WWF and World Scouting join forces for a healthy planet
Singapore, 13 March 2018 – WWF and the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) are deepening their collaboration to drive global awareness and action on nature and the environment, in recognition of the enormous challenges facing our planet and the important role of young people in creating a more sustainable world.
Starting with Earth Hour, building mass awareness on the importance of nature will be a priority, with Scouts around the world taking part as a sign of the close collaboration between the two organisations. Earth Hour has been a game-changer for popularizing climate and environmental action across the globe. This year, as the movement aims to spark global conversations and actions on issues such as healthy forests, plastic-free oceans and wildlife conservation, Scouts worldwide will add their energy and dedication to create even greater impact.
WWF and WOSM will also work together on inspiring mainstream support for environmental action through the World Scout Environment Programme and environmental education. “WWF is delighted to work closely with the World Organization of the Scout Movement. The environment has always been central to the Scout Movement which plays an important role in connecting people with the natural world,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General, WWF International. “With its extensive network of 50 million Scouts worldwide, we are excited to join forces to create the global momentum we need to inspire young people into creating a sustainable future – and planet – for all. The conversations and actions we start today will help protect nature at the local, national and global levels, and lead us on a journey of living in harmony with nature.”
“World Scouting is proud to support Earth Hour, a movement that has inspired millions around the world to take action in support of our planet,” said Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary-General, WOSM. “Scouting has always been about being close to nature and we are thrilled to be deepening our relationship with WWF, the world’s largest independent conservation organisation, to give young people the chance to learn more about the environment and the steps they can take to help create a better world.”
World Scouting and WWF first worked together in 1973 on environmental education. The ongoing successful partnership aims to help achieve the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity’s Aichi Biodiversity Target 1, so that hundreds of millions of people understand the values of biodiversity and the current critical condition of our planet. Better informed and aware, people can take actions to protect biodiversity and nature, live more sustainably and expect the same of businesses and their governments. It will also include a new version of one of their earliest joint initiatives, the badge formerly known as the World Conservation Badge (Panda Badge).
WWF and World Scouting will continue to collaborate on the World Scout Environment Programme, now in its tenth year, which enables Scouts to earn the World Scout Environment Badge in recognition of their learning and commitment to the natural world.
As part of its commitment to the environment, WOSM has also established a network of Scout Centres of Excellence for Nature and the Environment (SCENES) around the world, to enable Scouts, the local community and other visitors to connect and engage with nature.
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Notes to Editors:
World Scouting has launched a special web page for Scouts to participate in Earth Hour and share their experiences: www.scout.org/earthhour
For more information, please contact:
Julien Anseau, Global Media Relations Manager, WWF International, Singapore
Email: news@wwfint.org
Tel: +65 9060 1957
Kate Mayberry, Senior Manager of Media and Content Development, Communications and External
Relations Global Team, World Scout Bureau Global Support Centre, Kuala Lumpur
E-mail: media@scout.org
About WWF
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries and territories. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth'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, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. Visit www.panda.org/news for the latest news and media resources and follow us on Twitter @WWF_media
About WOSM
Scouting is one of the world’s leading educational youth movements, engaging millions of young people around the world to be active citizens and create positive change in their communities. Founded by Lord Baden-Powell in 1907, WOSM is a confederation of 169 National Scout Organizations in a network of over 50 million Scouts in at least 224 countries and territories worldwide. WOSM is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur. Find out more at www.scout.org