Wetlands International is proud to announce its role as an official campaign partner of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)’s "Wetlands for Life Conservation Campaign," set to run from 2026 to 2027. This significant collaboration will leverage the combined strengths of both organizations to amplify the message of wetland conservation across Europe and on a global scale, aiming to reach millions of individuals through the extensive network of EAZA member institutions.
The "Wetlands for Life" campaign is a vital initiative designed to illuminate the critical importance of wetland ecosystems. By uniting hundreds of zoos and aquariums, the campaign seeks to engage millions of visitors in understanding and actively participating in the protection, restoration, and creation of these indispensable natural environments. Wetlands International’s involvement signifies a strategic deepening of efforts to address the escalating threats faced by these crucial habitats.
A Shared Commitment to Vital Ecosystems
Established 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 compelling vision, "Progressive zoos and aquariums saving species together with you," EAZA fosters robust collaboration among over 400 member institutions spanning 47 countries. This extensive network engages in critical work across 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 operational excellence among its members.
Wetlands International, a global not-for-profit organization, is singularly dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands worldwide. With a presence in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the organization collaborates with a diverse range of partners, including local communities, civil society groups, businesses, and governmental bodies. Their collective mission is to safeguard wetland ecosystems for both biodiversity and human well-being.
Wetlands, encompassing a vast array of habitats such as peatlands, marshes, mangroves, and floodplains, play an indispensable role in sustaining biodiversity, sequestering carbon, mitigating disaster risks, and supporting human livelihoods. Despite their profound ecological and societal contributions, wetlands are among the most endangered ecosystems on Earth. The partnership with EAZA is therefore a strategic move to accelerate public awareness and drive tangible conservation outcomes for these critical environments.
Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, 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 Impact
The collaboration between Wetlands International and EAZA promises a powerful synergy, combining EAZA’s extensive public reach with Wetlands International’s global expertise and on-the-ground experience. This partnership will focus on coordinated communications strategies and shared campaign moments designed to resonate with a broad audience.
Key collaborative efforts will include:
- Educational Outreach: Developing and disseminating engaging educational materials that highlight the ecological services and biodiversity supported by wetlands. This will likely involve tailored content for different age groups, accessible through EAZA institutions and Wetlands International’s platforms.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Launching targeted public awareness initiatives to underscore the urgent need for wetland conservation, showcasing successful restoration projects and the threats faced by these ecosystems.
- Citizen Science and Engagement: Encouraging public participation in citizen science projects related to wetland monitoring and conservation, fostering a sense of ownership and direct involvement.
- Policy Advocacy: Leveraging the combined influence of both organizations to advocate for stronger wetland protection policies at local, national, and international levels.
- Fundraising Initiatives: Organizing joint fundraising efforts to support critical wetland conservation and restoration projects identified by Wetlands International and implemented through its network.
This integrated approach aims to transform public perception, moving wetlands from being often overlooked or undervalued to being recognized as essential components of a healthy planet. The campaign will emphasize the tangible benefits wetlands provide, from flood control and water purification to climate regulation and rich biodiversity.
Myfanwy Griffith, Executive Director of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, underscored the strategic alignment of this 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. She further elaborated on the anticipated outcomes, "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, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic advantages of the collaboration. "By combining EAZA’s collective public reach with Wetlands International’s global expertise and field experience, the Wetlands for Life campaign will help more people recognise wetlands as essential ecosystems – and inspire concrete action to protect, restore and create them," King remarked.
A Timeline of Action and Awareness
The "Wetlands for Life" campaign, spanning 2026 and 2027, will unfold through a series of strategic phases, each designed to build momentum and deepen engagement.
- Launch Phase (Early 2026): The campaign will officially launch with a series of high-profile events and press conferences across Europe. EAZA institutions will begin incorporating "Wetlands for Life" messaging into their visitor experiences, including interpretive displays and special programming. Wetlands International will provide foundational scientific and ecological context.
- Mid-Campaign Engagement (Mid-2026 to Mid-2027): This phase will focus on sustained public engagement. Educational materials will be rolled out, citizen science initiatives will commence, and targeted media outreach will highlight specific wetland issues and success stories. Coordinated storytelling across EAZA and Wetlands International platforms will amplify the campaign’s reach.
- Thematic Focus (Throughout 2026-2027): The campaign will likely adopt thematic focuses on a rotating basis, perhaps highlighting different types of wetlands (e.g., coastal wetlands, freshwater marshes, peatlands) or specific threats (e.g., pollution, habitat destruction, climate change impacts) and solutions.
- Advocacy and Policy Push (Late 2026 – Early 2027): Building on increased public awareness, the campaign will intensify its advocacy efforts, engaging with policymakers to champion wetland-friendly legislation and funding.
- Concluding Phase and Legacy (Late 2027): The campaign will culminate in a significant event to review achievements, outline future steps, and solidify ongoing commitments to wetland conservation. The aim is to ensure the campaign’s impact extends beyond its official duration, fostering a lasting legacy of awareness and action.
Background and Context: The Critical State of Wetlands
The urgency behind the "Wetlands for Life" campaign is underscored by alarming global trends. According to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, wetlands are disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests. Globally, over 64% of wetlands have been lost since the 1900s, with significant regional variations. In Europe, the situation is equally dire, with many wetland ecosystems facing severe degradation due to agricultural expansion, urban development, pollution, and climate change.
These losses have profound consequences. Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying water and mitigating floods. They are vital carbon sinks, playing a crucial role in regulating global climate. Furthermore, they support an astonishing proportion of the world’s biodiversity, providing essential habitats for countless species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, many of which are specialized and found nowhere else. For human populations, wetlands provide critical resources such as freshwater, food, and raw materials, and support livelihoods through fisheries, agriculture, and ecotourism.
The EAZA community, through its member zoos and aquariums, serves as a vital conduit for public education and engagement. These institutions already play a significant role in conservation breeding programs and raising awareness about endangered species. By focusing on wetlands, EAZA and Wetlands International are expanding this critical role to encompass entire ecosystems, recognizing that the health of individual species is intrinsically linked to the health of their habitats.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The partnership between Wetlands International and EAZA is more than just a campaign; it represents a strategic alignment of expertise and influence that can catalyze significant change. By leveraging EAZA’s established network and public access, the campaign can reach a demographic that might not otherwise be exposed to detailed environmental messaging. Zoos and aquariums offer unique opportunities for immersive learning, allowing visitors to connect with nature in a tangible way, fostering empathy and a desire to protect.
The "Wetlands for Life" campaign has the potential to:
- Shift Public Perception: Elevate the status of wetlands from often-overlooked or even disregarded areas to recognized, cherished, and actively protected natural assets.
- Drive Policy Change: Create a groundswell of public support that can influence governmental policies and resource allocation towards wetland conservation and restoration.
- Foster Innovation: Inspire the development and implementation of innovative wetland restoration techniques and sustainable management practices.
- Promote Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Encourage broader partnerships between conservation organizations, educational institutions, governmental bodies, and the private sector.
As the campaign progresses through 2026 and 2027, it will spotlight the extraordinary value of wetlands, from the urban marshes and river floodplains of Europe to globally significant wetland landscapes that act as critical climate regulators and biodiversity hotspots. Through coordinated storytelling, impactful public engagement, and science-based advocacy, the "Wetlands for Life" campaign is poised to empower individuals, institutions, and decision-makers to take meaningful action. Together, Wetlands International and the EAZA community aim to ensure that these vital ecosystems continue to sustain life – not just for the present generation, but for many generations to come. The success of this ambitious initiative will be a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.