by Tania Kahlon, WAZA
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the global alliance of regional associations, national federations and institutions, held the 77th WAZA Annual Conference from 23 – 27 October 2022. The event took place in Tenerife, Spain, hosted by Loro Parque.
After two years of virtual conferences, attendees met to discuss seminal issues for the zoo and aquarium community. We welcomed 186 members as well as 32 non-members, representing 41 regions and countries from all over the world. This highlights WAZA’s global membership and reach.
Keynote speeches
On the first day of the conference, the president of the Canary Islands, Ángel Torres Pérez, the president of the Parliament of the Canary Islands Gustavo Matos, the president of Loro Parque Wolfgang Kiessling and WAZA president Dr Clément Lanthier shared their opening remarks.
The opening was followed by the first keynote speaker Hugo Morán, Spain’s secretary of state for the environment. He made an inspiring speech about the urgent need to reconcile the environment and economic and social challenges, so as to restore the balance between nature and civilisation.
The second day of the WAZA conference saw the keynote address by Francesc Carreras Comes, the digital marketing professor at ESADE and the co-founder of MamisDigitales.org. Carreras provided insights on communicating effectively and reputation management. Carreras also spoke about the importance of branding and how you can use different kinds of media as promotional tools.
The day three keynote speaker was Trang Nguyen, founder and executive director of Vietnam-based NGO WildAct. She shared her incredible work in combating illegal wildlife trade between Africa and Asia. She also spoke about her conservation organisation WildAct. This focuses on three main programs: education, creating a better and safer work environment for women and gender minorities and empowering local communities.
On day four, David Ainsworth, the Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity’s head of communications, shared his keynote. He discussed the Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and the role of zoos and aquariums in supporting the implementation of the Framework. He talked about on how zoos and aquariums can raise awareness and contribute to pro-conservation behaviour and social change.
Key issues explored at WAZA conference
Over the course of the conference, there were several insightful presentations on diverse topics. The key work on environmental sustainability being undertaken in zoos and aquariums was highlighted with the launch of the WAZA Carbon Guide on Reducing, Measuring, and Offsetting Carbon in zoos and aquariums by Karen Fifield MNZM and Elaine Bensted. This guide assists members in measuring and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. It outlines various steps which zoos and aquariums can take across their operations.
Conference attendees also learned about The WAZA PalmOil Scan App. This mobile app allows users to scan a product’s barcode to gain more information. Therefore, they can learn if the company that makes the product is committed to sourcing Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO). Another topic under discussion was diversity and inclusion in zoos and aquariums. Organisations shared their key initiatives in promoting diversity and being more inclusive.
At the conference, attendees heard from several Reverse the Red panels. This was part of the Reverse the Red in Evolution session. Reverse the Red Executive Committee members and guest panellists from a variety of zoos and aquariums discussed the Plus One approach, the growing Centres for Species Survival and National Networks. They gave examples of empowering communities and amplifying success.
David Field, chair of the WAZA Committee for Population Management, moderated a session on population management. The session built bridges between population management and the importance for zoo and aquarium directors to support it at an institutional and regional level.
New goals discussed
The progress made on a new code of ethics for WAZA and the proposed 2024 WAZA membership fee model were also presented. In addition to this, the progress made on the 2023 Animal Welfare Goal was showcased. Then a panel explored the potential of the goal and the potential meaning of it beyond the zoo and aquarium community.
In 2022, WAZA undertook a strategic planning process. This re-evaluates its role in the zoo and aquarium community, its vision and core principles. Conference attendees could see the progress so far and then had opportunities to workshop it.
WAZA conference celebrates award-winners
The 77th WAZA Annual Conference celebrated the achievements of WAZA members in conservation, sustainability and contribution to research on zoos and aquariums. The Conservation Award went to Saint Louis Zoo‘s WildCare Institute Center for Avian Health in the Galapagos Islands.
This was in recognition of its work on the conservation of habitat and disease management, the integrated One Health approach, and the use of training and legislative or policy actions with the local conservation agencies.
Marwell Wildlife, United Kingdom, won the Environment Sustainability Award for its innovative and consistent approach towards sustainability management. The organisation has clear long-term targets and commitments to reducing its use of carbon and water, and waste management. Its vision is clearly in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Heini Hediger Award went to Radosław Ratajszcak, director emeritus of Zoo Wrocław. This honours his tremendous contributions to WAZA, to Polish zoos, and to the global zoo and aquarium community.
His work in modernising and improving the standards of zoos has helped shape current zoos. And his influence goes beyond the zoo world. His involvement in in situ conservation in regions such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines has promoted local conservation of critically endangered species.
We thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the conference, all attendees and this year’s host. WAZA is now looking forward to the 78th WAZA Annual Conference in San Diego. In addition, WAZA now invites its Institution Members to submit bids for the 79th WAZA Annual Conference. This will take place in November 2024.