Yesterday Ecsite signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BCGI). We are joining forces to engage audiences with biodiversity conservation. The Ecsite Board had approved this strategic alliance at its last meeting. Representatives of the three organizations as well as a few of their members were present at this signature event, coupled with a first informal work meeting. The Royal Belgian Institute (who was also hosting the meeting) and the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona attended.

Together, the zoos, aquaria, botanic gardens, science centres and museums (etc.) members of our three organizations receive more than 240 million visitors a year. They are uniquely placed to deliver a large public education and engagement campaign in Europe, focusing on enhancing the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s AICHI Target 1, namely that ‘By 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably’.

The first steps towards a wide public campaign raising awareness about local biodiversity were discussed. We are hoping to launch it in September 2015. More about it soon…