The Akron Zoo has joined together with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and other AZA-accredited facilities on advancing the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including protecting at least 30 percent of the planet by 2030 (30x30).
More than 100 AZA-accredited members have signed a declaration uniting behind efforts to end and reverse the world’s catastrophic decline of biodiversity.
AZA members, located in 13 countries, currently invest more than $250 million annually in field conservation, making it one of the largest funders for biodiversity globally. In addition, these zoos and aquariums inspire and engage more than 200 million visitors a year to care about and take action for animals and their ecosystems.
AZA and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have joined together to unite the entire AZA community behind making 30x30 a reality, along with the other agreed-upon targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Those goals and targets include retaining and restoring ecological integrity of ecosystems; saving threatened and endangered species; ending illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade; and preventing future pandemics.
“The super-power of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums is the opportunity to influence and inspire the 200 million people who visit every year,” said Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “Our members provide experiences that create connections to nature, evoke empathy, and inspire action that will help us succeed in preserving 30 percent of nature by 2030.”
“We know that our planet has lost 69% of monitored wildlife populations just since 1970,” said Doug Piekarz, president & CEO at the Akron Zoo. “At the Akron Zoo, our mission to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action comes alive when we work together with our local community to save wildlife and wild places, starting right here in Akron, Ohio! The data is clear – we need to work together with as many partners as possible to truly make a difference for wildlife and future generations. Coming together to preserve 30% of our planet by 2030 is a visionary goal that will clearly make a difference for all species journeying together on this beautiful planet we call home.”
See the full press release from AZA, including a list of all zoos involved, here.