World Zoo Conservation Strategy - The Role of the Zoos and Aquaria of the World in Global Conservation.

Editorial Board: Prof. Roger J. Wheater, Chairman,
Edinburgh; Mr. Peter Karsten, President of IUDZG, Calgary;
Prof. Dr. Ulysses Seal, Chairman of CBSG (IUCN/SSC), Minneapolis

Vorwort von HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

Einleitung:

Why a World Zoo Conservation Strategy?

More than a decade after publication of the World Conservation Strategy by IUCN—The World Conservation Union, the importance of nature conservation and sustainable development is even more critical. The continued existence of humankind and other biological species is dependent on prompt decisions and actions that will enable the long-term coexistence of people and nature. This can only be achieved through the awareness of all nations, including all strata of their societies, their governments, other institutions and organizations. This also includes zoos and aquaria found in nearly every country of the world. Individually, many of these institutions have already demonstrated that they have an enormous potential for action in conservation. Until now, however, the magnitude of the collective potential of the global zoo and aquarium community has never realistically been expressed. The purpose of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy is to clarify the role of this community in global conservation.

Aim and Objectives

The aim of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy is to help conserve Earth’s fast-disappearing wildlife and biodiversity. Its main objectives are:

1. To identify the areas in which zoos and aquaria can make a contribution and determine how zoos can support and consolidate the processes leading to nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
2. To develop understanding and support for the conservation potential of zoos and aquaria, from national, supranational, and global authorities, as well as other social and political bodies and organizations.
3. To convince local zoo and aquarium authorities and conservation agencies that presently the greatest purpose to be served by the existence of these institutions is the contribution they can make to conservation, both directly and indirectly.
4. To assist zoos and aquaria in the formulation of policies wherein priorities relating to conservation are incorporated.
5. To indicate how contributions by the individual zoo and aquarium can be augmented by extending and intensifying of contacts in the global zoo and aquarium network and other conservation networks.

For Whom?

The World Zoo Conservation Strategy is primarily written for:

1. National and international policy and decision makers and local government authorities, who can exercise some degree of influence in implementing policies that will, directly or indirectly, further the contribution of zoos and aquaria to conservation. It is important that all of these policy makers and authorities have a clear understanding of the potential contributions that these institutions have to offer in regard to nature conservation.
2. Governing bodies, councils, and benefactors of zoos and aquaria, who can directly influence and support the policy course of the individual institutions. It is important that these are convinced that the very right of existence of a zoo or aquarium is in fact dependent on what contribution it makes to conservation. They can thus stimulate and support a zoo or aquarium in carrying out conservation tasks, and use their own influence to heighten the institution’s standing and effectiveness.
3. Zoo and aquarium professionals, including directors, curators, educators, and animal keepers, public relations officers, and all others who are affected by policies on a daily basis through their employment. The Strategy provides them with an insight as to the conditions under which zoos and aquariums can satisfactorily carry out the conservation goals. This document should also help professionals convince those on whom their institution is dependent that the conservation way is the right way.
4. Other conservation organizations, particularly governmental agencies responsible for conservation in the wild. They will find a cooperative ally in the zoo and aquarium community.

By Whom?

The drafting of the World Zoo Conservation Strategy began as a collective initiative by IUDZG—The World Zoo Organization. and the Captive Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission. In addition to these organizations, a large number of national and regional zoo and aquarium organizations from all parts of the world, representing the vast majority of the world’s community of responsible zoos and aquaria, were involved in the completion of this Strategy.

IUDZG

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