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The 2026 Progress Report details WWF's conservation efforts in 2025, focusing on the recovery of African elephants, mountain gorillas, snow leopards, bison, and sharks and rays. Key achievements include a consumer awareness campaign against ivory in Viet Nam, the establishment of a transboundary conservation area for snow leopards in Asia, and the restoration of bison herds in North America. The report emphasizes the use of scientific research, such as population censuses and GPS telemetry, to guide habitat management and policy across multiple continents.

The document outlines a strategic framework to transition the global financial system toward deforestation- and conversion-free (DCF) models. It details specific mandates for policymakers to reform fiscal policies and subsidies, for central banks to embed nature-related risks into prudential supervision, and for financial institutions to scale capital toward sustainable land use and regenerative agriculture. The report emphasizes that aligning financial flows is essential to meet climate and biodiversity targets, citing the loss of 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary forests in 2024 as a critical risk to economic stability.

The report finds that while 100% of reviewed NAP documents acknowledge the importance of MEL, significant gaps remain in institutional capacity and financial resources. Only 18% of countries have dedicated MEL units and 29% mention dedicated financing. While output-level indicators are common (55%), impact-level indicators are used by only 31% of countries. The report also highlights a lack of structured implementation, with only 39% of documents including a roadmap or timeline for MEL rollout. Integration of gender-responsive indicators is emerging (45%), but disaggregation by age, disability, and geography remains low.

The report evaluates the Article 6 carbon market rules finalized at COP29. It finds that Article 6.2 provides a weak, decentralized framework with significant loopholes in additionality, permanence, and accountability. Article 6.4 is rated more robust due to its centralized Supervisory Body and structured transparency, though it still lacks sufficient safeguards for land rights and permanence. The author argues that the current framework is not robust enough to ensure high-quality carbon credits and warns developed countries against using these markets to meet their NDCs.

As of March 31, 2025, the GCF's total pledged amount decreased to USD 29.9 billion following the United States' revocation of USD 4 billion in outstanding pledges. The Fund has committed USD 16.7 billion to 297 projects across 133 countries, with a portfolio balance of 59% adaptation and 41% mitigation in grant-equivalent terms. The accredited entity network consists of 145 entities, 64% of which are Direct Access Entities. The Readiness Programme has approved USD 713 million for 862 grants, with 62% of support directed toward LDCs, SIDS, or African States. To manage a pipeline of 182 concept notes and 85 funding proposals, the GCF is implementing a 'targeted approach' to retire inactive legacy projects. The Project Preparation Facility (PPF) has committed USD 69.5 million to support 110 applications, unlocking USD 7.2 billion in total climate finance.

The report examines the integration of finance within National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) across 59 developing countries. It finds that while most NAPs include dedicated finance sections and rely heavily on international public funding, there is a significant gap in detailed costing and the mobilization of private-sector finance. The authors recommend that countries move toward more investment-oriented NAP documents, implement climate-resilient fiscal planning, and adopt tailored financing strategies—particularly for Least Developed Countries (LDCs)—to bridge the adaptation finance gap.

The guide outlines a framework for sustainable linear infrastructure (LI) development in snow leopard habitats, emphasizing the mitigation hierarchy—avoid, minimize, mitigate, restore, and offset. It details strategies across the project life cycle, from policy development and spatial planning to construction and maintenance, to reduce habitat fragmentation, wildlife-vehicle collisions, and other ecological disturbances. The document highlights critical knowledge gaps regarding snow leopard-specific crossing structures and calls for multidisciplinary collaboration and inclusive community consultation to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The assessment finds that while Bhutan has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, its mining legal framework is fragmented and outdated. Key strengths include the integration of Gross National Happiness (GNH) and strict forest conservation. However, significant gaps exist in community consultation, fiscal transparency, and the adequacy of mine restoration financial assurances. The report recommends updating the Mines and Minerals Management Act 1995, improving geological data generation, and streamlining the permitting process.

The document proposes a shift from traditional technology-replacement efficiency to a 'whole-systems' approach. It argues that combining electrification with energy end-use efficiency (reducing the demand for energy services) can reduce overall energy demand by 50-75%. The author provides sector-specific examples: in buildings, through passive design and compact urban development; in mobility, via land-use reforms and smaller, lighter electric vehicles; in freight, through modal shifts to rail and material demand reduction; and in steel, via circularity and material substitution. The brief concludes that achieving the COP28 goal of doubling energy efficiency improvement rates requires engaging a diverse range of stakeholders to trigger social tipping points.

The ESMP outlines the environmental and social safeguards for transforming 10 acres of the Changkhaphu Ornamental Conifer Tree Nursery Centre into a recreational park. Categorized as a Category B project, the development includes the construction of disability-friendly trails, a cafeteria, an eco-lodge, and other facilities with a total budget of Nu. 6.56 million. The plan focuses on mitigating short-term minor impacts such as construction waste and tree cutting through waste segregation and adherence to the FNCR 2023. Implementation is managed by the Royal Project Coordination Office (RPCO) and involves local community hiring and stakeholder engagement.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 1 (BC1) Paro categorizes planned 2025 activities as Category B, meaning potential environmental and social impacts are site-specific and reversible. The plan focuses on two primary activities: the construction of the Haa Range cum FMU office and the maintenance of the Shaba Forest Nursery. It outlines specific mitigation measures for dust, noise, waste, and occupational health and safety, while establishing a framework for stakeholder engagement and grievance redressal aligned with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP).

The ESMP for Phrumsengla National Park (PNP) outlines mitigation strategies for two planned activities in 2025: the improvement of alpine meadows at Zhubung, Bhim, and the maintenance of the Park Office head office in Ura. Categorized as a Category B project, the potential impacts are deemed site-specific and reversible. The plan mandates adherence to both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding social impacts and community consultation. Key mitigation measures focus on preventing accidental vegetation damage, managing worker waste, and ensuring occupational health and safety (OHS). Implementation will be managed by BFL focal persons and PNP Range Officers, with monitoring conducted through field visits and reports submitted to the PCU and WWF US.

The report uses data from 3,911 interviews across over 40 countries to demonstrate that climate-driven resource scarcity pushes both humans and wildlife into closer contact, escalating conflict. Key findings show that 25% of interviews mention increased human-wildlife conflict, often linked to reduced crop yields and water availability. Human responses, such as encroaching into protected areas for resources, and wildlife responses, such as expanding ranges to find food, drive these interactions. The report highlights specific high-conflict countries including Gabon and Namibia and suggests community-driven solutions like nature-friendly fences and rainwater harvesting.

The ESMP for Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park (JDNP) outlines mitigation strategies for four 2025 activities: constructing a Range Office in Laya, restoring a mineral lick at Chuchurpo, reinforcing roofs in storm-prone areas (Soe, Naro, Lingzhi), and installing rainwater harvesting systems in Yaksa and Dula. The plan categorizes the project as 'Category B', meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. It mandates strict adherence to both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding community consultation and compensation for non-title land holders. Key mitigation focuses include waste management, occupational health and safety (OHS) for workers, and stakeholder engagement through consultation meetings and a multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism involving BFL, WWF, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The ESMP for Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) categorizes BFL activities as Category B, meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. It details mitigation strategies for invasive species management, riverbank protection, staff quarter construction, and office maintenance, while outlining strict occupational health and safety standards and grievance mechanisms.

The 2025 Progress Report details WWF's global initiatives to safeguard threatened species. Key achievements include the establishment of pangolin monitoring in southern Africa, the launch of the Elly Allies Initiative for Asian elephants, and the development of Shellbank, a DNA-based toolkit for sea turtle traceability. The report also highlights a 74% increase in wild tiger populations since 2010 and the formation of the Tribal Buffalo Lifeways Collaboration to restore bison to Native lands in the Great Plains.

The ESMP outlines the management of 87.25 hectares of plantations across three sites in Bhutan, focusing on maintenance activities such as weeding and fencing. It identifies minor environmental risks, including waste generation and invasive species, and social risks, such as worker safety and grazing restrictions. Mitigation measures include waste removal, the use of native species, and community consultation. Implementation is led by Green Bhutan Corporation Limited (GBCL) under the supervision of the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS), with monitoring conducted by the Bhutan for Life (BFL) project's ESS officer.

The ESMP for the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) focuses on the restoration of alpine meadows at Lolithang between October 2025 and March 2026. The project, part of the 'Bhutan for Life' (BFL) initiative, is categorized as Category B, meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. Planned activities include prescribed burning to remove encroaching Berberis species and bio-engineering works such as check dams and grass slip planting. Mitigation measures address risks of forest fires, waste generation, and worker safety, with a dedicated budget of Nu. 10,000 for safety gear. The plan mandates strict adherence to both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy regarding social impacts and community consultation.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 6 (BC6) categorizes planned activities as 'Category B', meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. The plan covers the construction of the Yangtse Range Office, maintenance of the Tsoneyma and Koala Puensum waterholes, and railing/signage installation at Omba Nye. It details mitigation measures for waste, noise, and air pollution, alongside strict occupational health and safety standards and a multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism involving the Royal Government of Bhutan, WWF, and the Green Climate Fund.

The ESMP for Biological Corridor 7 (BC 7) categorizes planned 2025 activities as 'Category B', meaning impacts are site-specific and reversible. The plan covers the construction of the Gyalpoizhing Range Office and Kurizampa Check Post, and the maintenance of the Dungleypang water hole and Murmur grasslands. It details mitigation strategies for waste, air quality, soil erosion, and worker safety, while providing a framework for stakeholder engagement and grievance redressal through BFL, WWF, and GCF mechanisms.