World Wildlife Fund - Annual Report 2007 - (Page 11)

■ Russ and Aileen Train on safari in Kenya in 1958. Mr. Train credits the early safaris he and his wife took to East Africa as having played a central role in the course of his life, compelling him to leave behind a secure judicial career for the uncertain future of an environmentalist. Almost simultaneously in 1961, WWF was launched in the United States and I was one of five founding directors. Today, WWF’s Africa program is continent-wide. An important emphasis is on merging the welfare of local peoples with the conservation of wildlife, as WWF has helped to do in the Namibian conservancies, about which you will read in this report. Closely related to this objective is training through WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Fund. The fund is the largest of its kind, is worldwide in scope, and in my mind represents one of our principal hopes for the interrelated future of nature and humanity, in Africa and elsewhere. In these and so many other ways, WWF continues the work that Africa inspired my friends and me to begin decades ago. As ever, making a difference depends on what we are willing to give of ourselves. It is satisfying to know that WWF is still full of people who are eager to work for the cause of conservation. ■ Russell E. Train is Founder Chairman Emeritus of WWF and author of Politics, Pollution, and Pandas: An Environmental Memoir. His biography, Conservative Conservationist: Russell E. Train and the Emergence of American Environmentalism, by J. Brooks Flippen, was published in 2006. Driving force behind international ban on ivory trade. Launched conservation efforts to protect gorilla habitats and empower local indigenous Ba’Aka people in Congo Basin. Started major initiative in Serengeti-Masai Mara region to protect resident and migratory wildlife. Began LIFE Project in Namibia, which has grown to over 50 community-based conservancies. Pioneered large-scale approach to marine conservation in East African waters. At Yaoundé Summit, persuaded six countries to cooperate on cross-border conservation of Congo Basin forests. Helped establish largest marine park in Africa – Mozambique’s Quirimbas – benefiting local livelihoods and fish stocks. Did fieldwork behind Gabon’s creation of 13 national parks. Led Brazzaville Summit, at which 10 countries signed Africa’s first regionwide conservation treaty. 1980s 1990s 2000s worldwildlife.org 11 http://worldwildlife.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of World Wildlife Fund - Annual Report 2007

WWF - Annual Report 2007 Contents The Landscapes of People's Lives The President’s Report Africa, Land of the Soul Building Prosperity from Africa’s Natural Wealth A Namibian Odyssey Natural Capital: Putting a Price on Nature Investing in Fish and Fishermen Wildlife in the Balance Africans on the Move WWF Results Across the Globe A Different Kind of Fieldwork A River Dammed Pooling Efforts in the World’s Aquarium More Than Just the Daily Catch All Along the Equator A Partnership for Freshwater Funding and Financial Overview Statement of Activities Ways to Give Staff National Council Board of Directors

World Wildlife Fund - Annual Report 2007

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