WWF is a founding member of the Conservation and Human Rights Initiative and signed the Conservation and Human Rights Framework in 2009.  

The Conservation Initiative on Human Rights (CIHR) is a consortium of international conservation organizations that seek to improve the practice of conservation by promoting integration of human rights in conservation policy and practice.

WWF recognizes human rights as central to achieving effective and equitable conservation and development outcomes. The policy states WWF’s commitment to respect human rights and to promote rights within the scope of conservation initiatives. This endorsement also commits WWF to implementation measures contained in the framework and their application across all of our relevant social policies. 

We recognize the need to adopt a human rights approach to development that respects the fundamental value of good governance, human rights and equitable and engaged civil society in achieving environmental sustainability and effective conservation outcomes.