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Mindful of the severity of the global biodiversity crisis - with as many as two million species at risk of extinction - the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has advised of action it is taking at the Convention on Biological Diversity's Conference of the Parties (CBD COP) currently underway in the Colombian city of Cali.

Emphasising the role of zoos and aquariums in global biodiversity conservation, WAZA is representing its members’ commitment in this area and the need for urgent, decisive and collective action.

In support of Reverse the Red - the global movement that ignites strategic action and optimism to ensure the survival of wild species and ecosystems - WAZA is targeting species recovery actions, supporting civil society networks to catalyse and streamline conservation action to support parties delivering on national biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs).

It sees this as a unique opportunity to unify efforts and expertise of the zoos and aquariums communities towards a common strategy to halt extinctions and recover populations.

WAZA Chief Executive, Dr Martín Zordan explained “by aligning our extensive expertise and resources with national and international frameworks, WAZA members are positioned to make an unprecedented contribution to global biodiversity goals.

“This declaration demonstrates our members’ unwavering commitment to conservation excellence. By working collaboratively and strategically, we will accelerate our efforts to protect and restore biodiversity for future generations.”

The initiative builds upon WAZA members’ existing conservation achievements while setting a clear path forward for increased impact. WAZA member institutions are uniquely positioned to advance conservation action and public engagement.

Reverse the Red’s Strategy Director, Michael Clifford added “achieving our ambitious global targets to restore species populations will take all of us working together.

“The zoos and aquariums committing their expertise, passion and resources to this task are critical partners in this effort. Together, with these conservation leaders, we can reverse the biodiversity loss trends shown on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.”

​​The commitment actively advances the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, strengthening global partnerships to halt species extinctions, reverse population declines, and protect vital ecosystems for future generations.

WAZA invites its members to sign the declaration in order to highlight the pivotal role of our community in supporting and strengthening conservation efforts.

With over 70 members having already signed the declaration, we invite our members to sign and share the logos of their organisations by 31st October in order for their commitment to be highlighted and recognised during the WAZA Annual Conference being held at Taronga Zoo, Sydney from 3rd to 7th November. 

Click here for more information on the Convention on Biological Diversity's Conference of the Parties (CBD COP). https://www.cbd.int

Click here to read and sign up to the full declaration.

Click here for more information on the Reverse the Red initiative.

Click here for more information on the 79th WAZA Conference in Sydney in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: WAZA member signatories of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

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