In a statement released on 11 October, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) proudly applauds the important contributions made by many zoos and aquariums to the critical mission of species conservation.

SSC recognises that many of these institutions maintain high standards of care, conservation, education and research, and contribute to preventing species extinctions and recovering species from unfavourable conservation status.

SSC advocates for collaboration between government agencies and zoos and aquariums to collectively contribute to the preservation of species.

13 October 2023

The International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN is considered the world authority on the knowledge of the threat status of species and the measures needed to safeguard them https://www.iucn.org/es

And as an integral part of it, the Species Survival Commission (SSC) is the world’s largest scientific network of conservation experts, working to generate knowledge on the status of species and the threats they face, provide advice, develop policies and guidelines, and facilitate conservation planning through action to help prevent and reverse the current decline in biodiversity.

https://www.iucn.org/es/our-union/commissions/comision-para-la-supervivencia-de-las-especies

Coinciding with the annual congress of the World Associations of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA) which concluded yesterday in San Diego, USA, the IUCN Species Survival Commission has issued an official statement giving zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens a crucial role in species conservation.

This statement is the result of an extensive collaborative process and a public consultation held in early 2023 on a base document prepared by working groups of species conservation experts from around the world.

In an era of an evolving conservation landscape, the SSC recognises the critical role that zoological institutions play at the crossroads of ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts. Their contributions span a broad spectrum of activities, including applied genetics, behavioural and veterinary science, wildlife reintroduction and translocation, research, education, community engagement, policy development and promoting access to nature-based experiences.

The statement recognises that the natural world is under constant threat, with many species on the brink of extinction, but that some can recover in the wild thanks to the dedication and expertise of zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens, which play a key role in reversing this trend, and urges them to work together to realise their full potential.

🙌 We recognise the incredible value of zoos and aquariums and urge them to work together and reach their full conservation potential.

🌏 We recognise the incredible contributions of these institutions to species conservation. Several species have been rescued from extinction thanks to the dedicated efforts of these organisations.

🌱 We encourage these institutions to realise their full potential, and for partners around the world to work with them as essential members of the global conservation community.

Together we can ensure the survival of Earth’s incredible species!

📖 Access the full Declaration here:

https://www.iucn.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/2023-position-statement-on-the-role-of-botanic-gardens-aquariums-and-zoos-in-species-conservation-es.pdf

The SSC also recognises that not all zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens contribute positively to conservation. While many of these institutions do, many others, not accredited, engage in negative practices such as inappropriate population management, inadequate management of wildlife diseases, or inappropriate releases into the wild.

The SSC recognises that it is important that these low standard institutions not be used to judge the global zoological community, and particularly encourages them to improve their practices and seek accreditation from regional zoo and aquarium associations to achieve their conservation potential.

It also cautions that not all species require an ex situ component as part of their conservation strategy, and not all ex situ populations will have a direct conservation purpose. The SSC therefore encourages all stakeholders in species conservation planning to work in a collaborative and integrated way to reverse biodiversity decline following the One Plan Approach.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Leading authorities in the conservation world have endorsed this key role for zoos and aquariums. Here are their STATEMENTS:

“I have been personally involved in efforts to reverse population declines and improve the conservation status of species, and the inspiring success stories I have seen give me hope. It is never too late. Species can recover in the wild, if given the chance in well-managed captive populations, such as those maintained by zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums. The IUCN Species Survival Commission Statement on the role of botanic gardens, aquaria and zoos in species conservation recognises the leading role these organisations already play in conservation science and practice, and invites others to reach their full potential, working together with governments and key partners to collectively achieve IUCN’s One Plan Approach”. Razan Al Mubarak, IUCN President

“Botanic gardens, aquariums and zoos have been part of IUCN since its creation in Fontainebleau on 5 October 1948. As we commemorate our 75th anniversary, we submit to the wider conservation community, and especially to all institutions managing animals, fungi and plants. ex situ, our IUCN Species Survival Commission Position Statement on the role of botanic gardens, aquaria and zoos in species conservation. On the one hand, we recognise and celebrate their important contributions to reversing the decline of hundreds of species and to setting standards for maintaining them under human care. These achievements demonstrate the expertise, knowledge and inspiration needed to mobilise action to bring animals, fungi and plants back from the brink of extinction. On the other hand, we invite institutions that have not yet reached the level of leaders in the field to consider ways to truly meet their conservation goals. While it is clear that ex situ approaches are a critical element in our conservation toolbox, we must always keep in mind that our ultimate goal is to ensure that all animals, fungi and plants thrive in nature, coexisting with humans on a gradient from urban environments and human-dominated landscapes to remote, pristine places where the influence of people is barely detectable.” Jon Paul Rodriguez, SSC chair

“For too long, species conservation efforts have been isolated and focused at the project level, often with expertise and activities segregated between wild populations and those under human care. This position statement highlights that many botanic gardens, aquariums and zoos around the world are critical partners in species survival and in connecting with communities to inspire further action. It is time that we recognise the role that leading botanic gardens, aquariums and zoos play in saving species, that we encourage those who are not yet playing these roles to do so, and that we work as a united community for species conservation. Only then will we succeed in halting extinctions and restoring populations of plants, animals and fungi around the world to ensure a shared future for us all”. Kira Mileham, Director of Strategic Partnerships, IUCN SSC

“This document is a key step in providing long overdue recognition and respect for the unique and critical role that zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens play in conserving species and engaging communities in efforts to protect and restore nature. I am incredibly proud to have helped lead the collaborative effort to produce this statement, which reflects the contributions of more than 400 people from around the world.” Kris Vehrs, retired former executive director of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

“For the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and its members, this IUCN SSC position statement is a recognition of the role of progressive zoos and aquariums as key partners in species conservation, driving WAZA’s new strategic priorities. Our members are proud to be vital stakeholders in halting biodiversity decline through joint initiatives with IUCN SSC, such as Reverse the Red, and individually. This statement further strengthens the unique role that zoological and aquarium institutions are playing and must continue to play as part of the global conservation community”. Martin Zordan, Director of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

“Leading zoos around the world contribute significantly to conservation, and their integrated approach can create hope for some of the world’s most threatened and endangered wildlife. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance welcomes the IUCN SSC position statement and its call for a single plan approach to use our collective expertise to halt the massive global biodiversity loss we are all witnessing. We are honoured to welcome the international conservation community to our home in San Diego as we share this announcement with the world and continue to work together to create a world where all life thrives”. Paul Baribault, President and CEO of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA), host of the IUCN SSC Global Species Survival Centre: Biodiversity Banks

“As a long-time IUCN member and SSC partner, EAZA welcomes this statement. It clearly demonstrates the crucial and often unique role of progressive zoos and aquariums in species conservation. EAZA strongly supports the emphasis placed on collaboration between in situ and ex situ conservation activities to enable impactful conservation outcomes”. Myfanwy Griffith, Executive Director of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)

“Botanic gardens have been leading the development and implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation for more than 20 years, but much remains to be done. Less than 40% of threatened plant species are conserved in seed banks, and even fewer are subject to in situ recovery actions. The new Global Biodiversity Framework, with its emphasis on restoration and recovery, is a call to action for botanic gardens. BGCI joins IUCN SSC in calling on all botanic gardens to take up this challenge before it is too late, and these plants, and the myriad other life forms they support, are gone forever.” Paul Smith, Secretary-General of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)

“With one-third of the world’s tree species threatened with extinction, cross-sectoral conservation efforts are more important than ever. This position statement serves as a timely call to action for botanic gardens to continue and expand our impactful work to conserve the world’s trees, which are essential to all life on earth.” Jill Koski, President and CEO of The Morton Arboretum, home of the IUCN SSC Species Survival Centre Trees.

CONTACT for more information:

AIZA Secretary, info@aiza.org.es