About Us

Established over a century ago, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is the world’s oldest international wildlife conservation organisation. We have been quietly shaping and influencing conservation practice since our foundation in 1903.

Our focus is on protecting biodiversity (the diversity of life on Earth), which underpins healthy ecosystems and is critical for the life-support systems that humans and all other species rely on.

We depend on nature for so many things: materials, medicines, clean air and water, a stable climate…the list goes on. Many studies have shown the benefits of nature for people’s mental and physical health, and many people connect with nature on a spiritual level. 

The ecosystems that provide us with this priceless service depend on an incredibly diverse range of species that interconnect to form a complex web. When a species is lost, we risk upsetting this fine balance so that the whole system, once rich in variety, becomes much more vulnerable to natural disasters, human disturbance and climate change. In the worst-case scenario, the whole ecosystem can collapse – a tragedy in itself, and a threat to all those who depend on it. 

Sadly, our planet’s stunning array of species is under serious threat, from habitat loss, pollution, hunting and myriad other human-made pressures. Biodiversity is being lost at 1,000 times the natural rate. 

Whichever way you look at it, humankind has an imperative – whether moral or economic – to protect this biodiversity. All of us, from governments to businesses to individuals, need to work together if we are to save our planet’s rich natural resources. 

The consequences of failing to safeguard our forests, seas, wetlands and grasslands and the wealth of species they support – including humans – would be devastating. FFI is under no illusions about the enormity of the challenges facing our natural world. But we have an impressive track record in tackling those challenges.

We have been behind some of the most significant initiatives in the history of conservation. And we continue to play a key role in safeguarding some of the world’s most iconic plants and animals, including Sumatran tigers, mountain gorillas, African and Asian elephants, baobabs and proteas. We also champion less-familiar or neglected species such as the Siamese crocodile, Sunda pangolin, Saint Lucia racer and saiga antelope.

FFI shares much of its history with one of our most valued ambassadors for conservation – Sir David Attenborough. Read more about FFI and Sir David’s shared history, and the impact he has had on FFI’s work.

A glance through our latest Conservation Report will attest to the impact of FFI’s work in recent years. Recent Annual Reports & Accounts for the last five years are also available on this page – learn more about how we are governed and spend our income. 

Anyone wishing to discover more about the origins, evolution and landmark achievements of our organisation can purchase a copy of the definitive illustrated history of FFI, With Honourable Intent, published in 2017, and available to order here.