The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, is welcoming proposals for its 75th Annual Conference.
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is pleased to announce that the call for proposals for this year’s conference is now open. The 75th WAZA Annual Conference will be hosted by San Diego Zoo and held jointly with the International Zoo Educators Association (IZE).
It takes place from 11 – 15 October with the theme of ‘The Future of Zoos and Aquariums.’ The call for proposals will remain open until 1 April.
The future of zoos
With the climate crisis making headlines around the world, and with the sixth mass extinction on the horizon, WAZA members will meet to discuss the future of zoos, with the aim to build a shared vision to fight against extinction.
Topics discussed during the event will include:
- How do we keep zoos and aquariums relevant in the digital age?
- How do we continue to position ourselves as the experts in animal welfare as well as ensure the best animal welfare practices at our facilities?
- How do we raise the funds necessary to grow and maintain our facilities, and at the same time, fund overwhelming conservation necessities?
- How do we engage more closely with IUCN SSC, CITES, and other global organisations in the battle to end extinction?
- How do we deal with climate change?
- How do we make our own facilities financially and environmentally sustainable?
- How do we drive conservation behavioural change in our guests?
- How do we make zoos and aquariums relevant conservation organisations?
- Where will our next generation of conservation leaders come from?
For more information, or to submit an abstract, members can visit the conference website here.
Last year, WAZA’s 74th Annual Conference was a success, with almost 200 attendees from 34 countries around the world gathering in Buenos Aires for the event.