World Wildlife Fund Regions
The World Wildlife Fund works in several major regions they call Ecoregions. These Ecoregions are some of the worlds most active and important environmental areas. These environmental areas provide life for thousands of species of plants, organisms, and animals. Some of the most important Ecoregions are:
The Mediterranean Region: The Mediterranean region spans from North Africa to the Middle East and originates from the Iberian Peninsula. This important region is continuously under attack from water shortages, forest fires, and overfishing. These issues are only getting worse which is why the World Wildlife Fund takes them very seriously and has begun projects to combat these threats. By establishing protected areas on the coasts and in the water, the ecosystem can revive itself without man made disturbances. The WWF states that in less than twenty years, the number of tourists to the Mediterranean is expected to increase from 220 million today to 350 million. This enormous tourism change is mostly due to the increase in mass tourism such as cruises.
The Baltic Sea: The Baltic Sea borders many areas including Europe, Russia, and Scandinavia.It is also a very special and unique marine environment. Unfortunately over the past several centuries, people have contributed to the downfall of the seas environment. Because of this, the Baltic Sea is one of the world's most threatened marine environments. In addition, the Baltic Sea is actually one of the busiest travel and transportation avenues by boat. By increasing the health of the Baltic Sea, job growth and increased revenue could potentially follow according to a study by The Boston Consulting Group. By restoring the Baltic Seas overall health economic growth and prosperity will follow.
Northeast Atlantic: The Northeast Atlantic region is home to many marine environments. Several important animals call this area home such as the Grey Seal, the Harbour Seal, Atlantic puffin, and many other important creatures. A serious over fishing problem plagues this area and is contributing to its downfall. Also, there are several pollution problems that need to be curbed in order to revive this great natural ecosystem.
Lower Mekong Forests: The Lower Mekong Forests region is home to many dry forests, ponds, grass lands, and evergreen forests. This area sits within the lower Mekong Basin and also is home to the three most important rivers that feed into the Mekong River. The natural habitats of this area have been disrupted throughout the past several decades mainly due to war and civil unrest. In addition, poor fishing techniques and illegal deforestation have also contributed heavily in the destruction of the Lower Mekong Forests. The WWF is working hard to restore this important biological area by encouraging eco friendly Faraway Teak and protect it for the years ahead.
The above main regions along with several others are the WWF's major focus area as they contain such rich and important ecosystems crucial to our planet. The WWF also coined the term “Sustainable Tourism.” This involves protecting nature and the environment form the negative impacts that tourism creates. By improving tourism and the harmful byproducts created from it, these regions can bounce back and improve drastically.