Bridging Conservation Efforts: Insights from the EAZA Conservation Forum in Ostrava, Czech Republic

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Conservation Forum from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Hosted for the first time by the Ostrava Zoological Garden and Botanical Park, this event brought together representatives from zoos, aquariums, conservation institutions, and non-profit organizations from within and outside of Europe. Botanic gardens, aquariums, and zoo institutions play vital roles in both ex-situ and in-situ conservation, including genetic, behavioral, and veterinary science, husbandry, wildlife reintroduction, research, education, policy development, and conservation funding. The forum was a unique opportunity for conservation professionals to exchange ideas, learn about new approaches, and collaborate on strategies to preserve and protect endangered species throughout both their captive and wild ranges.

A Warm Welcome from Zoo Ostrava

The event 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 city rich in biodiversity and green spaces, mirroring the zoo’s own evolution into a hotspot of conservation efforts. Novák expressed his hopes that the forum would be a platform for fruitful discussions, mutual learning, and shared successes and challenges in the field of conservation.

The forum saw around 120 attendees, with 79% representing EAZA members and 21% from other conservation organizations. The forum’s program was carefully organized with interesting session and opportunities to facilitate meaningful exchanges between the zoo community and field conservationists. Keynote speakers included Jon Taylor of Conservation Optimism and Julian Fennessy of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Their sessions focused on effective conservation communication and the importance of engaging diverse audiences to create positive impacts.

Our Presentation: The One Plan Approach to Cheetah Conservation

Our presentation at the forum emphasized the One Plan approach, integrating captive and wild population management to create a comprehensive cheetah conservation strategy. The Global Cheetah Summit earlier this year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia laid the groundwork for interdisciplinary collaboration and restoration initiatives. We shared practical advice and insights on implementing integrated species conservation strategies, aiming to inspire similar efforts for other threatened species. CCF’s Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Laurie Marker also keeps the International Cheetah Studbook, demonstrating a commitment to the One Plan approach and collaborative conservation planning.

Moving Forward

The forum in Ostrava was a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to making a positive impact on global conservation efforts. Attending the EAZA Conservation Forum was not only an opportunity to showcase our work but also to learn and draw inspiration from others. As we continue to forge new partnerships and refine our strategies, events like this underscore the importance of unity and shared vision in the fight to protect our planet’s precious biodiversity.