Guest editorial

Severin Dressen
Director Zoo Zurich

Biodiversity knows no national borders. Animals, plants, and fungi spread according to ecological conditions, not according to the imaginary lines drawn by one bipedal species. This is why conservation can only succeed through international collaboration. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has coined the term “One Plan Approach” – a holistic strategy that involves all stakeholders, leverages synergies, avoids redundant efforts, and ultimately protects species more effectively.

The role of modern zoos in conservation

Modern and scientifically managed zoos, such as Zoo Zurich, play a crucial role in the One Plan Approach contributing in four key areas:

• In situ conservation or conservation of habitats: providing financial and expert support for conservation efforts in natural habitats.
• Ex situ conservation or species conservation: protecting endangered animal species by maintaining genetically healthy backup populations.
• Scientific research: conducting vital studies to better understand wildlife and their ecological needs, while contributing to development of new technologies for field research.
• Education & awareness: inspiring, engaging, and educating the public about the beauty, vulnerability, and importance of nature - following the simple yet utterly true principle: we only protect what we know.

All but the last area rely fundamentally on international collaboration. No single zoo can be successful in isolation. National and international networks and collaborations are essential for impactful and sustainable conservation.

Conserving biodiversity is not only one of the greatest challenges facing humankind today – it is also a challenge that can only be tackled collectively. International alliances play a crucial role in ensuring that life in all its diversity continues to thrive on Earth.

A long tradition of global cooperation

Swiss modern and scientifically managed zoos, represented by zooschweiz, play a key role in international conservation – both historically and today. In 1935, Switzerland became the birthplace of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), laying the foundation for a global network of modern zoos. Nearly 90 years later Swiss zoos like Zoo Zurich continue to play a leading role in these international frameworks.

Through eight field conservation projects across the globe, Zoo Zurich helps protect diverse ecosystems, ensuring the survival of thousands of species and integrating local communities into conservation efforts.

As part of a network of hundreds of European partner zoos, we maintain viable populations of endangered species through coordinated breeding programs, six of which are led by Zoo Zurich.

Currently, more than 70 research projects spanning biology, veterinary medicine, and engineering are underway at Zoo Zurich, helping to better understand our threatened biodiversity. Each project is conducted in collaboration with national or international academic institutions. These alliances not only support scientific research but also facilitate the exchange of research data within the conservation community, in line with the One Plan Approach.

Nature conservation depends on the power of international alliances

Saving biodiversity and conserving nature is a collective effort that requires commitment across all levels of society. Through our work – embedded in international networks –- we strive to play our part in the global mission to protect nature and its fascinating, beautiful, and vulnerable species.