seafood products, including fresh, frozen and 

canned products, are harvested from sustainable sources. 

1st unified 

RECOvERY plan 

3,000 people 

receivED food, 

MEDicinES & sheltER 

teachERS 

tRAinED 

Supporting tiger recovery 

WWF-Australia supporters and our corporate partner Factorie played an important role 

in the Global Tiger Initiative, which mobilised global support to arrest the decline of this 

threatened species. The generosity of WWF-Australia donors and Factorie helped WWF 

to support the establishment of the Global Tiger Recovery Program. It brings together 

all 13 states of the tiger’s range to create the first unified tiger recovery plan. 

Emergency aid for Pakistan 

The generous contributions of WWF-Australia supporters to our Pakistan floods appeal 

enabled WWF-Pakistan staff to provide food, medicines and shelter to approximately 3,000 

people. This delivered vital relief to communities that have been integral to our community 

based conservation projects for the Indus River dolphin and other endangered species. 

Conserving precious mangroves 

As part of WWF’s AusAID support for sustainable livelihoods in Western Melanesia, 

and in partnership with local NGO’s, Provincial Government and University of PNG, 

we helped develop a mangrove resource manual for primary school teachers. Aspects 

covered include adaptation, livelihoods and rehabilitation of mangroves. Teachers 

have been trained and have successfully trialled the manual in schools in the East 

Hiri area of Central Province of PNG. With strong support from the Provincial 

Government it may be incorporated into the national curriculum. 


11

The future 

in in focus 

WWF-Australia WWF-Australia has a vital has role a vital to role play to in play WWF’s in WWF’s 

international international efforts efforts to protect to protect biodiversity biodiversity and contain and contain 

humanity’s humanity’s footprint. footprint. We have We a reputation have a reputation for engaging for engaging 

partners, partners, developing developing innovative innovative solutions solutions and delivering and delivering 

sustainable sustainable results. results. To capitalise To capitalise on on WWF-Australia’s 

strengths, strengths, we will we concentrate will concentrate our resources resources during during the next the next 

five years five on years a select on a number select number of key High of key Impact High Impact Initiatives. Initiatives. 

Our six Our priority six priority High Impact High Impact Initiatives Initiatives – in Australia – in Australia and and 

throughout throughout the Pacific the Pacific region region – lever – the lever considerable the considerable 

power of power the WWF of the network. WWF network. They bring They together bring together 

Indigenous Indigenous knowledge, knowledge, effective effective on-ground on-ground actions, actions, 

policy reform, policy reform, and partnerships and partnerships to inspire to inspire change change on on an 

unprecedented unprecedented scale to scale achieve to achieve our mission our mission - to build - to a build a 

future in future which in humans which humans live in harmony live in harmony with nature. with nature. 

Residents Residents of Long Tuyo of Long benefit Tuyo from benefit WWF’s from Kutai WWF’s Barat Kutai project Barat in project Borneo in Borneo 

which helps which communities helps communities secure land secure tenure land rights tenure and rights livelihood and livelihood skills skills 

© WWF-Canon © WWF-Canon / Simon Rawles / Simon Rawles 


12

high impACt 

Initiatives 

2011-2016 

WWF-Australia’s Strategic Plan 

maintains our proud tradition of 

leading from the front. It identifies 

where we stand to have the 

greatest impact and influence, and 

highlights the unique contributions 

we can make in our region. WWF- 

Australia commits to accelerating 

action to create a more secure and 

sustainable future. 

1 

© Jurgen Freund / WWF-Canon © Dejan Stojanovic / Birds Australia © Alain Compost / WWF-Canon 

2 

3 

Great Barrier Reef 

Our vision: to boost the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef by reforming land and sea-based 

industries, and ensuring that the reef can support viable communities as well as healthy 

populations of turtles, dugongs and dolphins. This will rely on strong Traditional Owner 

engagement and the sustainable use of marine and terrestrial resources. 

To realise this vision, WWF-Australia will: 

• reduce pollution in key catchments by fast-tracking the adoption of farming best practice; 

• end poor fishing practices; and 

• build Indigenous partnerships focused on the sustainable use of marine resources and 

support for species recovery. 

Southwest Australia 

Our vision: to ensure a diverse and continuous network of natural landscapes cross the 

Southwest Australia Ecoregion. This mosaic will be interspersed with a range of socially and 

economically productive land uses that support these diverse and healthy environments. 


• help landholders to continue land restoration through opportunities like carbon farming; 

• target projects that aid the recovery of key flagship species; and 

• protect remaining native vegetation, inspire climate change adaptation and identify 

potential landscape connectivity projects. 

Heart of Borneo 

Our vision: to contribute to the development of a best-practice green economy in he equatorial 

rainforests of Borneo by creating a network of protected areas, productive forests and other 

sustainable land uses. This will include integrated spatial planning, efforts to reduce carbon 

emissions from deforestation and degradation, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and 

targeted species conservation. 


• engage with the public sector to influence policies and programs, including securing support 

for a roadmap to a sustainable green economy that will engage local communities, public 

and private sectors; 

• develop and support on-ground flagship species recovery projects that involve all 

stakeholders; and 

• engage with the Australian private sector to reduce unsustainable practices by linking 

to sustainable local production and encouraging sustainable finance standards.

mapping WWF-Australia’s 

high impACt initiatives 

3 

Heart of Borneo 

Covers 220,000 km 2 of equatorial rain forest 

including some of the most biologically diverse 

habitats on Earth. It is one of only two places 

on Earth where elephants, orang-utans and 

rhinoceros share the same territory. 

B 

5 

market tRAnSFORMAtion 

Commodities and sectors 

FORESts 

timber; pulp 

and paper 

PartnERShips 

business & industry, 

Indigenous partners, 

community livelihoods 

FishERies 

seafood 

AgricultuRE 

palm oil, sugarcane & 

livestock (beef & dairy) 

SouthWESt AustRAlia ECOREgion 

Covers a total of 686,871 km 2 , which 

equates to approximately 27% of the total 

area of Western Australia or 9% of the 

total area of Australia. This region has 

the highest concentration of rare and 

endangered species in Australia.

4 

cliMAte change 

renEWAble enERgy 

CORAl Triangle and South WESt Pacific 

stretches across six countries in Southeast Asia and 

Melanesia (Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Papua 

New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste), the Coral 

Triangle contains the richest marine ecosystems on Earth. 

The Great BarriER REEF 

is the world’s longest continuous barrier reef and 

one of the most diverse and remarkable ecosystems 

in the world. It is also one of the most loved with 

enormous community support for its protection. 

C 60 

6 

emiSSion reductions 

cliMAte change adaptation 

1 

2 

A

4 

© Cat Holloway / WWF-Canon © Edward Parker / WWF-Canon © Adam Oswell / WWF-Canon 

5 

6 

Coral Triangle and South West Pacific 

Our vision: to ensure that the oceans and coasts of the Coral Triangle and South West 

Pacific, the epicentre of global marine biodiversity, remain vibrant and healthy sources of 

food and livelihoods for generations to come. 


• demonstrate how to protect marine and coastal environments and assist coastal 

communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change; 

• establish a range of partnerships to improve fishing practices; and 

• identify with all stakeholders potential Marine Protected Areas and deliver new marine 

parks which will provide fish breeding grounds, and have a direct positive impact on 

community livelihoods . 

Market Transformation 

Our vision: to ensure that businesses and markets offer products that contribute to 

economic and social development and safeguard Earth’s biodiversity. We will concentrate on 

improving practices and environmental outcomes within key commodity groups: sugar, beef, 

seafood, palm oil, pulp, paper and tropical timber. 


• encourage businesses to drive the demand for sustainably produced commodities; 

• introduce policy reforms that remove perverse subsidies and improve product traceability; and 

• promote WWF’s sustainable choices to consumers. 

Climate Change 

Our vision: to reduce global pollution to limit ocean acidification and keep global warming 

to 1.5ºC. This will help to avoid the worst impacts of climate change on iconic places like the 

Great Barrier Reef and species such as marine turtles. 


• contribute to Australia having a national low pollution action plan out to 2050, including a 

target of 25% emission reductions from 1990 levels by 2020; 

• contribute to putting Australia on a pathway to 100% renewable energy by 2050; 

• contribute to Australia introducing low pollution action plans in key agricultural sectors; and 

• support WWF International’s work in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate 

Change (UNFCCC) and other key fora to ensure that the Australian Government makes 

strong commitments to climate change mitigation. 

Building on innovative programs 

A 

B 

C 60 

Adopting priority High Impact Initiatives does not mean that WWF-Australia strays from its long-standing 

conservation commitments. In fact, we intend to heighten our focus on the following areas. In Antarctica and 

the Southern Ocean (A), we will seek to expand the network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), promote 

fisheries best practices, address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and integrate climate change 

adaptation strategies into ongoing management. In the Kimberley (B), our focus is on growing the MPA 

network and safeguarding special terrestrial tracts of land through measures such as Indigenous Protected 

Areas. Earth Hour’s global success story began in Sydney in 2007 and Australia will continue to lead the way 

by building on the success of the inaugural WWF Earth Hour Awards (C) and inspire people from all over 

Australia and the world to connect with nature and live sustainably year round. 

We will also look to further innovate in areas where WWF-Australia can make a significant contribution 

to conservation.

“We have to find a new way to forge connections with nature. We live in 

an increasingly urbanised society that is largely ignorant of the wonders 

that inspire us. And we live in an economy that is still often stubbornly 

indifferent to the natural systems upon which it depends.” 

WWF International Director General, Jim Leape 

WWF-Australia Annual Report 2011

Many 

hands make 

WWF work 

WWF-Australia’s commitment to 

conservation is matched only by the 

commitment of our loyal supporters 

and corporate partners. Our unique 

approach is founded on positive 

relationships and teamwork – on the 

connections capable of producing 

powerful change. By pooling our 

collective resources, passion and 

expertise, we are encouraging a 

deeper respect for the wonders of 

our natural world – together. 

© Kimberly-Clark Australia & 

New Zealand ANZ 

Our lOYAl supportERS & pARtnERS 

Faithful supporters are the cornerstone of WWF-Australia’s conservation work 

and we delight in sharing our love of the natural world. Not only do our supporters 

invest financially in our projects; they also spread word of our campaigns and 

community events far and wide, increasing our reach and effectiveness. 

And there is now a range of interactive ways for us to connect with our loyal 

followers – through our revamped website, Living Planet magazine, Futuremakers 

e-newsletters, social media and WWF’s new Living Planet Bequest Society, which 

recognises the legacies of our generous bequestors. 

Glen Watts, Managing Director, 

Kimberly-Clark Australia & New 

Zealand and Gilly Llewellyn, 

Director of Conservation, WWF- 

Australia with FSC certified 

Kleenex Cottonelle toilet tissue. 

Achieving our ambitious conservation goals also depends on business and industry 

cooperation, and in this arena WWF has some ardent allies. Next year we will 

engage with our corporate partners like never before through our sustainable 

business membership program, which connects like-minded businesses on green 

innovation and environment issues. 

In each of these ways, WWF will continue to generate interest and investment in 

conservation, develop new relationships and celebrate our shared successes. 

© Doug mclean/ WWF-Aus 

Although I can’t give a great deal on a regular 

basis, by leaving WWF a legacy, I know I can 

have an impact far beyond anything I have 

been able to do during the course of my life. 

Holly Smith, WWF bequestor 

with WWF panda mascot 

Holly Smith, WWF bequestor 


© Amelia Kelly/ WWF-Aus 

Our talented team 

WWF-Australia’s long-term success relies upon our ability to attract and retain the 

best people – highly skilled employees who are committed and passionate about 

achieving our shared conservation goals. 

WWF is dedicated to developing a high-performance culture that is reflected in 

progressive workplace practices. We invest in our staff by encouraging flexible 

work arrangements, attractive working conditions, health and wellbeing policies, 

and paid parental leave. Our cross-disciplinary teams are characterised by strong 

leadership, innovative thinking and spirited collaboration. 

Members of the WWF-Australia 

team gear up for Earth Hour 2011 

In 2011, a concerted effort to reduce WWF’s own ecological footprint will engage 

employees in sustainability measures like never before. WWF will also lead by 

example when it comes to respect for diversity – in the workplace and within our 

partnerships – through the continuation of our Cross Cultural Awareness program. 

© WWF-Intl/WWF-Canon 

Our reputation 

With a commitment to conservation spanning 50 years, WWF is a well established 

and trusted global brand. Our reputation remains one of our greatest assets, 

coupled with our distinctive panda logo. 

To inspire and motivate a new generation of Australians, WWF must work harder to 

raise its voice above the din. Consistency – in our messages and our approach – is 

vital if we are to increase both our audience and our influence. 

Archbishop Rr Desmond Tutu 

‘high fiving’ at the WWF 50th 

Anniversary Gala celebrations 

in Zurich 29th April 2011. 

Throughout the next year we will use new vehicles and avenues, including our 

revamped website and social media applications, to strengthen our community of 

supporters. We will continue to do what we do best – imbue our practical projects 

with the ethics and values upon which our reputation is founded and which will 

serve us well for the next 50 years. 

50 years 

of the WWF logo 


19

corporate 

governance 

bOARD of diRECtORS 

Denis Saunders, AM, BSc (Hons), PhD 

President; Member, Finance, Audit & Risk Management 

Committee; Member, Program and Conservation Committee; 

Member, The Nominating & Governance Committee. 

Founding Member, The Wentworth Group of Concerned 

Scientists; Founding Member, Board of Directors since 2002; 

Chair, Sara Halvedene Foundation; former Member, Australian 

Heritage Council and Member, The Wentworth Group of 

Concerned Scientists. 

Andrew Burbidge, BSc (Hons), PhD 

Director; Chair, Program and Conservation Committee; 

Member, Board of Directors since 2006. 

Chair, WWF Western Australia Advisory Committee; Chair, 

Threatened Species Scientific Committee (Western Australia) 

and Chair, Gorgon Barrow Island Net Conservation Benefits 

Advisory Board. 

Anthony Fitzwilliams Hyde 

Director; Member, The Nominating & Governance Committee. 

Member, Board of Directors since 2005; Board Member, 

Abercrombie & Kent (Australia) Pty. Ltd and Former Board 

Member, Recreational Tourism Pty Ltd. 

Linda Funnell-Milner, LLB, DipEd 

Director; Vice President; Chair, The Nominating & Governance 

Committee; Member, Finance, Audit & Risk Management Committee. 

Member, Board of Directors since 2009; Corporate sustainability 

consultant and expert, specialising in greenhouse, energy and 

carbon footprints; former Chair, GRI Stakeholder Council 

(Amsterdam) and Member, Board of Uniting Care NSW ACT. 

Paul Harris, M.A., F.Fin 

Director; Member, The Nominating & Governance Committee. 

Member, Board of Directors since 2010; Chairman, Fulcrum 

Capital Partners Ltd and Director, Wilson HTM Ltd. 

Peter Kingston, BCom, LLB, CA, FTIA 

Director; Chair, Finance, Audit & Risk Management Committee. 

Member, Board of Directors since 2006; former Corporate Tax 

Partner, KPMG; and former Member, Board of KPMG. 

Diccon Loxton, BA, LLB 

Director; Secretary; Member, Program and Conservation Committee. 

Member, Board of Directors since 2004; Partner, Allens Arthur 

Robinson solicitors, since 1984; Director, Banking and Financial 

Services Law Association; Governor, Ascham School Limited and 

Chairman, Australian Museum Foundation. 

WWF-Australia is a not-for-profit 

organisation governed by a Board of 

Directors and has a membership of 

approximately 80 Governors. The 

Board oversees performance and 

compliance and ensures effective 

governance and leadership. Our 

Governors are experts in their fields 

and serve as WWF champions. 

Robert Purves, AM, BCom 

Director; Member, Board of Directors since 2010; 

Former President, WWF-Australia, Former Board 

Member, WWF International. 

Founding Member, The Wentworth Group of Concerned 

Scientists; Chairman, Purves Environmental Fund; 

Chairman, Sustainable Business Australia; Director, The 

Peter Cullen Water Trust; Patron, Lizard Island Research 

Station; Governor, Australian Youth Climate Coalition and 

Former Chairman, DCA Group Limited. 

Brent Wallace, BCom, GAICD 

Director; Member, Program and Conservation Committee; 

Member, Finance, Audit & Risk Management Committee. 

Member, Board of Directors since 2006; CEO and founder, 

Galileo Kaleidoscope; Non-Executive Board Director, 

Blackmores Ltd and former Managing Director, Ogilvy & 

Mather, Australia. 

Dedee Woodside, BSc (Hons), PhD, GAIDC 

Director; Member, Program and Conservation Committee. 

Member, Board of Directors since 2007; Managing Director 

of a consultancy (Corporate & Community Sustainability 

International), Wildlife Ecologist specialising in community 

engagement, development and natural resource management; 

Deputy Chair of the Invasive Animal Cooperative Research 

Centre; Member, Board of the Sydney Metropolitan 

Catchment Management Authority, Member Australian 

National Animal Welfare Committee and Chair, Great Ape 

Futures Fund Australia. 

PatROn 

Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC 

Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. 

exECutive team 

The Executive Team drives strategic direction for 

WWF-Australia’s present and future. This direction is 

detailed in our WWF-Australia Strategic Plan 2011-2016, 

which is approved by the Board of Directors. Executive 

Team members lead and manage both their functional 

areas and the organisation as a whole to achieve high 

performance at low risk. 


PRinCipAL OFFICERS 

Dermot M. O’Gorman, EMBA(Hons), MSc, BSc (Hons) Dip Sc 

Chief Executive Officer, WWF-Australia 

Dermot O’Gorman was appointed as Chief Executive of 

WWF-Australia in August 2010, bringing more than 20 years 

of conservation experience to the role. Since then, Dermot 

has led the organisation through a comprehensive review 

of its programs, and set a new strategic direction for the 

organisation’s conservation, fundraising and communications. 

He joined WWF-UK in 1998 as Head of Government and Aid 

Agency Partnerships. In 2001, Dermot moved to Fiji as the 

Regional Representative of WWF in the South Pacific. 2005 

saw Dermot begin work at WWF International in Switzerland 

as the Deputy Director, Asia Pacific Program and in 2005 he 

took over as the Country Representative of WWF China. 

COMMITTEES 

Finance, Audit & Risk Management Committee 

It is the role of the Finance, Audit & Risk Management 

Committee to assist the Board to provide oversight of 

WWF-Australia’s financial and risk management programs. 

Program and Conservation Committee 

It is the role of the Program and Conservation Committee to 

assist the Board to provide oversight on the business of the 

organisation, including conservation, media and marketing. 

The The Nominating & Governance Committee 

It is the role of the The Nominating & Governance Committee 

to ensure that the most credible, diverse and committed 

individuals are in a position to influence the strategic outcomes 

of the organisation in the most appropriate way - the right 

people in the right place. 

Dr Ghislaine Llewellyn, PhD, MSc, BS (Hons) 

Conservation Director 

Dr Ghislaine (Gilly) Llewellyn spent a decade studying coral 

reefs around the world and was involved in a number of 

expeditions and development projects before joining WWF- 

Indonesia in 1999. She subsequently worked with WWF USA 

as their senior marine scientist, leading conservation planning 

in East Africa, the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea, Fiji and the north coast 

of New Guinea. Gilly also contributed to WWF International’s 

policy work, and assisted in WWF’s post-tsunami response in 

Aceh before joining WWF-Australia in 2005. 

As Conservation Director of WWF-Australia, Gilly has 

led the application of a scientific approach to building a 

network of marine protected areas for Australia’s oceans. 

KEY SERviCE PROviDERS 

Allens Arthur Robinson 

Australia and New Zealand 

Banking Group Limited 

Baker & McKenzie (Earth Hour) 

Scientific suppORt 

Ethinvest Pty Ltd 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

WWF is a science based organisation. We pride ourselves on 

the rigour of our work. Our impact depends on the quality of 

our science, and we are fortunate in having the help of many 

of Australia’s scientists. 

We would like to thank those scientists and acknowledge 

their contribution. There are too many to mention, but 

they help us in many ways – participating in workshops, 

reviewing and contributing to our publications, and giving 

advice and information on the latest research. 

govERnors 

WWF-Australia has a membership of 81 committed Governors, who are charged with 

actively promoting and supporting the objectives for which WWF was established. 

Ms Lyn Allison 

Dr Alan Bartholomai 

Cr Michael Berwick, AM 

Mr Ken Boundy 

Mr Greg Bourne 

Mr Peter Bridgman 

Dr Margaret Brock 

Dr Andrew Burbidge 

Mr William Burrell, AM 

Mrs Sidonie Carpenter 

Mr Richard Cassels 

Mr Michael Chilcott 

Mr Peter Cosier 

Professor Bart Currie 

Ms Perri Cutten 

Professor Stephen Davies 

Professor Christopher 

Dickman 

Mrs Kate Dowling 

Ms Danielle Ecuyer 

Dr Colin Filer 

Dr Guy Fitzhardinge 

Prof. Tim Flannery 

Ms Linda Funnell-Milner 

Professor Stephen Garnett 

Professor Arthur Georges 

Mrs Margaret Gibson 

Dr Jane Gilmour,OAM 

Mr Rob Gordon 

Mr Piers Grove 

Mr Michael Hamson 

Mrs Alison Hanson 

Dr Ronnie Harding 

Mrs Barbara Hardy, AO 

Mr Paul Harris 

Mr Ken Hickson 

The Hon. Robert Hill 

Ms Elizabeth Ho 

Professor Stephen Hopper 

Mr Tony Hyams 

Mr Anthony Hyde 

The Hon John Kerin, AM 

Mr Jason Kimberley 

Mr Peter Kingston 

Councillor Robert Kok 

Ms Holly Lindsay 

Mr Diccon Loxton 

Dr Don McFarlane 

Mr Michael McFarlane 

Mrs Marian Micalizzi 

Mr John Mooney 

Assoc Professor Susan Moore 

Mr David Moyle, AM 

Dr Warren Musgrave 

Mr Anthony Nicholas 

Mrs Christina Nicholas 

Ms Louise O’Halloran 

Mr Brad Orgill 

The Hon Justice Michael 

Pembroke 

Dr Melissa Perry, QC 

Professor Hugh Possingham 

Professor Bob Pressey 

Mr Robert Purves, AM 

Mr Edward Rowley 

Mr Paul Sattler, OAM 

Denis Saunders, AM 

Ms Kerryn Schrank 

Dr Sandra Schuster 

Mr Simon Spellicy 

Mr Andrew Stock 

Mr Alan Sweeney 

Assoc Professor Luca Tacconi 

Mr Peter Thomas 

Mr Keith Tuffley 

Mr Keith Walkerden 

Mr Brent Wallace 

Mr Ivan Wheen 

Mr Hunter White 

Mr Martijn Wilder 

Mr Brian Wills-Johnson 

Dr Dedee Woodside 

Mrs Susan Young 


21

financial 

statements 

Independent auditor’s report 

to the the Board of Directors 

of the World Wide Fund for 

Nature Australia (WWF). 

Auditor’s report on 

the financial report 

The summary financial statements, of World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, comprising the summary 

balance sheet as at 30 June 2011, the summary statement of comprehensive income and summary 

statement of changes in equity for the year then ended are derived from the audited financial report of 

World Wide Fund for Nature Australia for the year ended 30 June 2011. We expressed an unmodified 

auditor’s opinion on that financial report in our auditor’s report dated 19 October 2011. 

The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Australian 

Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001, the NSW Charitable Fundraising Act 1991, 

the NSW Charitable Fundraising Regulation 2008 and the Australian Council for International 

Development Code of Conduct applied in the preparation of audited financial report of World 

Wide Fund for Nature Australia. Reading the summary financial statements, therefore is not a 

substitute for reading the audited financial report of World Wide Fund for Nature Australia. 

The responsibility of the Directors for the summary financial statements 

The Directors of the Board are responsible for the preparation of the summary of the audited 

financial report on the basis described in Note 1. 

Auditor’s responsibility 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary financial statements based on our 

procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards ASA810 

Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Chartered Accountants 

Shannon Maher 

Partner – Sydney 

19th October 2011. 

Auditor’s Opinion 

In our opinion, the summary financial statements derived from the audited financial report of 

World Wide Fund for Nature Australia for the year ended 30 June 2011 are consistent in all 

material respects, with that audited financial report, on the basis described in Note 1. 

Basis of Accounting and Restriction on Distribution and Use 

Without modifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1 of the summary financial statements, 

which describes the basis of accounting. The summary financial statements has been prepared to 

assist World Wide Fund for Nature Australia to meet the requirements of Corporations Act 2001. 

As a result, the summary financial statements may not be suitable for another purpose. Our report 

is intended solely for the Directors of the Board of World Wide Fund for Nature Australia. 

Expenditure analYSis 2010 and 2011 

61% Conservation Program 

6% Community Education 

8% Fundraising – Investment in New Supporters 

14% Fundraising – Communication and Services 

11% Administration 

56% Conservation Program 

7% Community Education 

11% Fundraising – Investment in New Supporters 

15% Fundraising – Communication and Services 

11% Administration 

20,000,000 

20,000,000 

15,000,000 

15,000,000 

10,000,000 

10,000,000 

2010 

Total Expenditure 

$18,364,018* 

5,000,000 


Total Expenditure 

$18,471,882 

5,000,000 

*Ex unrealised losses/gains on investments. 


Statement of comprehensive 

income for the year ended 

30 June 2011 

Revenue 


$ 

2010 

$ 

Donations and gifts – monetary and non-monetary 13,867,399 12,725,231 

Legacies and bequests 1,202,995 451,000 

Grants 

AusAID 250,012 150,000 

Other Australian 1,091,983 1,048,639 

Other overseas 2,574,528 2,515,905 

Other income 407,097 314,962 

Total Revenue 19,394,014 17,205,737 

Expenditure 

International aid and development programs 

Expenditure 

International programs 

Funds to international programs 1,185,465 365,306 

Program support costs 368,889 252,297 

Total international aid and development 

programs expenditure 

1,554,354 617,603 

Domestic programs expenditure 

Funds to domestic programs 8,743,147 10,656,719 

Community education 1,314,515 1,067,090 

Fundraising costs 

Public 4,757,291 3,990,881 

Government, multilateral and private – – 

Realised loss on investments 7,979 – 

Unrealised gain on investments – (5,085) 

Accountability and administration 2,094,596 2,031,725 

Total domestic programs expenditure 16,917,528 17,741,330 

Total Expenditure 18,471,882 18,358,933 

Excess/(shortfall) of revenue over expenditure 922,132 (1,153,196) 

Other comprehensive income 50,838 66,070 

Total comprehesive income/(expense) for the year 972,970 (1,087,126) 

During the year to 30 June 2011, WWF-Australia had no transactions in the Evangelistic, Political or Religious 

Proselytisation programs category. 

During the year to 30 June 2011, WWF-Australia had no category of income or expenditure required to be disclosed 

in accordance with the ACFID Code of Conduct other than as shown above. 

Income for the year ended 30 June 2011 

64% Individual Supporters 

7% Government Grants 

13% WWF Network 

6% Corporations 

6% Legacies 

2% Trusts and Foundations 

2% Interest and Dividends Received 

total Income 2011 

$19,394,014 


23

Financial statements cont’d 

Balance Sheet as at 

30 June 2011 

Assets 

Current assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 


$ 

3,873,704 

2010 

$ 

2,922,611 

Trade and other receivables 351,103 85,093 

Other financial assets 156,442 117,507 

Total current assets 4,381,249 3,125,211 

Non-current assets 

Other financial assets 2,434,689 2,368,510 

Property, plant and equipment 320,626 403,056 

Other non-current assets – 50,000 

Total non-current assets 2,755,315 2,821,566 

Total assets 7,136,564 5,946,777 

Liabilities 

Current liabilities 

Trade and other payables 1,007,260 848,715 

Provisions 72,682 – 

Total current liabilities 1,079,942 848,715 

Non-current liabilities 

Provisions 185,434 199,844 

Total non-current liabilities 185,434 199,844 

Total liabilities 1,265,376 1,048,559 

Net assets 5,871,188 4,898,218 

Equity 

Reserves 2,061,695 1,233,873 

Retained earnings 3,809,493 3,664,345 

Total equity 5,871,188 4,898,218 

As at 30 June 2011 WWF-Australia had no category of Assets or Liabilities required to be disclosed in accordance 

with the ACFID Code of Conduct other than as shown above. 

Statement of Changes 

in Equity for the year 

ended 30 June 2011 

Balance at 01/07/10 

(commencing balance) 

Excess of revenue 

over expenses 

Amount transferred 

(to)/from reserves 

Retained 

earnings 

Earmarked 

funds 

Reserves 

Investments 

revaluation 

Endowment 

fund 

Total 

3,664,345 1,167,803 66,070 0 4,898,218 

922,132 – – – 922,132 

(776,984) 64,984 – 712,000 – 

Investment revaluation – – 50,838 – 50,838 

Balance at 30/06/11 

(year end balance) 

3,809,493 1,232,787 116,908 712,000 5,871,188 

WWF-Australia has not provided a Statement of Cash Movements as no single appeal, grant or other form of fundraising 

for a designated purpose generated 10% or more of the organisation’s international aid and development revenue for 

the financial year. 

Extracted from Financial Statements – 30 June 2011. Full financial statements available on 

request, or via download from WWF-Australia’s website www.wwf.org.au. 


WWF-AUSTRALIA 

SUSTAINABILITY 

REPORT 2011 

WWF-Australia is dedicated 

to best practice. We assess 

our own performance 

and activities in the same 

way that we do those of 

Australian businesses. 

In the following pages you will learn how we are tracking in relation to achieving our 

environmental targets. We are pleased with our progress this year, however WWF- 

Australia is also developing a more ambitious vision for our sustainability journey. 

We have convened a sustainability committee to assess our operations so that we can 

lead by example and meet our existing targets. 

This report on some of our direct and indirect environmental impacts is guided by the 

international standard for sustainability reporting, the Global Reporting Initiative. 

Our Performance 

Our Greenhouse gas emissions are the single biggest contributor to the environmental 

footprint of our operations. That’s why we have set targets and made commitments to 

ensure that this part of our environmental footprint is minimised as a priority. These 

targets include: 

• To reduce WWF-Australia’s energy consumption per employee by 30% by 2015 

from our 2010 baseline of 1,240 kWh per employee. 

• To reduce our emissions from domestic and international air travel by 50%. 

Furthermore we have for a number of years made policy commitments which help us 

reduce our emissions even further. These include: 

• 100% of the electricity purchased by WWF is renewable energy. 

• 100% of greenhouse gas emissions arising from air travel and private vehicle use 

for work is offset. 

Our carbon footprint 

100% Accredited green power 

46% International air travel 

39% Domestic air travel 

12% electricity 

3% Vehicle use 

WWF-Australia Sustainability Report 2011 

25

100% 

accredited 

green power 

22% 

reduction 

AChieved 

Greenhouse gas emissions 

Wherever possible, WWF avoids greenhouse gas emissions. We offset using a quality 

offset scheme that invests in renewable energy or energy efficiency projects that 

contribute to sustainable development in host countries. WWF’s preferred offsets are 

those generated by the Gold Standard Offset scheme. 

Office electricity use 

Our target is to reduce energy consumption per employee by 30% by 2015 from our 2010 

baseline of 1,240kWh per employee. In 2010, we reduced overall consumption by 20%, 

and a further 2% in 2011, although energy consumption per person increased. We are 

reviewing our target and developing a strategy to ensure that our 2015 target is met. 

WWF purchases 100% government-accredited GreenPower from Origin Energy for 

our offices. 

36% 

reduction 

AChieved 

Air travel 

Air travel is the most significant contributor to our carbon footprint. We have 

reduced our emissions from air travel by 36% to date against a 07/08 baseline and we 

are on track to achieve our target* of halving emissions by 2012. We will continue to 

focus on ways to reduce air travel. 

All emissions from air travel are offset with Gold Standard offsets through Climate Friendly. 

Air travel 

Domestic air travel 

International air travel 

Total 

target year* 

100% 

carbon offset 

Vehicle use 

WWF does not have a vehicle fleet, however a number of our field staff rely on cars. 

We encourage staff to avoid vehicle use where possible and, if this is impossible, to 

hire fuel-efficient vehicles. We monitor private and hire car use, and offset emissions 

annually with Gold Standard offsets. 

This year the kilometres driven by staff increased by 41% compared to the previous 

year, largely on account of WWF’s work in regional Southwest Australia. We will 

continue to find ways to reduce vehicle use without compromising the delivery of our 

conservation goals. 

Recycling 

WWF is committed to recycling. Staff are encouraged to reduce waste and we work 

with our landlords to optimise recycling. Recyclable waste is segregated wherever 

possible, including obsolete computers and toners. 

26 WWF-Australia Sustainability Report 2011

22% 

reduction 

AChieved 

Paper use 

WWF is committed to minimising paper use and purchasing FSC or recycled paper. 

We ensure that all official documents are available electronically and our extensive 

use of laptops further reduces the need for printing. Key documents, such as our 

Annual Report and supporter magazine Living Planet, carry the FSC “tree with tick” 

logo. By purchasing FSC paper WWF can be confident that the virgin fibre source has 

come from forests or plantations that are certified as well managed. 

In 2011 our paper use decreased by 22% per person compared to last year. 

Water 

Water is a small component of our footprint. Staff are encouraged to conserve water 

and our bathrooms are fitted with flow restrictors and dual-flush toilets. 

Our emplOYEES 

Members of WWF-Australia 

staff and Board with a member 

of the Girringun Traditional 

Owner group during Indigenous 

cultural training in Queensland. 

Employees 

Attracting and retaining the best people is critical to WWF’s effectiveness and we 

are committed to making WWF a great place to work. This year we continued to 

build a constructive, high-performance culture. All staff attended workshops to 

share the results of the 2010 Culture Survey and to set improvement targets. WWF- 

Australia’s values were approved and now underpin everything we do. Training and 

development focused on emotional intelligence and team-building. This has been 

critical to developing focused and committed teams. Further leadership and team 

development training is scheduled for 2012. 

Diversity 

WWF remains committed to Indigenous engagement. This year a cross-cultural 

training program, led by our Policy Manager – Conservation on Country, was 

delivered to board members, the CEO and staff. Traditional Owners shared their 

knowledge to facilitate a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture and how best 

to develop close partnerships. As an identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 

position, the Policy Manager – Conservation on Country role is invaluable in 

building a positive approach to workplace diversity. 

responsible invEStment 

Responsible and sustainable investment is a logical extension of WWF-Australia’s 

mission and we are pleased to be the first NGO certified* by the Responsible 

Investment Association Australasia (RIAA). WWF invests in a range of listed 

securities that are under the direct management of our financial advisor Ethinvest. 

The responsible investment methodology we use applies to all WWF investments, 

including cash, fixed interest, Australian shares, international shares and property. 

The Ethinvest Sustainable Rating System, which WWF-Australia follows, aims to 

produce a portfolio comprising companies that contribute to the protection and 

improvement of our environment and a more sustainable society. Companies fall into 

three categories: green (activities that benefit), white (activities that do no harm) or 

black (those that damage people or the environment). 

The portfolio must have no black-rated, 50-100% green-rated and 0-50% white-rated 

investments. 

*WWF-Australia has been certified by RIAA according to the strict disclosure practices required under the 

Responsible Investment Certification Program. See www.responsibleinvestment.org for full details. 

WWF-Australia Sustainability Report 2011 

27

Putting our best foot forward 

Reaching new audiences 

We will create new ways to inspire and 

motivate a new generation of Australians and 

truly realise our collective power to make a 

difference to the world in which we live. 

Building a 

strong network 

High Impact 

Initiatives 

Over the next 5 years, we will 

accelerate our on-ground 

conservation and advocacy 

work, focusing on new priority 

areas where we have the greatest 

impact and influence. 

Annual Report 2011 

We will draw strength from 

WWF’s 50 years of rich 

history, knowledge and 

experience, harnessing our 

network of people around 

the world. 

Transforming 

business 

Through building influential 

relationships with business 

and industry, we will continue 

to create solutions to address 

the major threats to our 

natural environments. 

Why we are here 

To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and 

to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. 

wwf.org.au 

©1986 Panda symbol WWF ® WWF is a registered trademark 

Cover image: Girringun ranger Chris Muriata with green turtle, Cardwell, Qld © Jurgen Freund / WWF-Aus 

WWF-Australia National Office 

Level 13, 235 Jones Street, 

Ultimo NSW 2007 

GPO Box 528 

Sydney NSW 2001 

Walking the talk 

We will continue to commit 

to reducing our overall 

environmental footprint, with 

an ambitious vision to reduce 

energy consumption by 30% 

and emissions from travel by 

50% by 2015. 

Tel: 61 2 9281 5515 

Freecall: 1800 032 551 

Fax: 61 2 9281 1060 

Email: enquiries@wwf.org.au 

Two Earth hour volunteers light candles during 

Earth Hour © WWF/Nina Munn 

aus 

wwf.org.au 

© nasa

WWF-Australia Annual Report 2011

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