WWF argues that solutions will require equity between countries, and political change within them.

The poorest are pushed onto the most marginal land

It says it is trying to tackle the twin problems of conservation and poverty through more than 50 integrated conservation and development programmes (ICDPs).

In Kenya, for example, a WWF project tries to ensure that much of the money generated by wildlife tourism goes to the local Masai people, to compensate them for the land they have lost for the tourists' sake.

In Mexico WWF was involved in the formation of a local union, the Triumph of the Poor.

This helped to negotiate better prices for farmers for the chillies they grew.

And because the income of the communities doubled, they have adopted better farming techniques and are clearing less of the forest.

Fun for tourists, but not for locals

WWF says the developed world must ensure that international systems of trade, finance and investment, like the World Trade Organisation, support national strategies for sustainable development, instead of undermining them.

And it says the promotion of basic human and political rights must be an important priority.

The organisation is convinced that it cannot save animals without giving at least as much importance to the needs of people.

A different campaign

Its senior press and campaigns officer, Ed Matthew, says: "By providing poor people with alternative ways of meeting their economic aspirations without destroying nature, WWF is helping to protect the environment upon which both humans and wildlife depend."

But other big development agencies which campaigned for political change in developing countries have been warned by the Charity Commissioners not to exceed their brief.