Wetlands International is proud to announce its official role as a campaign partner for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) "Wetlands for Life" Conservation Campaign, running from 2026 to 2027. This significant collaboration aims to amplify the crucial message of wetland conservation across Europe and on a global scale, leveraging the extensive reach and public engagement capabilities of the EAZA network.
The "Wetlands for Life" campaign unites hundreds of zoos and aquariums, reaching millions of visitors annually, with a unified objective: to elevate public understanding of the indispensable role wetlands play in planetary health and to galvanize concrete actions for their protection, restoration, and creation. This partnership signifies a powerful synergy between two leading organizations dedicated to environmental stewardship, merging Wetlands International’s global expertise in wetland science and conservation with EAZA’s unparalleled public outreach platform.
A Shared Mission: Safeguarding Wetlands for People and Planet
Founded in 1992, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) stands as the world’s largest regional association of zoos and aquariums. Guided by its vision, "Progressive zoos and aquariums saving species together with you," EAZA fosters collaboration among its more than 400 accredited member institutions across 47 countries. These institutions actively engage in crucial areas such as animal population management, animal care and welfare, science-based species conservation, education, research, and advocacy. Membership within EAZA is contingent upon adherence to stringent accreditation standards, ensuring a high level of commitment and professionalism.
Wetlands International, conversely, is the preeminent global not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. With a robust network of offices spanning Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the organization collaborates with a diverse array of partners. These include local communities, civil society organizations, businesses, and governmental bodies, all united by the common goal of safeguarding wetlands for the benefit of both biodiversity and human well-being.
From the carbon-rich depths of peatlands and the vibrant biodiversity of marshes to the vital coastal defenses of mangroves and the life-sustaining expanses of floodplains, wetlands are fundamental to the planet’s ecological balance. They serve as critical habitats for countless species, act as significant carbon sinks, mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, and provide essential resources that sustain human livelihoods. Despite their profound importance, wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems globally, facing unprecedented pressures from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. This strategic alliance with EAZA is poised to accelerate public awareness and drive impactful conservation outcomes for these invaluable natural assets.
Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, expressed profound enthusiasm for the partnership: "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."
Synergistic Strengths: Amplifying Wetland Conservation Efforts
The collaboration between Wetlands International and EAZA is designed to harness their complementary strengths, creating a powerful ripple effect in wetland conservation. Key areas of joint effort will include:
- Coordinated Communications Strategies: Developing and implementing unified messaging across all EAZA member institutions and Wetlands International’s platforms to ensure a consistent and impactful narrative about the importance of wetlands.
- Shared Campaign Moments: Designing and executing synchronized events, educational programs, and public awareness initiatives that resonate with a broad audience during the campaign period.
- Educational Resource Development: Collaborating on the creation of engaging and scientifically accurate educational materials for zoos, aquariums, and the general public, highlighting wetland ecology, biodiversity, and conservation challenges.
- Public Engagement Activities: Leveraging the vast visitor base of EAZA institutions to foster direct engagement with wetland conservation issues, encouraging personal commitment and action.
- Science-Based Advocacy: Combining Wetlands International’s scientific expertise with EAZA’s advocacy network to influence policy decisions and promote wetland-friendly practices at local, national, and international levels.
This partnership is particularly significant given the current global environmental context. Wetlands International data indicates that over 35% of global wetlands have been lost since the 1970s, with rates of loss accelerating in many regions. These losses have profound implications, including increased greenhouse gas emissions from degrading peatlands, reduced natural flood defenses leading to greater disaster risk, and the extinction of species dependent on wetland habitats. The "Wetlands for Life" campaign, bolstered by this new alliance, seeks to directly address these alarming trends.
Myfanwy Griffith, Executive Director of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, underscored the strategic value of the collaboration: "This collaboration reflects what EAZA campaigns do best: unite our community, engage the public, and support credible, impactful conservation in the field. 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!"
Catherine King, Chair of the EAZA Wetlands for Life Campaign, further elaborated on the anticipated outcomes: "We are incredibly excited to welcome Wetlands International as our official campaign partner. Their deep scientific knowledge and global experience in wetland conservation perfectly complement our network’s passion and reach. Together, we will ignite a passion for wetlands across Europe, inspiring a new generation of stewards for these vital ecosystems. This campaign is not just about raising awareness; it’s about driving tangible change for the benefit of nature and humanity."
A Chronology of Commitment: Building Towards a Wetland-Positive Future
The genesis of the "Wetlands for Life" campaign can be traced back to EAZA’s strategic planning sessions in late 2024, where the critical need to address wetland degradation was identified as a priority for its conservation efforts. Following extensive consultation with its member institutions and conservation experts, the concept of a dedicated campaign emerged.
- Late 2024 – Early 2025: EAZA initiates discussions with potential conservation partners, seeking an organization with extensive global expertise in wetland science and on-the-ground conservation experience. Wetlands International is identified as an ideal candidate.
- Mid-2025: Preliminary meetings and discussions take place between EAZA and Wetlands International, outlining the scope and objectives of a potential collaboration for the "Wetlands for Life" campaign. A shared vision for impactful public engagement and scientific backing solidifies the partnership.
- Late 2025: Formal agreement is reached, with Wetlands International officially confirmed as an official campaign partner. Preparations for the campaign launch begin, including the development of joint communication materials and educational resources.
- March 12, 2026: The "Wetlands for Life" Conservation Campaign officially launches, with Wetlands International’s partnership being publicly announced. The campaign is set to run through 2027.
- 2026-2027: The core of the campaign unfolds, featuring a series of coordinated events, educational initiatives, and public awareness drives across EAZA member institutions and Wetlands International’s global network.
Broader Implications: Fostering a Paradigm Shift in Environmental Awareness
The implications of this partnership extend far beyond the immediate reach of the "Wetlands for Life" campaign. By uniting the educational power of zoos and aquariums with the scientific authority and field experience of Wetlands International, the initiative has the potential to foster a significant paradigm shift in public perception and action concerning wetlands.
The campaign’s focus on a diverse range of wetland types, from urban green spaces to globally significant carbon sinks, ensures broad relevance and engagement. Wetlands International’s extensive data on wetland services, such as their capacity to filter water, provide coastal protection against storm surges, and support fisheries, will be central to educating the public about their economic and social value. For instance, research from the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands highlights that wetland ecosystems provide services valued at trillions of dollars annually, yet they remain critically underfunded and undervalued.
This collaboration is expected to inspire a new wave of citizen science initiatives, encourage responsible water management practices, and advocate for stronger policy frameworks that protect and restore wetland habitats. The involvement of EAZA institutions also provides a unique opportunity to showcase the role of captive breeding programs and reintroduction efforts for species that are critically dependent on wetland environments, thereby connecting the abstract concept of conservation with tangible outcomes.
The "Wetlands for Life" campaign will spotlight the extraordinary value of wetlands throughout 2026 and 2027. This will encompass everything from the ecological significance of urban marshes and river floodplains within Europe to the indispensable role of globally important wetland landscapes in regulating climate and sustaining biodiversity. Through meticulously coordinated storytelling, robust public engagement, and science-driven advocacy, the campaign aims to empower individuals, institutions, and decision-makers to take meaningful action. This collective effort is essential to ensuring that wetlands continue to sustain life—not only for the present generation but for all those who will follow.