Final week, I had the privilege of attending the Conservation Discussion board from the European Affiliation of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Hosted for the primary time by the Ostrava Zoological Backyard and Botanical Park, this occasion introduced collectively representatives from zoos, aquariums, conservation establishments, and non-profit organizations from inside and out of doors of Europe. Botanic gardens, aquariums, and zoo establishments play very important roles in each ex-situ and in-situ conservation, together with genetic, behavioral, and veterinary science, husbandry, wildlife reintroduction, analysis, training, coverage improvement, and conservation funding. The discussion board was a singular alternative for conservation professionals to alternate concepts, study new approaches, and collaborate on methods to protect and shield endangered species all through each their captive and wild ranges.
A Heat Welcome from Zoo Ostrava
The occasion kicked off with a heartfelt welcome from Jiří Novák, the Director of Zoo Ostrava. He highlighted the transformation of Ostrava from an industrial hub to a metropolis wealthy in biodiversity and inexperienced areas, mirroring the zoo’s personal evolution right into a hotspot of conservation efforts. Novák expressed his hopes that the discussion board could be a platform for fruitful discussions, mutual studying, and shared successes and challenges within the area of conservation.
The discussion board noticed round 120 attendees, with 79% representing EAZA members and 21% from different conservation organizations. The discussion board’s program was rigorously organized with fascinating session and alternatives to facilitate significant exchanges between the zoo group and area conservationists. Keynote audio system included Jon Taylor of Conservation Optimism and Julian Fennessy of the Giraffe Conservation Basis. Their classes targeted on efficient conservation communication and the significance of partaking various audiences to create optimistic impacts.
Our Presentation: The One Plan Strategy to Cheetah Conservation
Our presentation on the discussion board emphasised the One Plan strategy, integrating captive and wild inhabitants administration to create a complete cheetah conservation technique. The World Cheetah Summit earlier this 12 months in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia laid the groundwork for interdisciplinary collaboration and restoration initiatives. We shared sensible recommendation and insights on implementing built-in species conservation methods, aiming to encourage comparable efforts for different threatened species. CCF’s Founder and Govt Director, Dr. Laurie Marker additionally retains the Worldwide Cheetah Studbook, demonstrating a dedication to the One Plan strategy and collaborative conservation planning.
Shifting Ahead
The discussion board in Ostrava was a testomony to the facility of collaboration and the shared dedication to creating a optimistic influence on world conservation efforts. Attending the EAZA Conservation Discussion board was not solely a chance to showcase our work but additionally to study and draw inspiration from others. As we proceed to forge new partnerships and refine our methods, occasions like this underscore the significance of unity and shared imaginative and prescient within the struggle to guard our planet’s valuable biodiversity.