Protecting our Planet - Sustainability Strategy 2020 2030 - WAZA
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Protecting our Planet Sustainability Strategy 2020 - 2030
“The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Sustainability Strategy is an important step for
the global zoo and aquarium community to
sustain a world in which both our societies and
nature can thrive together.
By playing an active role in the implementation
of the United Nations Sustainable
Developments Goals (SDGs), WAZA zoos and
aquariums are not only leading organisations
in animal welfare, conservation, education and
research but are also paving the way for a more
sustainable future in which animals, people and
the health of the planet can thrive.
Therefore I am really happy that we have now
an additional guidance which will hopefully
Prof. Theo Pagel not be used only by our members, but in other
WAZA President, 2019 - 2021 institutions as well. WAZA once more shows
leadership and excellence. Thanks to all who
were involved in preparing this strategy.”
02 WAZA SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 2020 / 30
Contents Protecting Our Planet, WAZA Sustainability
Strategy is a guide for WAZA members to
help achieve sustainability outcomes crucial
to progressive conservation organisations.
Fig. 1
Sustainable Sustainability outcomes and conservation
Development
outcomes are complementary and by
implementing recommendations in this
Goals strategy WAZA members can show behavioural
leadership. Protecting Our Planet provides
Circle of
Control
information to assist WAZA members in
1. No Poverty 10 integrating sustainability into their strategies
and throughout their operations.
2. Zero Hunger 12
3. Good Health and Well-being 14 The strategy uses a framework of addressing
4. Quality Education 16 areas of the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) where our profession has the most
5. Gender Equality 18
influence through their onsite and offsite
6. Clean Water and Sanitation 20 programmes. Recommendations are not made Circle of Circle of
Concern Influence
7. Affordable and Clean Energy 22 about actions that would require governments
to implement. An example of this is human
8. Decent Work and Economic Work 24
population growth. Human population growth
9. Industry Innovation and Infrastructure 26 controls are not within the circle of control
10. Reduction of Inequalities 28 (Fig. 1) or the circle of influence of most WAZA
members even though some may choose
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities 30
to discuss this topic with their individual
12. Responsible Consumption and Production 34 communities on site as issues like this may be
13. Climate Action 36 part of their circle
of concern.
14. Life Below Water 40
15. Life on Land 44
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 48
17. Partnerships for the Goals 50
Checklists 52
Resources 58
04 WAZA SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 2020 / 30
Sustainable
1 | No Poverty 11 | Sustainable Cities and Communities
End poverty in all its forms everywhere. Make cities and human settlements inclusive,
safe, resilient and sustainable.
Development
2 | Zero Hunger
End hunger, achieve food security and 12 | Responsible Consumption and
improved nutrition and promote sustainable Production
agriculture. Ensure sustainable consumption and
production patterns.
Goals
3 | Good Health and Well-Being
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being 13 | Climate Action
for all at all ages. Take urgent action to combat climate change
and its impacts.
4 | Quality Education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality 14 | Life Below Water
education and promote lifelong learning Conserve and sustainably use the oceans,
opportunities for all. seas and marine resources for sustainable
development.
5 | Gender Equality
Achieve gender equality and empower all 15 | Life On Land
women and girls. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use
of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage
6 | Clean Water and Sanitation forests, combat desertification, and halt and
Ensure availability and sustainable reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity
management of water and sanitation for all. loss.
7 | Affordable and Clean Energy 16 | Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
On 25 September 2015, the United Nations At the core of the 2030 Agenda are 17 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for
(UN) General Assembly adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The sustainable and clean energy for all. sustainable development, provide access to
Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN, 17 SDGs aim to secure a sustainable, peaceful, justice for all and build effective, accountable
2015). This global framework to direct prosperous and equitable life on earth for 8 | Decent Work and Economic Growth and inclusive institutions at all levels.
humanity towards a sustainable path was everyone now and into the future. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable
developed following the United Nations economic growth, full and productive 17 | Partnerships for the Goals
Conference on Sustainable Development The commitment of zoos and aquariums to the employment and decent work for all. Strengthen the means of implementation and
(Rio+20) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June SDGs has the potential to significantly contribute revitalise the global partnership for sustainable
2012, and involved the UN Member States, to the global achievement of these goals. The 9 | Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure development.
national surveys engaging millions of people SDGs provide aspirations for improving the Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive
and thousands of stakeholders from all over world, and sustainability should be integral to and sustainable industrialisation and foster
the world. how progressive zoos and aquariums lead, think innovation.
and act. The SDGs are:
10 | Reduced Inequalities
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
06 WAZA SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 2020 / 30
In this strategy each SDG is explained and Using the language of the SDGs will help
guidelines are given on how zoos and WAZA members to report progress using
aquariums can address each goal. These the framework and provides a standardised
guidelines are not exhaustive, and other communication tool. WAZA will be able to
additional resources are included in the final track member action over the coming Decade
chapter. The relevant WAZA MoUs with the of Action 2020-2030 and provide voluntary
Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), reporting to the UN of member contributions
UN Environment (plastics reduction), and to the delivery of the SDGs.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) are also
reflected in this strategy. By examining the SDGs as a whole, each zoo
or aquarium can decide which of the 17 Goals
The SDG framework allows zoos and are most applicable now and into the future
aquariums to make strategic decisions to tackle for their contexts. WAZA is striving to enable
one or more of the SDGs at any given time. its members to choose the SDGs that are most
While some SDGs seem more relevant to our important to them. These may change over
profession, there are links across almost all of time, and WAZA members should evolve their
them if addressed holistically. All the SDGs are SDG programme of work as they develop new
complementary and some actions may actually organisational strategies and change their
address a number of SDGs. This document operations.
does not approach the SDGs that way but
members can in fact choose to do this within Each zoo or aquarium has a unique context
their own context. Creating more equitable which can create different challenges based on
conditions for people globally has immense their current political, economic, social, cultural
spillover benefits for the environment and the and environmental state. The SDGs framework
wildlife and wild places we are tasked with allows zoos and aquariums to decide on the
protecting. More responsible consumption best course of action to take, tailored to their
influences supply chains and promotes ethical context.
purchasing. Certification for carbon neutrality
and conservation efforts in zoos and aquariums The chapters have been developed as guides
create a better environment for animals and for WAZA members to use, and they provide
people and prepares us for the effects of examples of recommended actions. WAZA
climate change. does not expect its members to achieve
results in all 17 Goals, but to work to towards
better integration of sustainability across their
organisational work.
08 WAZA SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY 2020 / 30
Poverty is more than the lack of Key Facts and Figures
income and resources to ensure
• Most people living below the poverty line
a sustainable livelihood. Its
belong to two regions: Southern Asia and
manifestations include hunger
sub-Saharan Africa.
and malnutrition, limited access
to education and other essential • 783 million people live below the
international poverty line of US$1.90 a day.
services, social discrimination
and exclusion, as well as the • High poverty rates are often in small, fragile
lack of participation in decision- and conflict-affected countries.
making. • The height of one in four children under
the age of five is inadequate for their
Zoos and aquariums can respective age.
be involved in programmes
that provide income for
local communities while also
Recommendations
supporting conservation and 1. Reduce or subsidise entrance fees for
education outcomes. targeted schools and other disadvantaged
groups.
A link is often seen between 2. Implement accessibility events for local
Sustainable Development Goal 1. communities.
No Poverty
low-income households and the
lack of access to opportunities 3. Develop skills and train staff so that they
including those in education. can develop and grow professionally.
Zoos and aquariums should be 4. Support conservation programmes that
one of the catalysts to help these provide economic development/income
communities in need to reach for developing countries and communities.
their full potential.
Case Studies
Our commitment is to promote SERA Conservancy, Beads for wildlife Zoos
South Australia
and support conservation activities
https://www.zoossa.com.au/conservation/how-you-can-
help/beads-for-wildlife/
that help to reduce poverty. BEADworks
https://www.beadworkskenya.com/
10
Photo: © Joan de la Malla | Barcelona Zoo
Zoo and aquarium visitor Key Facts and Figures
engagement programmes can
• Globally, one in nine people in the world today are
support individuals and families
undernourished.
to build their own food gardens.
This can be done through • 66 million primary school-age children attend classes
hungry across the developing world, with 23 million in
outreach programmes for small
Africa alone.
groups or entire communities or
by programmes conducted on • 500 million small farms worldwide, most still rain-fed,
site. provide up to 80% of food consumed in large parts of
the developing world. Investing in smallholders is an
important way to increase food security and nutrition for
The programmes can
the poorest, as well as food production for local markets.
demonstrate how to use natural
ways of repelling pests in the • Since the 1900s, some 75% of crop diversity has been
lost from farmers’ fields. Better use of agricultural
gardens, for example, using
biodiversity can contribute to more nutritious diets,
natural predators to fight crop-
enhance livelihoods for farming communities and ensure
eating insects.
more resilient and sustainable farming systems.
By cultivating a garden, a family
can enjoy growing their own Recommendations
food and it allows interactions
1. Develop programmes to teach visitors gardening skills.
with neighbours and other
2. Talk about healthy food and sustainable agriculture if
home farmers. By giving away
your organisation has a farmyard area.
seeds, seedlings, ideas and
advice, zoos and aquariums 3. Sell seedlings, seeds and gardening equipment.
can encourage partnerships 4. Cater using plant-based foodstuffs, and ensure animal
and collaboration within and products are sustainably sourced.
Sustainable Development Goal 2.
Zero Hunger
between communities.
Case Studies
Zurich Zoo – Masoala Madagascar
https://www.zoo.ch/en/conservation-animals/conservation-
projects/masoala
Philadelphia Zoo Cropbox
https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/philadelphia-zoo-cropbox/
Zoo Heidelberg – Exposition about meat consumption
https://www.zoo-heidelberg.de/zoo-erleben/
entdeckerstationen/ausstellungen/
Our commitment is to promote and support
(only in German - more information can be
provided; Resources: https://www.scientificamerican.com/
actions that support sustainable agriculture.
article/meat-and-environment/ )
12
Photo: Tortoise eating lettuce grown at Philadelphia Zoo Cropbox | Philadelphia Zoo
© Photo by Miana Jun and Anthony Lasala
Good health is a fundamental Key Facts and Figures
aspect of quality of life. It is also
• At least 400 million people have no basic
important to be aware of the
healthcare.
indirect role good health plays in
affecting the capacity of individuals • Children of educated mothers - even mothers
to have a positive impact on the with only primary schooling - are more likely
environment around them. Visiting a to survive than children of mothers with no
zoo or aquarium should add to the education.
well-being of visitors. • There is a 31-year gap between the countries
with the shortest and longest life expectancies.
Inequalities still persist both
• Unsafe drinking water, unsafe sanitation and lack
between and within countries,
of hygiene continue to be major contributors
meaning that people are still
to global mortality, resulting in about 870,000
suffering and dying needlessly from
deaths in 2016.
preventable diseases. Because of
• Seven million people die every year from
the excellent scope and outreach
exposure to fine particles in polluted air.
of WAZA Members we are able
to play a part in addressing these
inequalities and focusing on Recommendations
population groups and regions that
have been neglected. 1. Raise awareness in your institution about
the importance of good health and healthy,
When an ecosystem goes into sustainable lifestyles for staff and visitors.
decline it loses its ability to mitigate
Sustainable Development Goal 3.
2. Provide healthy, sustainable options in your
the negative effects of pollution catering offerings.
Good Health
and often increases the incidences 3. Instigate safety measures to reduce injuries and
of pests and diseases. Furthermore, deaths at your organisation.
many modern medicines have their
4. Support ecosystem restoration projects that
origins in biological products and
and Well-being
have direct links to reducing air, water and soil
many traditional medicines come
pollution.
from local biodiversity. Healthy
ecosystems support healthy people.
Case Studies
Thriving Together Margaret Pyke Trust
https://thrivingtogether.global/supporters/
Our commitment is to ensure healthy lives Two Oceans Aquarium Smart Living
Outreach Program
and promote well-being for all at all ages. https://www.aquarium.co.za/content/page/
outreach-smart-living
14
Photo: The Smart Living Challenge Zone | Two Oceans Aquarium
Zoos and aquariums should strive
to provide students, visitors and the
Key Facts and Figures
broader community with quality • Worldwide 57 million children remain out
learning experiences on-site and of school.
online. Zoos and aquariums should • In 2016, only 34% of primary schools
support educational initiatives as
in the Least Developed Countries had
part of their conservation work.
electricity.
This includes the empowerment
of women and girls, inclusive • In developing countries, one in four girls
educational initiatives and policy and is not in school.
legal frameworks to support such • 103 million youth worldwide lack basic
educational work. literacy skills.
Zoos and aquariums offer education/
learning programmes to a diverse Recommendations
range of audiences. Educational
1. Develop inclusive opportunities for all
facilities in zoos and aquariums
should be designed to enable access visitors, regardless of cognitive or physical
for all. ability or gender, social, cultural, ethnic or
economic background.
Topics about sustainable 2. Develop education programmes that can
development can be creatively practically address issues of sustainability.
included in the curriculum of many
3. Develop partnerships with schools,
education programmes or visitor
universities and other institutions
experience messaging. Zoos and
aquariums should design innovative to enhance educational content,
visitor experiences and learning methodology, research and reach.
materials that can contribute to 4. Evaluate the impact of your educational
Sustainable Development Goal 4. learning outcomes for the SDGs. work against the SDGs.
Quality Education
Also, through the online learning
opportunities offered by many
organisations, these messages and Case Studies
learning opportunities can be widely
Zoofari at New Zealand Zoos. This programme is for
disseminated. underprivileged schools to visit Auckland Zoo, Hamilton
Zoo, Wellington Zoo and Orana Wildlife Park in
Creative work opportunities, partnership with funding from The Warehouse.
https://wellingtonzoo.com/schools/the-warehouse-zoofari/
internships, and work-study
Our commitment is to ensure inclusive and opportunities will also provide Buin Zoo- The Great Ecological Adventure
https://www.buinzoo.cl/colegios/visitas-educativas/
equitable quality education and promote
students with access to quality
education and prepare them for the Two Oceans Aquarium Young Biologists Program
lifelong learning opportunities for all.
https://www.aquarium.co.za/blog/entry/amazing-
workforce.
young-biologist-course-sponsored-by-de-beers-marine-
october-2018
16
Photo: The Warehouse Zoofari Programme | Wellington Zoo
Zoos and aquariums are in a unique
position to influence visitors, staff
Key Facts and Figures
and communities through proactively • Within the full-time workforce, on average,
promoting and modelling diversity and men earn about a third more than their female
gender equality in their practices. counterparts.
• Men comprise over 70% of the world’s
With a higher proportion of women
researchers.
entering the zoo and aquarium
profession, it is imperative that • According to the World Economic Forum’s
aquariums and zoos provide equal pay, Global Gender Gap report, it will take 108 years
protection and freedom of movement to close the gender gap at the current rate of
for their female employees. progress, with the largest gaps in the areas of
economic and political equality.
Companies with better gender balance
• Recent studies (Credit Suisse 2016/McKinsey and
in top management perform better
Co) have found that having women in leadership
financially and are more likely to have
roles and on corporate boards has a positive
engaged employees who believe in the
impact on the company’s financial performance.
company’s mission and strategy. Zoos
and aquariums have the opportunity
to nurture and encourage women in
leadership roles.
Recommendations
1. Embed gender equality and diversity in your
For conservation efforts to be long organisation’s values and strategic plan.
lasting and effective, the socio-economic 2. Ensure your organisation is a safe working
situation for the communities should be place for women and girls.
considered and supported. Supporting
Sustainable Development Goal 5.
3. Provide opportunities for women to effectively
programmes that empower women
Gender Equality
and girls not only help the conservation participate at all levels of decision-making and
efforts, they also strengthen their growth in the organisation.
community. Zoos and aquariums are 4. Develop field conservation programmes that
in a strong position to encourage provide opportunities for women and girls to
conservation programmes to include participate, offering employment and equal
socio-economic aspects that empower access to economic resources and information
women and girls.
Our commitment is to support the Case Studies
empowerment of women and girls through Niassa Lion Project
https://wildnet.org/wildlife-programs/lion-niassa/
business operations, conservation/social Proyecto Titi
https://www.proyectotiti.com/en-us/
investment, education, community Ocean Wise Ocean Literacy and Leadership- This program
empowers women and youth to become ocean advocates
engagement and partnerships. https://www.aquablog.ca/2019/07/ocean-literacy-and-
leadership-camp-teaches-young-b-c-women-ocean-advocacy-
activist-skills/
18
Photo: © Joan de la Malla | Barcelona Zoothe generation of products or services, and
the volumes of water required to dilute the
Recommendations
pollutants generated up to the point where 1. Ensure that the animals under human care
the quality of the water reaches acceptable have permanent access to clean drinking
standards. As an indicator, it also allows for the water.
incorporation of water management in all areas
2. Ensure that visitors and staff have access to
and operations of the zoo or aquarium. Once the
potable water and appropriate spaces for
water footprint has been defined, organisations
personal hygiene.
should endeavor to maintain or reduce their use
3. Develop sustainable water management
of fresh water.
practices in all operations of the
organisation, promoting smart consumption
Zoos and aquariums should demonstrate to
policies, water reuse and reduction of water
visitors and communities how it is possible
pollution from the site.
to manage water, guaranteeing its quality,
availability and sustainable use through their 4. Develop a water footprint for the
own organisation’s operations. They can promote organisation.
new ways of sustainable consumption among
Sustainable Development Goal 6.
visitors and communities that help promote
water-friendly practices in people’s homes and Case Studies
Clean Water
daily lives.
Sao Paulo Zoo, Brazil
The Sao Paulo zoo, which has received more than 90 million
An important remit of zoos and aquariums visitors since it opened, was the first zoo in Latin America
should be providing tools and resources so that to obtain the ISO 14001 certification, demonstrating its
active concern to avoid and manage the environmental
and Sanitation
visitors and communities can adopt positive
impact derived from its activities. TThe zoo’s residual water
practices related to the consumption, use and treatment plant has a 400 thousand liter capacity per day,
discharge of water and waste products in their treating water from public toilets, administrative areas and
daily activities. other operations of the park. The institution also has a water
treatment plant, operated in accordance with drinking water
legislation, which is responsible for providing water for
Key Facts and Figures cleaning facillities and cleaning and filling animal tanks.
Although the water reuse cycle is integrated, there
are different steps for each use, thus guaranteeing the
Our commitment is
• More than 80% of wastewater resulting from quality of the water supplied to the animals. The integral
Human population growth, over consumption of
human activities is poured in the rivers and seas management of the system guarantees that the water of
resources and climate change are affecting all
to actively promote
without any treatment, causing contamination the lakes recirculates, avoiding the accumulation of sludge
natural ecosystems, especially those dependent and the formation of algae. The dry sludge withdrawn from
of water sources and planet ecosystems.
on fresh water where much of the planet’s the treated water is sent to the composting station, with
actions and behaviours biodiversity is concentrated. • Around 2.4 billion people do not have access
to basic sanitation services, such as toilets.
the compost being used in the food and forage production
areas for the park’s fauna. All this constitutes a virtuous cycle
that help achieve
of sustainability that generates well-being for the fauna, the
It should be a priority that all zoos and • Approximately 70% of all the water extracted wetlands, the visitors, the collaborators and the operation of
aquariums define their “water footprint”. This from rivers, lakes and aquifers of the planet is the park as a whole.
affordable access to indicator defines the total volume of freshwater
used to produce the organisation’s goods
used to irrigate crops. Zoo Zurich – Masoala Madagascar
https://www.zoo.ch/en/conservation-animals/conservation-
safe drinking water
• Water scarcity adversely affects the life quality
projects/masoala
and services. The water footprint considers of more than 40% of the world’s population,
and sanitary for all.
the consumption of water, according to its a figure that is expected to increase in the
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Water Neutrality
https://coloradotu.org/blog/2020/2/cheyenne-mountain-
origin (surface, underground or rain) used in coming years. zoo-becomes-water-neutral-with-tu-partnership
21
Photo: Two Oceans AquariumSustainable Development Goal 7.
Affordable and
Clean Energy Energy has transformed the way
people live. Even items traditionally
thought to be natural such as food
Key Facts and Figures
• The energy sector is the biggest principal
source of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Our commitment is to ensure access to
and drinking water have some sort of
energy connection, be it pesticides, • 13% of the global population still lacks access
affordable, reliable, sustainable and production, transportation or the
packaging that protects and delivers it
to modern electricity.
modern energy for all.
• Nearly three billion people do not have
to the end user. access to clean cooking facilities, relying
instead on biomass or coal as their primary
Most of the energy that people cooking fuel.
consume today is non-renewable and
is derived from carbon-based fuels
such as coal, oil and gas. Recommendations
1. Acknowledge that using sustainable energy
WAZA members should consider
or reducing consumption of energy is crucial
their use of energy and promote
for a sustainable future.
sustainable energy use on-site. By
2. Adopt renewable energy and use products
focussing on energy consumption
that are carbon neutral where possible.
WAZA members will save money, lead
by example and reduce their carbon 3. Inform visitors, members and the wider
community of the benefits of switching to a
footprint.
sustainable energy.
4. Measure energy efficiency within the strategic
planning for your organisation.
Case Studies
Detroit Zoo power project
https://detroitzoo.org/press-release/detroit-zoo-to-meet-
100-renewable-energy-goal/
23Sustainable Development Goal 8.
Decent Work and
Economic Growth
Our commitment is to ensure that our business
and employment activities support the local
economy and sustainable growth.
The UN has set an economic growth rate target of
Key Facts and Figures Case Studies
• According to the United Nations, the global Gross Parque das Aves, Brazil
seven percent for the least developed countries,
Domestic Product growth declined from 4.4% in The Parque das Aves procurement
with full decent employment for all women and
policy gives preference to local and
men by 2030. Zoos and aquariums are active 2000 to 3.0% in 2019 and expected to remain the
organic products for animal feed
economic contributors to their communities and same in 2020. and ingredients for its restaurants.
are in a unique position to support economic • More than 10% of the world population lives on Through their social inclusion
growth in the regions where they operate less than $2.00/day. programmes, they support projects
to promote the well-being in the
and those communities where they support • The global unemployment rate is 5.5%, with over Guarani community: hospitals,
conservation programmes. 192 million people unemployed in 2018. schools and child nutrition centres.
Other actions aimed to reduce
Economic growth should be factored into a
Recommendations
internal inequalities include a
holistic operating and conservation action plan. comprehensive employee health
Work offered within the organisation and as part plan, interest-free money loans for
1. Ensure the organisation has fair work policies that
of field conservation projects should be fair and staff to cover needs and unforeseen
are economically responsible.
events, employee meals for a
decent, and the work environment should be safe
2. Incorporate a strategy for youth employment into symbolic payment of US$3.6 per
and secure. month and free access for all
the organisation’s business strategy.
employees to English language
Zoos and aquariums are in an excellent position 3. Protect employee rights and promote a safe
courses.
to lead by example where economic growth is in working environment for all.
harmony with sustainable environmental resource 4. Support conservation programmes that
use and protection of workers. create decent work and sustainable economic
development opportunities.
Photo: Matiu Somes Island Moko Kākāriki Wellington Green Gecko 25
and Ngāhere Gecko monitoring | Wellington Zoo
1Investment in infrastructure in such
areas as transport, irrigation, energy,
Key Facts and Figures Sustainable Development Goal 9.
Industry Innovation
and information and communication • For many African countries, particularly the lower-income
technology are crucial to achieving countries, infrastructure constraints reduce company
sustainable development and productivity by around 40%.
and Infrastructure
empowering communities. • Manufacturing is a significant employer, accounting
for around 470 million jobs worldwide in 2009 – or
Zoos and aquariums can contribute about 16% of the world’s workforce of 2.9 billion. It is
to this goal by promoting sustainable estimated that there were more than half a billion jobs in
transport, improving their manufacturing in 2013.
organisation’s energy efficiency,
designing green-rated buildings,
• Industrialisation’s job multiplication effect has a positive
impact on society. Every job in manufacturing creates 2.2
Our commitment is to build infrastructure,
reducing carbon intensity and
emissions, and supporting innovative
jobs in other sectors. promote inclusive and sustainable growth
technology.
Recommendations and foster innovation.
As part of sustainable development, 1. Support innovation by collaborating with research
it is important to support the building institutions to test new technologies within your zoo
of quality, sustainable, reliable and or aquarium and in conservation research.
resilient infrastructure through 2. Support and implement any circular economy
innovation, making sure that as initiatives in the local community and within your
industrialisation progresses, no organisation.
one gets left behind. In particular,
3. Look into providing more sustainable transport
on the research and technological
options and other clean technologies.
front, the potential to support new
developments is tremendous, not 4. For new construction, seek to comply with one of the
only using the organisation’s site as a sustainable building certificates.
test platform but also cascading the
benefits for the better management
of wildlife conservation.
Case Studies
Wildlife Reserves Singapore Rainforest Lumina
https://rainforestlumina.wrs.com.sg/#main
Taronga Conservation Society Australia
https://taronga.org.au/education/taronga-institute-of-science-and-
learning
Ocean Wise, Vancouver Aquarium:
This movement started in 2006 when we built our first green building
certified as LEED Gold and continued in 2009 when we made a
commitment to certify our environmental program to the international
standard ISO 14001. In doing so, Vancouver Aquarium became the first
aquarium in the world to build a LEED® Gold building and achieve ISO
14001 certification for their environmental program
https://www.vanaqua.org/about/sustainability
26
Photo: Taronga Institute of Science and Learning | Taronga ZooSustainable Development Goal 10. Zoos and aquariums should act to promote and Key Facts and Figures
Reduction of
participate in the reduction of inequalities both
globally and locally. • Up to 30% of income inequality is due
to inequality within households between
Inequalities based on the level of income, gender, women and men. Women are more likely
than men to live with a salary of up to 50%
Inequalities
age, disabilities, sexual orientation, race, social
class, ethnicity, religion, and access to opportunities below the median income.
are persisting throughout the world. Sustainable • On average, income inequality increased
development cannot be achieved if any part of the by 11% in developing countries between
world’s population is excluded. 1990 and 2010.
• The well-being and quality of life for
Zoos and aquariums should be influential leaders
migrant populations, persons with
for the reduction of inequalities. Zoos and
Our commitment is to reduce inequality
disabilities and other social groups with
aquariums should be concerned with identifying,
certain conditions is highly deteriorated by
knowing and understanding the critical issues
within and among countries.
a lack of job opportunities.
related to the generation of inequalities in the local
community.
Zoos and aquariums should be organisations
Recommendations
characterised by transparent management systems 1. Adopt equality policies in the organisation
that demonstrate a commitment to human rights, to provide employment opportunities to
to complying with environmental, employment and all workers, regardless of any individual
tax laws, and the protection of social funds. characteristic.
2. Establish a transparent internal process
All conservation programmes should be an
to prevent corrupt practices that directly
opportunity to rebuild the relationship between
impact on equality.
communities and nature, promoting better
practices in local communities and helping to 3. Establish inclusive pricing policies or
ensure the conditions and circumstances that make accessibility initiatives for entrance into the
life viable in a territory. zoo or aquarium.
4. Incorporate the social component in
Each zoo and aquarium should have internal conservation programmes, increasing
policies that establish: clear objectives and capacity in the local communities for their
procedures to ensure equal access to employment future well-being.
and the fair selection of employees; equal
opportunities; equality in career development,
training, wages and working conditions; fair Case Studies
work schedules; and harmony between work and
Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle USA
family life. It is important to establish internal and The Woodland Park Zoo has established a personnel
transparent processes to prevent corrupt practices selection policy intended to ensure the composition of
that could cause inequalities and to establish the staff represents the population of the city to which
it belongs. It is a policy of equity that seeks to ensure
policies to ensure staff are paid a dignified living
that ethnic and cultural diversity represented in the
wage. collaborators of the organisation mirrors the official
figures for Seattle.
29
Photo: Jaguar | Loro ParqueSustainable Development Goal 11.
Sustainable Cities
Cities are hubs for ideas, commerce, Key Facts and Figures
culture, science, productivity, social
• Half of humanity – 3.5 billion people – lives in
development and much more. At their
cities today. By 2030, almost 60% of the world’s
and Communities
best, cities enable people to advance
population will live in urban areas.
socially and economically. However, many
challenges exist in maintaining cities in • 828 million people live in slums today, and the
a way that continues to create jobs and number keeps rising.
prosperity while not straining land and • The world’s cities occupy just 2% of the
resources. earth’s land but account for 60–80% of energy
Our commitment is to make cities Zoos and aquariums have a responsibility
consumption and 75% of carbon emissions. Rapid
urbanisation is exerting pressure on freshwater
and human settlements inclusive, to protect biodiversity in their immediate
vicinities as well as wild habitats. Housing
supplies, sewage, the living environment and
safe, resilient and sustainable.
public health. But the high density of cities
a diverse range of species in their can bring efficiency gains and technological
organisations allows zoos and aquariums innovation while reducing resource and energy
to achieve this by undertaking wildlife consumption.
conservation and research work, and to
• In 2016, an estimated 4.2 million people died as a
raise awareness of the importance of this
result of high levels of ambient air pollution.
work to urban communities.
Zoos and aquariums can contribute by Recommendations
being active champions and advocates of
1. Take an active interest in the governance and
sustainable waste management in their
management of your city related to sustainability
local communities whilst ‘walking the talk’
outcomes.
in their own organisation’s operations.
2. Collaborate with the local community to protect
the natural heritage in your city.
Most WAZA members have sprawling
landscape and greenery within their sites 3. Encourage visitors to use sustainable transport
to provide well-being spaces in their cities. options to zoos and aquariums.
Being an integral part of society, zoos 4. Become a hub to showcase sustainable
and aquariums should be instrumental in opportunities for your community.
building sustainable cities of the future.
Case Studies
Chester Palm Oil Project
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-47482727
Ask for Choice
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/83148479/new-zealand-zoos-ask-
for-choice-on-palm-oil-labelling
30
Photo: Shedd Aquarium on the shore of Lake Michigan | Shedd AquariumSustainable Development Goal 12.
Responsible
Consumption
and Production
Our commitment is to do more, and
better, with less by changing the way
we produce and consume goods and
natural resources.
Zoos and aquariums should be responsible in intervention in the value chain can improve the
the ways they operate through how they procure environmental and social impact of the system.
and dispose of goods and services and how
they communicate this with staff, visitors and Acknowledging the environmental and social
communities. impact of the palm oil and forestry industries,
WAZA has sought to partner with organisations
The value chain is the full life cycle of a product seeking to mitigate these impacts in their
or service including procurement, production, respective industries. WAZA has committed to
consumption and disposal processes. partnerships with UN Environment (reduction
Having a better understanding of zoos’ and of single use plastics in operations), RSPO
aquariums’ value chains is a critical first step in (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) and FSC
understanding responsible consumption and (Forest Stewardship Council) to encourage zoos
production. A better understanding enables and aquariums to eliminate single use plastics
zoos and aquariums to share information with, and seek products from RSPO or FSC certified
and influence, suppliers and partners; to limit suppliers. By buying certified products zoos
risk and to ensure products used are disposed and aquariums can ensure that the upstream
of in the most environmentally friendly way. processes in their value chain have already been
Zoos and aquariums should identify where an mapped.
32
Photo: TrashBash Beach Cleanup | Two Oceans AquariumBy purchasing FSC or RSPO certified products,
zoos and aquariums can ensure they ‘walk the
Recommendations
talk’ – that they use products that have been 1. Create a sustainable procurement policy
produced with less impact on wildlife and including consideration of the lifecycle and
the habitats and communities that surround disposal of products. This policy should
them. They should showcase to visitors and include environmental and social impacts of
communities that they take the degradation
procurement.
of habitat seriously and that they are acting
to prevent it by choosing responsibly sourced 2. By 2023, at least 50% of WAZA members should
products. commit to using CSPO (certified sustainable
palm oil) in retail, purchasing and consumption.
The purchasing power of zoos and aquariums 3. By 2023, at least 50% of WAZA members should
worldwide is significant, and by working source 70% of their wood and paper products
together, we can positively influence suppliers via FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified
of goods and services to adopt sustainable
producers.
practices. Together with RSPO and FSC
purchases zoos and aquariums could consider 4. By 2023, at least 50% of all WAZA members will
Marine Stewardship Council certified seafood, have eliminated (or at least be in the process
reducing meat consumption on site by hosting of eliminating) single-use plastic from their
more vegetarian events or functions and building operations (UNEP MoU target).
responsible consumption criteria into catering https://www.waza.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/
contracts. WAZA-short-guide-final-online.pdf
Key Facts and Figures Case Studies
• If the world population reaches 9.6 billion
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Palm Oil Index
by 2050, we will need three planets worth of http://www.cmzoo.org/index.php/conservation-matters/palm-
resources to sustain our current lifestyles. oil-crisis/
Wellington Zoo FSC Project
• By switching to energy efficient lightbulbs
https://fsc.org/en/news/sustainable-magic-wellington-zoo
everywhere, the world would save US$120
They’re Calling on You Project (Zoos Victoria, Orana
billion annually.
Wildlife Park and Taronga Conservation Society Australia)
• Each year, an estimated third of all food https://www.zoo.org.au/theyre-calling-on-you-phones/
produced is wasted – equivalent to 1.3 billion Ocean Wise, Vancouver Aquarium: Sustainable purchasing.
Over the last few years, we have reduced single use plastics
tons and worth around $1 trillion USD.
and sourced new more environmentally friendly products.
• The food sector accounts for around 30% of the https://www.vanaqua.org/about/sustainability
world’s total energy consumption and around
22% of total Greenhouse Gas emissions, mainly
from the conversion of forests to farmlands.
• Roughly half of annual plastic production is
destined for single use products.
• Humans buy about one million bottles of water
per minute worldwide.
34
Photo: Wellington Zoo FSC Project | Wellington ZooClimate change is increasingly Key Facts and Figures
becoming a key underlying factor
• Analysis by the World Meteorological
influencing biodiversity and
Organization shows that the five-year average
sustainable development. The
global temperature from 2013 to 2017 was the
majority of causes of climate change
highest on record.
are human-induced and thus, zoos
and aquariums with their multiple • The World Metrological Organization noted that
links to people, communities and the extent of global sea ice fell to a minimum of
governments, are ideally placed to 4.14 million km2 in 2016, the second lowest extent
make a difference. on record.
• The world continues to experience rising sea
The global growth rate of carbon levels, extreme weather conditions (the North
dioxide has nearly quadrupled since Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest ever
the early 1960s and shows no sign of recorded) and increasing concentrations of
reducing; carbon dioxide levels in the greenhouse gases.
atmosphere are now 40% higher than
pre-industrial times.
Recommendations
The 2018 Intergovernmental Panel 1. Work with your local authorities to set climate
on Climate Change (IPCC) Report action targets.
on Climate Change has projected 2. Integrate climate change measures into your
that just 2°C of global warming will organisational policies, including greenhouse gas
trigger 13% of the terrestrial land emissions reduction targets.
area to undergo a transformation of
3. Raise awareness amongst visitors, community and staff
ecosystems from one type to another,
about actions they can take towards climate mitigation,
and a loss of biodiversity in the range
Sustainable Development Goal 13.
adaptation and impact reduction.
of 18% for insects, 16% for plants and
Climate Action
8% of vertebrates. 4. Raise awareness amongst your visitors, community and
staff about what your zoo or aquarium is already doing,
Zoos and aquariums have an and plans to do, to help mitigate climate change.
important role to play – to influence
behaviour change via their visitors Case Studies
but also as leading organisations
Zoos Victoria the world’s first carbon neutral zoo.
in their communities. Zoos and
https://www.zoo.org.au/fighting-extinction/sustainability
Our commitment is to engage our visitors and
aquariums also need to reduce their
Wellington Zoo the world’s first carboNZero certified zoo.
carbon emissions in their operations https://wellingtonzoo.com/news/wellington-zoo-leads-the-way-for-
and make serious efforts to transition
to renewable energy and other
the-planet-with-carbonzero-certification-2/
Antwerp & Planckendael Zoos – Championing for the climate
lobby governments to take urgent action to
sustainable practices. https://www.zooscience.be/en/stories/
championing-for-the-climate/ combat climate change and its impacts.
Korkeasaari Zoo, Helsinki - Towards Carbon Neutral
https://youtu.be/BVIpDfmbS7g
36
Photo: Orangutan | Chester ZooZoos and aquariums have a role to play in ocean Zoos and aquariums generate vast quantities of
management as their practices can directly or solid and liquid waste. The management of this
indirectly affect marine life, positively or negatively. waste is critical to ensure that it does not enter
Zoos and aquariums should consider the wise use water bodies that ultimately lead to the ocean.
of resources and waste management to reduce Plastics should be reduced, and where this is not
impacts on the ocean and river systems. Effective possible, they should be recycled or reused. In
communication campaigns can positively impact visitor and staff areas, opportunities for recycling
the ocean and waterways as visitors and partners should be provided. In addition, information about
adopt water friendly practices. the selection of chemicals, cleaning products
and fertilisers being used should be presented
to visitors and staff to provide them with ideas to
make ocean-friendly choices at home.
Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Life Below Water
Our commitment is to conserve and
sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine
resources for sustainable development.
38
Photo: Two Oceans AquariumMost zoos and aquariums procure some products Key Facts and Figures Recommendations
that originate in the ocean. Examples include
seafood for human or animal consumption, or • The ocean covers 70% of the earth’s 1. Ensure that all products originating from
animal feed derived from fish (such as pellets). The surface. 97% of all water on earth is found the ocean are harvested sustainably using
source of these products should be investigated, in the oceans. techniques that have the least impact on the
including the conservation status of the species, • Tiny plants in the ocean produce more environment.
how the product was harvested and where the than half of the oxygen that we breathe. 2. Make use of eco-certification such as Marine
product originated. Where possible the use of Stewardship Council on seafood consumer
• The oceans absorb about 30% of human’s
eco-certification should guide product selection. campaigns to guide purchases.
CO2 emissions, helping to mitigate
If appropriate, locally sourced seafood should be
climate change. 3. Communicate to visitors and communities
used, if it is harvested sustainably.
• The oceans drive our climate and weather the importance of protecting the ocean
patterns and regulate temperatures. and freshwater water ecosystems and the
Given the connections between freshwater and
commitment to purchasing sustainable ocean
ocean ecosystems, it is clear that land-based • Food from the oceans provides over one
products.
practices can impact negatively on the ocean. For billion people with their primary source
example, ocean acidification is directly related of protein. 4. Support partnerships with marine-based
to the emission of CO2. Thus, by limiting the use organisations and publicly support the
• Over three billion people depend on
of fossil fuels, zoos and aquariums can help to establishment of Marine Protected Areas.
marine and coastal biodiversity for their
decrease acidification.
livelihood.
Case Studies
Zoos and aquariums can help by supporting • The market value of marine and coastal
organisations dedicated to marine conservation resources and industries is estimated at
and government proposals for Marine Protected $3 trillion USD per year. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch
Areas (MPAs). Visitors and communities should • The oceans are home to a remarkable https://www.seafoodwatch.org/
be informed on the importance of MPAs in ocean diversity of life – almost 200,000 species SAAMBR Penguin Promises
conservation. In addition, there are multiple have been identified. https://www.saambr.org.za/#conservation-penguin
opportunities to provide visitors and communities Edinburgh Zoo Scottish Beavers project
• Over 70% of the world’s fisheries are
with clear information about the challenges facing https://www.rzss.org.uk/conservation/our-projects/project-search/
either fully or over-exploited. field-work/scottish-beavers-project/
the ocean and about how these can be addressed
through responsible choices. The ocean is also a • 90% of the large predatory fish in the Ocean Wise, Vancouver Aquarium Research projects
source of wonder, mysterious but loved by many. ocean have been caught. https://research.ocean.org
This attribute can be the catalyst in communications • Between 70 -100 million sharks are killed
that emphasise the wonder of the oceans, inspiring EACH year in the world’s oceans.
people to care while giving them the tools to take
• About 9 million tonnes of plastic pollution
positive actions.
enters the ocean each year.
Unless action is taken now, humanity runs the risk • About 20% of the world’s coral reefs are
of seriously compromising life on earth, through dying.
the destruction of the ocean systems that make life • Sea-level is rising at about 3mm per year
as we know it possible. The single most important since 1900.
action of a zoo or aquarium concerning SDG14 is to
• Ocean acidification is negatively
spread the realisation that everyone is connected to
impacting marine species directly and
the ocean, and that their choices can help or harm
indirectly, and often in ways that we do
marine life.
not yet understand.
40
Photo: Two Oceans AquariumSustainable Development Goal 15.
All species depend on healthy ecosystems for
their survival, but the planet is fast reaching a
Life on Land
tipping point where the natural environment
and its biodiversity will irrecoverably decline.
Habitat loss is the number one threat to
terrestrial species that rely on forests,
wetlands, savannahs and freshwater
systems. The assessment and monitoring of
wild populations of vertebrate species by
respected indices such as the International
Our commitment is to protect, restore Union for Conservation (IUCN) Red List of
and promote sustainable use of
Threatened Species and World Wildlife Fund’s
(WWF) Living Planet Index (LPI) demonstrate
terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably that over the last forty years vertebrate species
have declined by 58%. These indices can be
manage forests, combat deforestation, regarded as a fair reflection on the current
state of the world’s ecosystems and support
and halt and reverse land degradation other studies’ findings that the most common
threat to declining populations is from the
and halt biodiversity loss. loss and degradation of habitat due to
unsustainable agriculture and logging.
43
Photo: © Jason Brown, Giraffe | Marwell ZooZoos and aquariums significantly Key Facts and Figures 3. Promote relationships and collaborate
contribute to in situ and ex situ with other conservation organisations by
• Over the last 5,000 years, 50% of global
conservation programmes around the undertaking joint activities and sharing
forests have been lost.
world and there will more than likely be knowledge resources.
the need for a united global ‘one plan • Forests only cover 30% of our terrestrial land 4. Undertake applied ex-situ research to inform
approach’ to ensure the preservation of mass. field conservation initiatives.
species. That approach should consider • 80% of all terrestrial species of animals, plants
several aspects from species selection, and insects are dependent on remaining
the conservation of existing habitats, to
the collective lobbying and advocacy
forests. Case Studies
• Around 1.6 billion people depend on
for the development of new habitats Zoos South Australia – Red tailed Black cockatoo
remaining forests for their livelihood.
to accommodate the effects of climate https://www.zoossa.com.au/conservation-programs/
red-tailed-black-cockatoo/
change. A common aspect that zoos and • Almost 75% of the world’s poor are directly
aquariums share is the maintenance of wild affected by land degradation. ZSL – Look After Garden Wildlife
https://www.zsl.org/conservation/get-involved/look-after-
animals in human care and the husbandry • Large scale commercial agriculture is the garden-wildlife
expertise that supports their welfare. Zoos most prevalent driver of deforestation.
WRS – Javan Gibbons
and aquariums mostly work together from
• 22% of known terrestrial animal species are at https://www.wrs.com.sg/en/conservation/our-work/
a regional perspective coordinating species conserving-javan-gibbons-habitats.html
risk of extinction.
planning and the population management
Nordens Ark – Amur Tiger
of species to maintain viable bloodlines. • Despite concerted conservation efforts the
https://en.nordensark.se/conservation/amur-tiger/
poaching and trafficking of wildlife continue
ZSL – Kelola Sendang
Species and biodiversity are being lost at to contribute to species decline.
https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/asia/protecting-
an alarming rate and will continue to do • Biodiversity underpins global ecosystem sumatran-tiger-habitat-–-kelola-sendang
so until humanity redefines its relationship services which deliver multiple benefits and Orana Wildlife Park - Whio Recovery Programme
with the natural environment by moving well-being to humanity. https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2019/
away from unsustainable behaviours and endangered-whio-gain-more-ground-at-big-wainihinihi/
• Insects and other pollen carriers are estimated
practices to models that consider and WAPCA as a joint initiative of zoos worldwide
to be worth more than US$200 billion per
value the natural environment. There will https://www.wapca.org/
year to the global food economy.
need to be a prioritisation of conservation Ocean Wise, Vancouver Aquarium– Amphibian
efforts to best affect habitats and species, conservation project
In partnership with local governmental amphibian
and the considerations of translocating and
Recommendations
recovery teams, we release around 1400 Oregon
rehabilitation of stranded species that have spotted frogs and Northern leopard frogs yearly
no chance of adaptation to more suitable back into designated release sites.
environments. 1. Support terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems https://www.aquablog.ca/2019/04/28355/
by aligning conservation activities with
projects that deliver multiple benefits; social,
environmental and ecological.
2. Provide city oases habitats for native
invertebrates, including pollinators and pest
control species, by planting suitable food
and shelter species or providing nesting
infrastructure for pollinators such as native
bees.
44
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