Wetlands International is proud to announce its pivotal role as an official campaign partner for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)’s comprehensive “Wetlands for Life Conservation Campaign,” set to unfold from 2026 to 2027. This significant collaboration signifies a united front, aiming to dramatically amplify the reach, visibility, and tangible impact of wetland conservation initiatives across the European continent and extend its influence globally. The campaign, under the banner of “Wetlands for Life,” will harness the collective power of hundreds of zoos and aquariums, engaging millions of visitors with a singular, vital mission: to illuminate the indispensable importance of wetlands and to galvanize robust action for their protection, restoration, and creation.
A Shared Vision for Vital Ecosystems
The EAZA, established in 1992, stands as the preeminent regional association of zoos and aquariums worldwide. Guided by its inspiring vision, "Progressive zoos and aquariums saving species together with you," EAZA fosters unparalleled collaboration among its more than 400 accredited member institutions, spanning 47 countries. Their collaborative efforts are focused on critical areas including sophisticated animal population management, exemplary animal care and welfare, science-driven species conservation programs, impactful education initiatives, pioneering research, and assertive advocacy. Membership in EAZA is contingent upon adherence to stringent accreditation standards, ensuring a high level of commitment and operational excellence among its members.
Wetlands International, as the sole global not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands, brings a wealth of international expertise to this partnership. Through its extensive network of offices strategically located across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Wetlands International collaborates with a diverse array of partners. These collaborations extend from local communities and grassroots civil society organizations to influential businesses and national governments, all working in concert to safeguard these vital ecosystems for both nature and humanity.
The scope of wetland ecosystems is vast and critical. From the carbon-sequestering powerhouses of peatlands and the biodiversity-rich havens of marshes to the crucial coastal buffers of mangroves and the life-sustaining arteries of floodplains, wetlands are fundamental to ecological stability. They are indispensable for sustaining biodiversity, acting as potent carbon sinks, significantly mitigating disaster risks, and underpinning the livelihoods of countless communities. Despite their profound importance, wetlands are alarmingly among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth, facing pressures from habitat destruction, pollution, unsustainable water management, and the escalating impacts of climate change. By joining forces with EAZA, Wetlands International aims to significantly accelerate public understanding of these critical environmental assets and to catalyze meaningful conservation outcomes that will safeguard these invaluable natural resources.
Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, expressed profound enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with EAZA on the Wetlands for Life campaign. Healthy wetlands underpin our societies and economies, and are central to reversing nature loss and tackling climate change. Together, we will campaign with EAZA to raise awareness about these extraordinary ecosystems and inspire wetland action for the benefit of people, nature and climate in Europe and across the globe." This sentiment underscores the synergistic potential of the collaboration, recognizing wetlands as foundational to human well-being and planetary health.
Strategic Collaboration for Enhanced Impact
The “Wetlands for Life” campaign, with Wetlands International as an official partner, will benefit from a multifaceted approach designed to maximize its impact. This collaboration will focus on coordinated communication strategies and shared campaign moments throughout the 2026-2027 period. These initiatives are meticulously planned to leverage the unique strengths of both organizations. EAZA brings an unparalleled public reach through its extensive network of zoos and aquariums, which serve as powerful platforms for environmental education and engagement. This direct access to millions of visitors, including families and young people, offers a unique opportunity to foster a deep connection with wetland ecosystems.
Complementing EAZA’s public engagement capabilities, Wetlands International contributes its extensive global expertise and hands-on field experience in wetland conservation and restoration. This includes deep scientific knowledge, established methodologies for ecosystem restoration, and a proven track record of working with diverse stakeholders on the ground. The synergy of these complementary strengths will empower the “Wetlands for Life” campaign to effectively educate the public about the multifaceted value of wetlands. More importantly, it will inspire concrete and sustained action to protect, restore, and create these vital environments.
Myfanwy Griffith, Executive Director of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, highlighted the intrinsic value of this alliance. "This collaboration reflects what EAZA campaigns do best: unite our community, engage the public, and support credible, impactful conservation in the field," she remarked. This statement emphasizes EAZA’s commitment to translating public engagement into tangible conservation successes.
Catherine King, Chair of the EAZA Wetlands for Life Campaign, further elaborated on the strategic advantages of the partnership. "The partnership with Wetlands International will employ our complementary strengths as organisations to have a synergetic impact on wetland conservation and community engagement. We look forward to this opportunity!" This forward-looking statement underscores the anticipation and optimism surrounding the campaign’s potential to achieve unprecedented results through collaborative action.
A Chronology of Conservation Action and Future Outlook
The “Wetlands for Life” campaign, launched officially in 2026, represents a culmination of years of growing recognition regarding the critical role of wetlands in addressing global environmental challenges. EAZA has a history of successful, themed conservation campaigns, often focusing on species or habitat types that are under significant threat. Their 2024-2025 campaign, for instance, focused on the plight of pangolins, generating substantial awareness and funding for their conservation. The decision to focus on wetlands for the 2026-2027 period signals a strategic shift towards broader ecosystem-level conservation, acknowledging the interconnectedness of biodiversity, climate, and human well-being.
The planning for this ambitious campaign began well in advance, likely with extensive consultations between EAZA and Wetlands International throughout 2025. This period would have involved defining campaign objectives, identifying key target audiences, developing communication materials, and outlining specific conservation projects to be supported. The announcement in March 2026 marks the public commencement of this two-year initiative, which will see a phased rollout of activities designed to build momentum and sustain public interest.
Key Chronological Milestones (Anticipated):
- Late 2024 – Early 2025: Initial discussions and strategic planning between EAZA and Wetlands International.
- Mid-2025: Formal agreement on partnership and campaign framework. Development of core campaign messaging and branding.
- Late 2025: Design and production of educational materials, fundraising tools, and outreach programs for EAZA member institutions.
- Early 2026 (Pre-Launch): Internal briefings for EAZA member zoos and aquariums, preparing them for campaign activities.
- March 12, 2026: Official public launch of the "Wetlands for Life Conservation Campaign" with the announcement of Wetlands International as an official partner.
- April 2026 – December 2027: Implementation of campaign activities, including public engagement events, educational programs, fundraising drives, and support for on-the-ground conservation projects. Specific focus on European wetlands and globally significant sites.
- Mid-2027: Mid-campaign review to assess progress, adapt strategies, and re-energize public engagement.
- End of 2027: Campaign concludes with a comprehensive report on achievements, lessons learned, and a forward-looking strategy for continued wetland conservation efforts.
Data-Driven Insights into Wetland Value
The urgency of the “Wetlands for Life” campaign is underscored by a stark reality: wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. Globally, it is estimated that between 35% and 50% of wetlands have been lost since 1900, and the rate of loss continues to accelerate. This degradation has profound consequences. For instance, peatlands, a type of wetland, store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined. Their destruction releases vast quantities of greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands estimates that wetland degradation contributes significantly to global carbon emissions.
Beyond carbon sequestration, wetlands play an indispensable role in water management. They act as natural filters, purifying water and improving its quality. They also serve as crucial sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and mitigating the severity of floods, thus protecting communities from devastating natural disasters. The economic benefits are substantial; for example, coastal wetlands like mangroves provide natural storm surge protection, saving coastal communities billions of dollars in potential damage. Furthermore, wetlands support a quarter of the world’s freshwater fish species, providing vital food sources and livelihoods for millions of people.
The “Wetlands for Life” campaign will aim to translate these critical scientific and economic data points into compelling narratives that resonate with the public. By highlighting the tangible benefits that wetlands provide – clean water, flood protection, climate regulation, and biodiversity – the campaign seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for these often-overlooked ecosystems.
Broader Implications for Conservation and Policy
The partnership between Wetlands International and EAZA has far-reaching implications beyond the immediate scope of the two-year campaign. By uniting a major international conservation organization with a powerful network of public-facing institutions, the campaign is poised to significantly influence public perception and policy.
Key Implications:
- Enhanced Public Awareness and Engagement: The campaign’s extensive reach through zoos and aquariums will introduce wetland conservation to a broad audience, potentially fostering a new generation of wetland advocates. This can translate into increased public support for conservation initiatives and policy changes.
- Strengthened Advocacy for Policy Change: With a unified voice and a compelling evidence base, the partnership can exert greater influence on governmental policies related to wetland protection, land use planning, and water management. The campaign can advocate for stronger regulatory frameworks and increased investment in wetland restoration.
- Increased Funding for Conservation Projects: The fundraising capacity of EAZA’s member institutions, combined with Wetlands International’s expertise in project development and implementation, will likely lead to significant financial support for critical wetland restoration and conservation projects across Europe and beyond.
- Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: This partnership serves as a model for future collaborations between conservation NGOs, scientific organizations, and the private sector (represented by zoos and aquariums), demonstrating the power of collective action.
- Global Ripple Effect: While focusing on Europe, the campaign’s success and messaging can inspire similar initiatives in other regions, contributing to a global movement for wetland conservation. The lessons learned and best practices developed will be transferable to diverse geographical and ecological contexts.
The “Wetlands for Life” campaign, by illuminating the extraordinary value of wetlands – from the urban marshes and river floodplains found within Europe to the globally significant wetland landscapes that regulate our climate and sustain biodiversity – will serve as a powerful catalyst. Through coordinated storytelling, engaging public outreach, and robust science-based advocacy, this initiative is designed to empower individuals, institutions, and decision-makers alike. The ultimate goal is to ensure that these indispensable ecosystems continue to sustain life, providing essential services for present and future generations, thereby contributing to a more resilient and sustainable planet.
