The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices...

© Jürgen Freund / WWF
Complaint eligibility

The Office has three simple criteria to accept complaints. 

When a complaint comes in, the Office checks to see if these eligibility criteria are met. The Office can ask for more information from the complainant and WWF to make this decision.
COMPLAINT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The complaint needs to raise ESSF-related concerns regarding a WWF activity.

The complaint needs to be raised by an individual/individuals who themselves have been impacted.

The complaint must relate to an event or occurrence in or after June 2019 - this is the date on which the ESSF was adopted by the network.

If you are unsure whether your complaint meets our eligibility criteria,
you are welcome to get in touch with us. Email info@wwfombudsoffice.org
and we’ll do our best to help you.
Complaint process

After a complaint has been accepted, the Office follows a defined process for managing the complaint. The Office first gathers information and engages with the complainant, WWF and other relevant stakeholders to better understand the issues. Then it designs and undertakes a collaborative problem-solving process to help them find a mutually acceptable resolution to the complaint. If a resolution is reached, the Office monitors agreed actions and helps the parties address issues that may arise, taking an inclusive approach throughout the process. If no resolution is found, the complainant may opt for the case to the transferred to WWF for a compliance assessment. 

* The Ombuds Office determines complaint eligibility within 15 working days of receipt. If more information and/or translation is needed, the Ombuds Office can extend the time by an additional 15 working days.
**Once a complaint is found eligible, the Ombuds Office initiates its analysis phase, which it aims to complete in 45 working days.
Submit a complaint

​If you or someone you know has been, or may be, adversely impacted by a WWF activity, you can file a complaint with us through our online form, email it to info@wwfombudsoffice.org, or send it by mail or deliver it in person to any WWF office (addressing it to the WWF Ombudsperson). There is no required form or style for complaints; if you prefer to use a complaint form, you can print or download one here.

Complaints should include the following information:

  • Location and name of the WWF activity that is the subject of the complaint.
  • Reason for the complaint and how the WWF activity has (or may have) negative environmental and social impacts on the complainant(s).
  • Name(s) of the individual(s) submitting the complaint and their contact details.
  • If the complaint is submitted by a representative of the individual(s) affected by the WWF activity, written proof of authority to submit the complaint on behalf of the complainant(s).

For more information about the complaints process, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.