WWF Conservation Stamp Collection

The Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF, formerly named the World Wildlife Fund, which remains its official name in Canada and the United States) is the world's largest and most experienced conservation organization, operating in over 100 countries through the support of nearly five million people worldwide.

Since it was founded in 1961, WWF has become one of the world's largest and most effective independent organizations dedicated to the conservation of nature. It has reached this status through a constant record of conservation achievements.

Its initials and famous Panda logo have become a powerful rallying point for everyone who cares about the future of the planet and wants to help shape it in a positive way. Among others, WWF's work consisted mainly of protecting animals and plants threatened with extinction not just because they are beautiful and rare, but because they are part of a complex chain in which the disappearance of even a single species can have far-reaching consequences.

In 1983, WWF International, whose Headquarters is in Gland, Switzerland, concluded a contract with the Swiss stamp agent, Groth AG, for the worldwide issuance of WWF stamps. Since then, Groth AG negotiates with postal administrations to produce stamps with the WWF logo.

According to Hans Groth of Groth AG: "It is important that only endangered animals of the issuing country are depicted on stamps. We allow only 16 to 18 countries to issue stamps with the WWF Panda logo each year to avoid too many issues. And we encourage moderate face-values to avoid speculation."

The WWF Conservation Stamp collection is the largest thematic collection in the world with over one billion stamps printed by the April 2013. Over 2,000 different postally valid WWF stamps have been issued since 1983 in 220 countries.  All WWF stamps may be used for actual postage and must be available from their respective postal administration. ‎

WWF Senior Vice President of Conservation Strategy and Science Ginette Hemley says that the WWF Stamp Collection is “an easy way for individuals to use their purchasing power to help save vanishing species.” She adds that anyone can play a direct role in protecting some of our most iconic and endangered wildlife by purchasing these stamps.

The sale of stamps has become an important source of income for funding WWF's conservation activities, generating more than $18.5 million since its inception. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps have helped fund a range of activities — from the conservation of endangered species to helping forest and coastal-dwelling communities improve their standards of living through sustainable use of their natural resources.

In the words of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and WWF International President Emeritus, “The WWF Conservation Stamp Collection offers philatelists and people concerned about the state of the natural environment a wonderful opportunity to enhance their stamp collection, while at the same time contributing directly to the conservation of nature.”

WWF Sheetlet of 16 issued by the Philippines in 2011 featuring the
Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis)