From reefs to rainforests, this is how WWF-Singapore fights for a sustainable Southeast Asia

“How They See It,” is where we delve into the minds of those steering the ships of today’s most dynamic companies. In this instalment, we ask Vivek Kumar about the work he does as CEO of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-SG), an organisation that protects wildlife and habitats and promotes sustainable practices.. He shares a passionate and insightful perspective on the company’s core mission, its transformative impact on biodiversity, and why the work they’re doing has never been more critical.

At WWF-Singapore, I lead a team that is deeply committed to conserving nature and combating the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on our planet. We address a broad spectrum of environmental challenges, from protecting endangered species and their habitats to advancing sustainable practices among businesses and communities. 

This work is critical because it not only preserves biodiversity but also supports the resilience of vulnerable populations affected by environmental changes, such as climate refugees, underscoring the profound connection between nature and human well-being.

The urgency of our mission is starkly highlighted by the findings of our 2022 Living Planet Report, which revealed a devastating 69% decline in wildlife populations since 1970. This loss of biodiversity poses an existential threat comparable in severity to climate change. For over six decades, WWF has served as a neutral convenor, catalysing critical collaborations that have led to substantial environmental recoveries. For instance, consider the resurgence of wild tiger populations, which have now surpassed 5,500 individuals due to global concerted efforts initiated in our Year of the Tiger campaign in 2010.

Our strategy embraces a holistic approach, focusing not only on the conservation of iconic wildlife but also on preserving ecosystems that provide essential services like clean air and water, food security, and climate regulation. These ecosystems are fundamental to sustaining economic stability and enhancing societal resilience. This is evident from our collaborations with organisations like the International Red Cross, demonstrating how nature-based solutions can significantly mitigate climate and weather-related hazards.

A steward by any name (or age)

Navigating my third year as CEO at WWF-Singapore, I've been particularly struck by the gap between awareness and action in environmental stewardship. Despite this challenge, I am inspired daily by the individuals and communities that engage with our initiatives. 

A memorable example is a young student from Henry Park Primary School, who designed a device to reduce food waste. This underscores a crucial point — impactful solutions can come from anywhere and anyone, regardless of age or resources. Her simple yet effective innovation reminds us that we all have a role to play in environmental conservation.

Still, a common misconception about our work is the belief that WWF's primary focus is solely on wildlife conservation. In reality, our mandate is much broader. We aim to ensure the health and resilience of entire ecosystems, which involves addressing direct threats like habitat destruction and indirect pressures such as pollution and climate change. 

Moreover, our efforts extend to understanding the intricate connections between ecological health and human societies. Healthy ecosystems are indispensable for human health, prosperity, and resilience.

A commitment to conservation

In our pursuit of sustainable solutions, WWF-Singapore recently conducted an e-commerce reusable packaging pilot study in collaboration with UOB, SingPost, and Better Packaging. The study's findings were promising, showing a consumer return rate for reusable packaging exceeding 50 percent. 

Additionally, 90% of retailers involved found the reusable packaging not only convenient but also more efficient than traditional poly mailers or paper boxes, indicating a shift towards more sustainable e-commerce practices.

Our commitment to regional conservation is further illustrated through the expansion of our partnership with Agoda in the "Eco Deals Year 3" initiative. Building on insights from our latest Living Planet Report, which documented a 69% decline in global wildlife populations, this partnership focuses on extensive conservation efforts across Southeast Asia. 

These efforts include marine conservation projects such as the protection of Whale Sharks in Donsol, Philippines, where data from shark monitoring are vital for developing informed conservation strategies. 

On land, our work in Bukit Tigapuluh, Indonesia, supports ecosystem restoration and sustainable livelihoods for over 8,000 local residents while protecting critical species like clouded leopards, orangutans, tapirs, and a significant percentage of the region's Sumatran tigers and elephants.

In Thailand, our efforts concentrate on Elephant Conservation in Kuiburi National Park, and in Vietnam, we support the conservation of the critically endangered Saola, demonstrating our wide-reaching commitment to wildlife conservation.

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Further highlighting our marine conservation initiatives, we recently launched a pilot project for the restoration of degraded coral reefs in Singapore. This project involves training citizen scientists and involves them in active coral restoration efforts. 

The Coral Triangle, known as the Earth's epicentre of marine biodiversity, houses over 6,000 fish species and 76% of the world’s coral species. Our work here includes growing and monitoring approximately 1,500 nursery-reared corals since April 2022 at Kusu Island, and successfully transplanting 250 coral fragments onto in-situ nursery tables at Bendera Bay. 

Through these initiatives, we aim to scale our impact on marine conservation and climate solutions by engaging youths, citizen scientists, businesses, and local communities across Southeast Asia.

Meaningful milestones

Looking ahead, WWF-Singapore is expanding its influence in the sphere of sustainable finance through our ASFI Academy, which has already seen over 35,000 participants in its online courses. These courses empower finance professionals with the knowledge to integrate sustainability into their practices, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of environmental considerations in financial decision-making. This initiative is crucial as financial decisions today shape the environmental landscape of tomorrow.

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For me, success for WWF-Singapore is when there’s a significant shift in how sustainability is perceived and implemented across all sectors of society — from individual actions to corporate strategies and government policies. Success is visibility in the robust partnerships we form, the policies we influence, and the conservation milestones we achieve. Examples include our impactful work in coral reef restoration in Singapore and wildlife conservation projects across Southeast Asia.

To enhance our impact, three things are crucial: increased collaboration across all sectors, stronger advocacy for effective environmental policies, and heightened public engagement. Our position as a trusted entity, confirmed by global surveys like GlobeScan, empowers us to drive these agendas forward robustly. We aim to build a community of stakeholders well-versed in sustainable practices, from finance professionals to policymakers, to amplify our collective impact.

More than conservationists

Today, I am filled with hope by the collective power of individuals who come together for nature. Events like Earth Hour 2024 exemplify this, showing a global commitment to environmental stewardship that extends beyond symbolic actions. This collective determination strengthens my belief in our capacity to foster a sustainable future for all.

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At WWF-Singapore, we see ourselves as more than conservationists — we are facilitators of a broader vision that integrates ecological health with human progress. Our initiatives, grounded in scientific research and community involvement, aim to build a resilient, sustainable world. The challenges are immense, but the potential to create a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship is even greater.

As we look forward, we are particularly excited about the expansion of our educational initiatives. By fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues, we empower individuals to make informed decisions that contribute to a sustainable future. Our educational programs not only raise awareness but also inspire action, transforming knowledge into concrete, sustainable practices.

Together with my team, we want to create a world where nature thrives and humanity prospers alongside it. Our efforts to bridge the gap between ecological health and human development are critical in this time of global environmental crisis. Every action counts, and together, I look forward to forging a path to a sustainable future that benefits all life on Earth.