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News • September 1st, 2026
|Pioneering conservation work supported by the WildLife Foundation, the resident charity of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, is making waves at a significant United Nations conference aimed at preserving animal species and their habitats. This conference, known as the COP 17 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, is being held in Mongolia until August 28, 2026, and focuses on finding sustainable solutions for regions affected by desertification and drought.
WildLife Foundation’s Role
The WildLife Foundation is at the forefront of this vital conference, showcasing its commitment to conservation alongside two key partners: the Wild Camel Protection Foundation (WCPF) and Cheetah Conservation. Together, they are presenting their successful strategies for protecting endangered species and supporting local communities.
Cheryl Williams, CEO of the WildLife Foundation, expressed pride in the organisation's role:
“We are delighted to support the WCPF and help put the plight of this extraordinary animal on the global stage.”
The WCPF has developed a unique conservation programme that combines scientific research, habitat protection, environmental education, and community engagement. This includes the world’s first dedicated ex situ breeding programme for Wild Camels, which aims to create a safety net for this critically endangered species.
Focus on Wild Camels
According to Cheryl Williams, “The Wild Camel is one of the rarest large mammals on Earth and its survival is closely linked to the future of the Gobi Desert.” The WCPF has spent over 20 years building a comprehensive conservation programme that includes breeding initiatives, research efforts, and educational outreach. They also create water points that serve as lifelines for Wild Camels and other wildlife during drought periods.
Currently, the WildLife Foundation is funding a project that will last three years, aimed at surveying water points across the Great Gobi A Special Protected Area, home to Mongolia’s endangered Wild Camels. This project will help document historic water points, assess which ones are still functional, and understand how water availability is changing due to climate change.
The Importance of Water
Water is crucial for the survival of Wild Camels and other desert wildlife. As climate change leads to increased desertification, many water sources are disappearing. The findings from this project will provide vital data to guide future conservation efforts and highlight the challenges posed by climate change.
A spokesperson for the WCPF noted:
“Understanding which water points are active and what crucial water is available is vital in understanding the potential climate threats facing the Wild Camel.”
Challenges of Climate Change
The conference is not only about Wild Camels; it is also addressing broader issues related to land degradation, which affects up to 40% of the Earth's land surface. This degradation threatens biodiversity, food and water supplies, and the livelihoods of nearly half the world's population. Projects from Cheetah Conservation, also funded by the WildLife Foundation, are being showcased to highlight these critical issues.
Cheryl Williams emphasised the interconnectedness of these challenges, saying, “Climate change is affecting wildlife across the world, from Polar Bears in the Arctic to Wild Camels and Cheetahs living in increasingly fragile desert environments.” The conference represents an opportunity to bring these pressing concerns to the forefront and foster partnerships that can lead to effective conservation actions.
Community Engagement and Education
The WildLife Foundation and WCPF are also dedicated to educating local communities about conservation. They run environmental education programmes in Mongolia's Gobi Desert and collaborate with zoological institutions worldwide to raise awareness about the plight of endangered species.
By engaging communities, the WCPF aims to instil a sense of stewardship over local wildlife and ecosystems. This approach not only helps protect species like the Wild Camel but also empowers communities to take part in conservation efforts that benefit both people and wildlife.
A Shared Responsibility
Cheryl Williams concluded with a powerful message about the importance of collective action in conservation. “Whether it is a Polar Bear, a Wild Camel or a Cheetah, every animal depends on a healthy habitat. Protecting individual species also means looking after the wider ecosystems and communities around them.”
The efforts of the WildLife Foundation and Yorkshire Wildlife Park highlight the significance of collaborative conservation work, especially in light of the growing threats posed by climate change. By raising awareness and funding vital projects, these organisations are helping to secure a better future for some of the planet's most endangered animals.
