COLLECTING WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (WWF) STAMPS

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND FOR NATURE (WWF)

Founded in 1961, the WWF is an independent foundation registered under Swiss law and is governed by a Board of Trustees.

With offices around the world, it carries out several missions such as local conservation work, field projects, scientific research and advising local and national governments on environmental policies. It also promotes environmental education and raises awareness on environmental issues.

Groth AG and WWF concluded an agreement back in 1983 and since then the Swiss stamp agency negotiates with postal administrations to produce stamps with the WWF logo.
With over one billion stamps printed, the sale of stamps from WWF has raised well over 20 million Swiss francs in royalties since 1983.

France issued the very first stamp with the well-known WWF Panda logo in 1969. It displayed the European Mouflon. Since then, there have been more than 400 issues comprising more than 1500 single stamps and souvenir sheets.

More than 211 UPU member countries and territories have until now issued stamps for the WWF collection.

Each year, up to 18 different countries issue stamp featuring their own threatened animals, which is a primary condition to be accepted as part of the WWF collection.

THE POPULARITY OF WWF STAMPS WITH COLLECTORS

One of the main reasons why WWF stamps are so popular among philatelists is the limitation on the number of stamp issues.

Because of this long standing relationship and the commitment of Groth AG, there are only 16 to 18 countries, per year, allowed to issue stamps with the WWF Panda logo. Furthermore, these countries are encouraged to use moderate face value to avoid speculation.

All WWF stamps must be used for actual postage and must be available from their respective postal administration.

As once quoted by Prince Philips, Duke of Edinburgh and President Emeritus of WWF International: ” 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”.
Although the main goal of the WWF stamp collection is to make people more aware of endangered animals and nature, the value of some of the stamps has increased considerably over the years, making them also a good investment.

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND FOR NATURE - ANIMAL SPECIES LIST

When you look at all the stamps that have been issued with the WWF Panda logo it could seem overwhelming and discouraging to start such a collection.
However, you may choose to collect only a certain animal species which is endangered. Here is a list of the animals which have appeared on WWF stamps since the beginning:

· Mammals
· Birds
· Reptiles
· Amphibians
· Fish
· Insects
· Crabs
· Shells & Conches
· Sea-Urchins & Starfish
· Anthozoans

Furthermore you could also contemplate a collection by continent as defined in the WWF Stamp Collection:

· Africa
· Asia
· Australia and Oceania
· Europe
· Americas

Should you choose one of the above-mentioned categories STAMPS-4-YOUR-PLEASURE will gladly accommodate you and set you up with a New Issue Standing Order of your choosing.

To see some available stamps at this time visit

http://stamps4yourpleasure.auctivacommerce.com/