Foreword: REFLECTIONS FROM Kirsten Schuijt, Director General OF WWF International

As we reflect on the year 2024, a year marked by the stark realities of catastrophic declines in biodiversity — as highlighted in the 2024 Living Planet Report — the future of our planet often feels uncertain. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, there is a powerful symbol of hope and resilience that has started to shine: the tiger.

In a time when the global loss of species and ecosystems seems to be accelerating, the recovery of tiger populations offers a rare beacon of optimism. This year, we have witnessed tangible, heartening progress in tiger conservation. From the increasing population of tigers in Thailand to the awe-inspiring tiger reintroduction project in Kazakhstan to bring back their apex carnivore after a 70-year absence, the signs of recovery are undeniable. These successes are not isolated; they are the result of decades of hard work, strategic investment, and unwavering commitment from tiger range country governments, WWF and our partners around the world. Importantly, they are also a testament to the critical role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, whose knowledge, stewardship, and active involvement in conservation efforts are irreplaceable.

The successes of 2024 are also a reflection of the power of collaboration. A critical milestone came with the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes conference in Bhutan, where I had the privilege of participating alongside leaders and partners from across the globe. This conference was a key moment, as it marked a collective commitment to mobilize an additional $1 billion for tiger conservation over the next ten years. This funding will help safeguard and restore the critical habitats that sustain not only tigers but countless other species that share their ecosystems.

This commitment would not have been possible without the Tiger Conservation Coalition, a ground breaking partnership that WWF is proud to be a part of. Together with nine other leading international organizations, the coalition marks a new era of collaboration among groups that were once competitors. This unified approach — built on shared expertise, resources, and a common vision — is a game-changer for tiger conservation and offers a powerful model for how we can tackle even the most daunting conservation challenges in the future.

What these victories show is that conservation is not a quick fix. It takes time, sustained effort, and most importantly, long-term investment. Our work in tiger landscapes — some of the most critical ecosystems in the world — has not been easy, but it is paying off. Tiger numbers are on the rise in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Russia and Thailand. The work is not done though and tigers continue to decline across most of Southeast Asia with three countries losing tigers in the past two decades. We must stay our course though as tigers are not just an emblem of biodiversity; they are a beacon of hope, proving that when we invest in nature, when we work in partnership, and when we prioritize the long-term, progress is possible. It’s a reminder that true change is built on patience, collaboration, and trust — and that together, we can turn the tide on the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

In 2024, tiger conservation has proven that success is possible, even in the face of overwhelming odds. As we move into the future, we must elevate our partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and local communities as only together can we recover and sustain tiger populations that co-exist with people in thriving ecosystems. We must carry this momentum forward, ensuring that these magnificent animals continue to thrive and that the landscapes they represent remain protected for generations to come.

Let the tiger’s recovery be a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together with resolve and dedication — and let it be a reminder that hope can be a catalyst for change.

With renewed hope and determination,

Kirsten Schuijt

Director General, WWF International