The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, zoos and aquariums, has announced its support for the European Commission’s new global coalition, United for Biodiversity.
The European Commission launched the coalition on World Wildlife Day (March 3), ahead of the COP 15 in Kunming, China in October 2020.
This calls on all zoos, aquariums, botanic gardens, science and natural history museums to join forces and increase public awareness about the climate crisis.
Participating institutions are asked to engage in educational activities related to biodiversity and display a pledge at the entrance to their institution.
Coalition was launched on World Wildlife Day
On #WorldWildlifeDay the @EU_Commission calls on all world zoos, aquariums, national parks, botanic gardens, science & natural history museums to join forces for #biodiversity.
WAZA is delighted to support the global coalition United for #biodiversity https://t.co/Yrs2cGQOWr pic.twitter.com/C3eRigOA8j— World Association Zoos & Aquariums (@waza) March 3, 2020
The coalition was inspired by the successful coalition of world aquariums against plastic pollution and was welcomed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
‘World aquariums #ReadyToChange to #BeatPlasticPollution’ was launched in 2017 and had more than 200 global aquariums raising awareness about marine litter.
“WAZA is pleased to support the new global coalition, United for Biodiversity, and we would like to encourage our members to join forces for biodiversity and intensify communications about the nature crisis,” said Martín Zordan, interim CEO of WAZA.
“Zoos and aquariums globally welcome more than 700 million visitors every year and are in a prime position to raise awareness about the nature crisis, which threatens more than one million species with extinction,” added Zordan.
WAZA encourages members to join forces for biodiversity
“WAZA members play a vital role in the conservation of biodiversity and collectively can build momentum for transformative change.”
As concern over the effects of climate change grows, attractions are busy developing green agendas, whether they are reducing plastic, going solar, or offering vegan options.
The Natural History Museum recently declared a planetary emergency, launching a new strategy in response to the challenges facing the planet.
The NHM will open up its collection and share the scientific data and evidence needed to find solutions to climate instability and biodiversity loss.
It will also create new galleries, exhibitions and events, including ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature‘ and a dinosaur gallery exploring biodiversity, extinction and climate change.
