PRESIDENT AND CEO’S MESSAGE

Sky, Country and Saltwater are the three pillars of WWF-Australia's strategic focus. Our current objectives are inspired by deep listening and Knowledge exchange with First Nations Elders, rangers and community members on Girramay Country in Tropical North Queensland. Guided by our three-year strategic plan to regenerate these vital areas, this past year has been a testament to our shared commitment. Together, we are making significant strides towards healing, protecting, and restoring Country for future generations. WWF-Australia is committed to Inclusive Conservation, ensuring that all people, especially those most affected by impacts such as climate change, can meaningfully contribute to and benefit from efforts to conserve and sustainably manage the natural environment. This is one of the many reasons why we support First Nations co-designed projects that blend science, cutting-edge tech and Traditional Knowledge. This year, as part of the Fireproofing Koalas project, six Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation rangers earned their drone pilot licences and used thermal imaging drones equipped with Artificial Intelligence to survey over 100 hectares of habitat. Identifying koalas in this way proved to be fast and efficient, allowing rangers to plan and conduct cultural burning with minimal risk to the koalas. Such innovations are reducing the threat of future wildfires to these iconic marsupials. By working to regenerate Country and supporting the aspirations of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, we are advancing our vision to Regenerate Nature. Through Climate Resilient by Nature, an Australia Government funded initiative, we helped support more than 9,000 people across 101 communities in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to implement nature-based solutions. This work is helping restore or conserve more than 36,000 hectares of climate-critical ecosystems, including reefs, mangroves, and forests, whilst building sustainable livelihoods and increasing resilience to climate shocks among communities. Locally, we welcomed the Queensland Government’s new 2035 emissions reduction target of 75% below 2005 levels. Previously, Queensland had one of the lowest ambitions for emissions reduction in the country, but we have achieved a significant and positive shift by working closely with the government. To protect our oceans and ensure safe passage for marine wildlife, we've advanced our efforts to establish blue superhighways that link critical habitats and create vital corridors for whales. Coastal communities are the beating heart of our work on Saltwater. In March 2024, WWF supported the Second Oceania First Voices Regional Forum which brought together 98 First Voices Representatives and partners from across Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Aotearoa (New Zealand) to facilitate dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration. The participants explored strategies for building shared conservation objectives and advocating for strengthened community participation in shaping priorities for an Australia-Pacific COP31 in 2026. While we’re inspired by the positive momentum of the past year, our work is far from over. We are continuing our mission to Regenerate Nature. Empowered by your unwavering support, the entire WWF team is unified in our commitment to deliver meaningful impact for nature, people and planet.