Wetlands International is proud to announce its integral role as an official campaign partner for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s (EAZA) significant "Wetlands for Life Conservation Campaign," set to unfold throughout 2026 and 2027. This strategic collaboration marks a pivotal moment in wetland conservation efforts, uniting the extensive reach of the EAZA community with Wetlands International’s global expertise to amplify the critical importance of these vital ecosystems across Europe and on an international scale.
The "Wetlands for Life" campaign is designed to harness the collective power of hundreds of zoos and aquariums, engaging millions of visitors with a singular, compelling objective: to elevate public awareness regarding the indispensable role of wetlands and to galvanize decisive action for their protection, restoration, and creation. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding these invaluable natural assets for the benefit of both biodiversity and human well-being.
A United Front for Wetlands and Humanity
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 ambitious vision, "Progressive zoos and aquariums saving species together with you," EAZA fosters collaboration among over 400 accredited member institutions spanning 47 countries. This network is dedicated to advancing critical areas such as animal population management, animal care and welfare, science-based species conservation, public education, research, and advocacy. Membership within EAZA is contingent upon adherence to rigorous accreditation standards, ensuring a high level of commitment and operational excellence.
Wetlands International, as the sole global not-for-profit organization exclusively devoted to wetland conservation and restoration, brings unparalleled specialized knowledge and a vast operational network to this partnership. With offices strategically located across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Wetlands International collaborates with a diverse array of partners, including local communities, civil society organizations, businesses, and governmental bodies. This inclusive approach is fundamental to their mission of safeguarding wetlands for the flourishing of nature and the prosperity of people.
From the carbon-rich depths of peatlands and the teeming life of marshes to the vital coastal buffer zones of mangroves and the dynamic ecosystems of floodplains, wetlands are foundational to planetary health. They are biodiversity hotspots, crucial carbon sinks, natural buffers against disaster, and essential providers of livelihoods. Despite their immense value, wetlands are among the most endangered ecosystems on Earth, facing unprecedented threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. By forging this alliance with EAZA, both organizations aim to significantly accelerate public understanding and drive tangible, impactful conservation outcomes.
Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, articulated the significance of 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."
Synergistic Strengths for Enhanced Conservation Impact
The collaboration between Wetlands International and EAZA is poised to deliver a multifaceted approach to wetland advocacy and action. This partnership will facilitate coordinated communication strategies and the implementation of shared campaign initiatives designed to resonate with diverse audiences. Key areas of collaboration will include:
- Joint Educational Programming: Developing and disseminating engaging educational materials that highlight the ecological, economic, and social benefits of wetlands. This will encompass resources tailored for zoos and aquariums to integrate into their visitor experiences, as well as broader public outreach initiatives.
- Field Conservation Projects: Identifying and supporting specific wetland restoration and conservation projects across Europe, leveraging EAZA’s network for local engagement and Wetlands International’s technical expertise for effective implementation.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launching targeted campaigns across digital and traditional media platforms to inform the public about the threats facing wetlands and the actions individuals and communities can take to contribute to their preservation.
- Policy Advocacy: Working collaboratively to influence policy decisions at local, national, and European levels, advocating for stronger wetland protection measures and increased investment in wetland restoration.
- Citizen Science Initiatives: Encouraging public participation in citizen science projects focused on monitoring wetland health and biodiversity, thereby fostering a deeper connection between communities and their local wetland ecosystems.
By strategically merging EAZA’s extensive public reach, which connects with millions of individuals annually through its member institutions, with Wetlands International’s profound global expertise and extensive field experience, the "Wetlands for Life" campaign is set to achieve a transformative impact. The initiative aims to cultivate a widespread recognition of wetlands as indispensable ecosystems, thereby inspiring concrete, widespread action towards their protection, restoration, and the creation of new wetland habitats.
Myfanwy Griffith, Executive Director of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, underscored the strategic alignment of the partnership. "This collaboration reflects what EAZA campaigns do best: unite our community, engage the public, and support credible, impactful conservation in the field," Griffith stated.
Catherine King, Chair of the EAZA Wetlands for Life Campaign, further elaborated on the synergistic potential: "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!"
A Timeline of Commitment: From Planning to Impact
The "Wetlands for Life" campaign, officially commencing in 2026, is the culmination of extensive planning and discussion between Wetlands International and EAZA. The conceptualization of the campaign began in late 2024, with initial meetings focusing on identifying shared conservation priorities and potential areas of collaboration. By mid-2025, the framework for the campaign was largely established, outlining key objectives, target audiences, and strategic approaches. The formal announcement of Wetlands International’s partnership in early 2026 signals the transition from planning to active implementation.
Throughout 2026 and 2027, the campaign will unfold through a series of phased activities. The initial phase will concentrate on building foundational awareness, with EAZA institutions launching introductory educational programs and sharing compelling narratives about wetland importance. This will be followed by the rollout of more specific public engagement initiatives and the commencement of pilot field conservation projects. The latter half of 2027 will focus on scaling up successful interventions, intensifying policy advocacy efforts, and culminating in a comprehensive review of campaign impact and planning for future conservation endeavors.
Amplifying Wetland Value: A Pan-European Focus
Over the course of the 2026-2027 campaign period, Wetlands International and the EAZA community will dedicate their collective efforts to illuminating the extraordinary value of wetlands. This spotlight will extend from the vital urban marshes and river floodplains that are crucial for European biodiversity and resilience, to globally significant wetland landscapes that play a critical role in climate regulation and the preservation of vast natural heritage.
Through meticulously coordinated storytelling, innovative public engagement strategies, and robust science-based advocacy, the "Wetlands for Life" campaign aims to empower individuals, institutions, and policymakers alike. The overarching goal is to foster a profound understanding of wetlands’ essential functions and to translate this understanding into decisive, sustained action. The partnership is committed to ensuring that these vital ecosystems continue to sustain life – for the benefit of current generations and for the enduring health of the planet.
Data-Driven Insights: The Undeniable Importance of Wetlands
The urgency of the "Wetlands for Life" campaign is underscored by alarming global data. According to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, wetlands are disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests. This rapid decline has profound implications:
- Biodiversity Loss: Wetlands are among the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystems. Estimates suggest that over 40% of the world’s species live or breed in wetlands. Their degradation leads to significant species extinction rates.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Peatlands, a type of wetland, store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined. Their destruction releases vast amounts of greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change.
- Water Security and Quality: Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying water and replenishing groundwater sources. Their loss can lead to decreased water availability and poorer water quality for human consumption and agriculture.
- Disaster Risk Reduction: Coastal wetlands like mangroves and salt marshes provide natural defenses against storm surges and tsunamis, protecting coastal communities. Inland wetlands, such as floodplains, absorb excess water, mitigating flood damage.
- Economic Value: Wetlands support numerous economic activities, including fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and recreation. Their degradation results in substantial economic losses. For instance, the economic value of ecosystem services provided by wetlands globally is estimated to be in the trillions of dollars annually.
The "Wetlands for Life" campaign will leverage such data to build a compelling case for increased investment and action, demonstrating that safeguarding wetlands is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic and social necessity. The campaign will aim to highlight specific European contexts, such as the critical role of deltas in countries like the Netherlands in flood defense and water management, or the importance of Mediterranean coastal wetlands for migratory birds and tourism.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The collaboration between Wetlands International and EAZA represents a significant step forward in integrated conservation efforts. By bridging the gap between on-the-ground conservation expertise and broad public engagement platforms, this partnership has the potential to create a powerful ripple effect. The campaign’s success could serve as a model for future collaborations between international conservation organizations and large-scale public-facing institutions, demonstrating how to effectively translate scientific understanding into widespread public support and tangible conservation outcomes.
The "Wetlands for Life" campaign is not merely an awareness-raising initiative; it is a call to action designed to embed wetland conservation into the public consciousness and into policy frameworks. The long-term implications include a more resilient Europe, better equipped to face the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, and a populace that is more connected to and appreciative of the natural world and its essential components. The legacy of this campaign will be measured not only in hectares of restored wetlands but also in the enduring commitment of future generations to protect these indispensable ecosystems.