Learn what we're doing to continue operations in the face of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone. For WFN, for the first time since our founding in 1993, we have postponed this year’s Whitley Awards Ceremony until such time as the situation improves. For many of our 200 strong international winner network, their conservation projects – vital to addressing the threats of global warming and wildlife decline – are now delayed as a result of the virus, with others in urgent need of additional funds as they adapt their work to this new reality.
Despite these setbacks, we are committed to continuing our work to provide support and funding to our network of grassroots conservation leaders around the world. We have also put measures in place to support the safety and well-being of the WFN team in line with advice issued by the World Health Organization. We are all working from home where much can be done, with the team staying as connected and motivated as ever.
Wherever it is possible, we would like to ensure that conservation work will continue unbated. We remain committed to responding to those who need our support and flexible in our grant-giving. For this reason, we will be proceeding in announcing our six new Whitley Award winners and the Gold Award winner for this year as planned on April 29th on our website and across Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
These inspiring leaders are spearheading community-led conservation work in their home countries. While we are not able to welcome them to London this spring as planned, they will receive funding and support to carry out their work, with plans for training and networking events underway for later in the year, should circumstances allow.
We hope you enjoy learning more about these conservationists on April 29th, and ask you to join us in spreading the word as we applaud their outstanding commitment to conservation – a commitment that remains as important as ever during these difficult times.
Thank you to all of you for understanding that we have had to do things differently this year. If you would like to support WFN and our winners in their vital work during this most troubled time, please donate here.
We hope that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy throughout this unprecedented period!
