WWF Downsizes Specialist Positions as Part of Restructuring Plan

Conservation Groups Undergo Restructuring Amidst Funding Changes

Two leading conservation organisations, WWF International and Conservation International, have recently undergone significant restructuring. These changes may be linked to the suspension of foreign aid by the United States President, Donald Trump, since end-January.

In the case of Conservation International, the new Interim CEO is Daniela Raik, with the reorganisation beginning in 2025. The aim of this restructuring is to address issues in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Singapore, United Kingdom, and United States regions. This move is part of the organisation's commitment to sustainable development, activism, governance, and philanthropy, and it has more than 9,400 staff in over 100 countries worldwide.

Dr M. Sanjayan, the former CEO of Conservation International, has stepped down to pursue new opportunities, with Dr Daniela Raik appointed as interim CEO. The organisation remains committed to managing these shifts responsibly, supporting colleagues, and maintaining focus on its priorities and impact.

Conservation International's restructuring began in summer 2024, with the aim of strengthening impact, streamlining operations, and focusing resources where they are needed most. As part of this process, the organisation has merged a number of key practices, including wildlife, freshwater, ocean, and forests, into a single biodiversity practice.

Meanwhile, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the world's largest conservation group, has also undergone restructuring. The organisation, headquartered in Switzerland, has merged a similar set of key practices, including wildlife, freshwater, ocean, and forests, into a single biodiversity practice.

The restructuring at WWF International has affected more than 30 people, including all director-level roles in its international division, which is located in four hubs, including Singapore. The WWF International spokesperson stated that the adjustments only affected a "small number of teams" and did not constitute a major restructure. They also mentioned that they are "mindful of external factors" and remain committed to managing these shifts responsibly.

The Asia Pacific operation of WWF International has been split into two regions: Southeast Asia and East, Central Asia, and the Pacific (ECAP). This move is intended to improve the organisation's focus and effectiveness in these key regions.

These restructures at WWF International and Conservation International are part of a larger trend in the non-governmental organisation sector, as organisations adapt to changing funding landscapes and strive to maximise their impact. Both organisations remain committed to their core mission of conservation and sustainability, and they continue to support their colleagues and maintain focus on their priorities and impact throughout these transitions.