Russian authorities on Wednesdaylabeledthe World Wildlife Fund (WWF) environmental advocacy NGO an undesirable organization, a designation that renders all of its activities illegal in Russia.The Prosecutor Generals Office accused the Switzerland-based WWF of threatening Russias economy and interfering with Russia's internal affairs as well as financing the activities of Russian organizations designated as foreign agents.It also claimed that WWF's activities are aimed at large enterprises engaged in the energy, oil and gas industries, as well as those involved in the development of mineral deposits and precious metals to collect information about Russias environmental situation and shackling the economic development of the Russian Federation.Theundesirable label means the group must immediately cease its work inside Russia.
Any form of affiliation with WWF, including donating to the group or sharing its content online, is now illegal.WWF Russia, which says its mission is to protect endangered species and preserve the nature of Russia, was previously labeled a foreign agent by the Russian authorities in March.The move to outlaw WWF comes amid a tightening clampdown on environmental groups in Russia.Last month, Greenpeace Russia, which in particular aided in fighting Russia's seasonal wildfires, announced its closure after it was banned as an undesirable organization.The environmental group Movement 42, based in northern Russias Arkhangelsk region, ceased its activities in January after being designated a foreign agent.And in December, Sakhalin Environment Watch (SEW), a veteran environmental watchdog in the Russian Far East, announced its closure after also being labeled a foreign agent.