“The most difficult thing is to transform the economy” to reduce the imprint of humanity interview

In early March, the International World Funds Association (WWF) won another office: Portugal wwf. After several years of work, the Nature Nature Portugal-ANP/WWF Association is linked to the international network.

Take advantage of the transition, Kirsten Schuijt, General Manager of WWF International, answered the questions he sent by Remove About future environmental challenges.

He also talks about the importance of engaging large companies in memorization projects and welcomes the new office: “It is an honor for the World Fund for Nature to be Portugal on our international network.”

What makes the nature preservation project a good project?
A good conservation project is a project that addresses a specific specific problem, such as the limit climateIt enhances sustainable development.

To this end, a science -based approach is required, which is enlightened through a strong understanding of the local context and close cooperation with stakeholders in places. We face many interconnected crises, but good news is that well -designed projects can also provide solutions to multiple challenges.

Can you give some examples of successful WWF projects?
Some of our works were the most influential in the progress of global ecosystems, such as the Amazon rain forests, the Congo basin and tropical forests in Southeast Asia. Through partnerships with governments and local communities, we were able to protect millions of hectares from critical ecosystems in rainforests.

We have also achieved remarkable success with some threatened species, such as helping to increase the number of tigers, which helps to restore Leicester It is almost extinct and worked in China, supporting wild panda groups.

study Recently published in the magazine The facts of the National Academy of Sciences It shows that the financing used to maintain Biological diversity It is deviant. A small part of the threatened species is the goal of most conservation and financing projects. At the same time, in the past 25 years, 29 % of funding has been allocated to the types that do not worry the preservation mode. Is this a problem with the Global Fund for Nature?
This problem was identified earlier, which was WWF and other NGOs for a long time. Some species, sometimes referred to as charismatic species, are actually more attractive to financiers, because of their iconic nature, but this is not necessarily negative. In the Global Fund for Nature, we have an approach to preservation on the basis of ecosystems-it is related to looking at the types of ecosystems and complete habitats.

Protecting habitats a ClassEven if it is not in a more anxious position, it can benefit many other threatened species, which will not be another way for it. For example, study and protection Gorilla This means protecting the forests that you live, which are full of the main species, many of which are still unknown to us. It is also important to note that not all of these attractive species inside Protected areasLike national parks.

On the 60th anniversary of WWF in 2021, the organization set the goals for the year 2030: protecting 30 % of the Earth, the sea and freshwater; Stopping the extinction of species; Half fingerprint of production and consumption. Are we close to these goals?
We have already made great progress: Governments have already pledged to protect 30 % of lands, seas and fresh water; to Renewable energies They grow quickly and monitor the restoration of some species. But there are great challenges that remain. The loss of biological diversity continues to accelerate, the removal of forests continues in the main areas, and our global consumption and design in production are not decreased with a rapid pace sufficiently.

Of all our goals, the most difficult is to turn the global economy to half Environmental footprint From humanity – it requires a systematic change in all industries, supply chains and consumer behavior. We need an urgent work from political decision -makers, companies and individuals to convert obligations into measurable effects before it is too late.

WWF has many partnerships with companies such as companies AH & M. and coca colaAnd that was already criticized for its environmental performance. Is this a problem with the Global Fund for Nature?
Companies are essential in combating the climate crisis and the loss of nature, because they are deeply linked to sectors that generate most global emissions and transform lands. WWF works to influence the strength of the private sector to transform supply chains, including consumers and support conservation efforts all over the world.

It has shown us our work on the confrontation line to save in more than 100 countries Sustainability It must be a common priority and that the protection of valuable natural resources in the world requires the participation and work of various actors and entities. This includes companies that, given the scope, scope and activities, can be the main engines of change. We understand that there are risks associated with this approach and we have employment guidelines and strict practices to avoid them, which include transparency and the results of measureable conservation and respect for the independence and mission of the Global Fund for nature.

WWF Portugal joined the International Fund for International Nature this month. What is the importance of this step?
This is the result of the seven -year process in which we have built a strong team, with influence, financially financially sustainable and sustainable projects. The team in Portugal designs a strategy to preserve that in line with the global scenario for the year 2030. The name has changed, but the team and the quality of work are still unchanged. It is an honor for WWF to have Portugal on our international network.

What are the fields of conservation that Portugal WWF should focus on?
WWF has global goals that direct the work that takes place, but it is up to our offices to determine the best way to enhance the influence on countries and landscapes in which they work. In the case of Portugal, this assistance may mean in facing national challenges, such as water scarcity and management, and the restoration of forests and landscapes to avoid large fires, as well as the work of the political impact to help implement implementation National Return Plan Along with the government and other environmental organizations, after the new European restoration law.