The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the global alliance of regional associations, national federations, and institutions, has shared updates on the 6th Joint Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting, scheduled for 25 - 28 May at Taipei Zoo in Taipei, Taiwan.
This will be the first meeting in Southeast Asia and the first to welcome a broader audience. Participation has been expanded beyond TAG leadership to include TAG members, population biologists, IUCN Specialist Groups and in situ partners, creating a more inclusive space for collaboration at a critical time for species recovery.
The meeting is intended to be more than just a discussion forum; it aims to foster meaningful connections and collaboration.
Key themes include strengthening partnerships between TAGs and external conservation organisations, bridging the gap between ex situ and in situ conservation efforts, and better utilising the global community’s diverse expertise.
WAZA has now announced that early bird registration for the event has been extended until 24 April. The association has also announced the keynote speaker and the first draft of the programme.
Keynote & interactive sessions
Dr Sonja Luz, chair of the WAZA Conservation Committee and CEO of Mandai Nature, will deliver the keynote address.
During the session, Two Sides Of The Same Species: Working As One!, she will illustrate how better alignment between ex situ and in situ efforts can boost collaboration and conservation outcomes across networks.
The first draft programme, now available, features seven sessions designed to strengthen connections across regions and taxa, explore practical tools and shared data, and align population management efforts with global frameworks, including the WAZA 2027 Population Management Goal, Reverse the Red, and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Following feedback from the previous meeting, the 2026 edition will include more interactive formats such as workshops, discussion groups, and regional exchanges to promote open dialogue and learning.
Highlights include Looking At The Bigger Picture: Bringing Together The 27PMG, 30CG, RtR And The CBD, which presents WAZA’s strategic approach to aligning with key global conservation frameworks.
Doing More With Less: Efficient Collaboration When Approaching Shared Resource Constraints is an interactive session that explores how different regions can collaborate more effectively when faced with limited resources.
In Thriving Populations: Tools Of The Trade When Navigating Space Limitations, attendees will learn about the different approaches to managing populations that are approaching or have reached capacity.
Meanwhile, in Data Without Borders: Exploring Globally Used Tools To Strengthen Our Collaborative Impact, speakers will explore how zoos and aquariums can strengthen population management through shared datasets, collaborative science, and innovative tools.
The Overlooked Majority: Innovative Strategies For Managing Under-Represented Species And Unique Population Challenges examines practical and resourceful approaches to addressing complex population management scenarios - from herd dynamics to solitary care, bonded pairs, and high-fecundity taxa.
Finally, Your Voice, Your Agenda: An Open Forum For Discussing Regional Needs, Barriers, and Opportunities is an open space session. Based on topics submitted on whiteboards at the start of the JTAG Meeting, participants will gather in small groups to explore shared challenges and opportunities.
For more information and to register, please click here.
WAZA is also inviting its Institution Members in good standing to submit bids to host the 82nd WAZA Annual Conference in 2027 and the 83rd WAZA Annual Conference in 2028, with applications open until 30 April 2026.
Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
