Partners

WAZA represents its members in, and the members benefit from the various services and resources provided by, the following eight international conventions and organisations with which WAZA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding:

Convention on Biological Diversity

Signed by 150 government leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Convention on Biological Diversity is dedicated to promoting sustainable development. Conceived as a practical tool for translating the principles of Agenda 21 into reality, the Convention recognises that biological diversity is about more than plants, animals and micro-organisms and their ecosystems – it is about people and our need for food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter and a clean and healthy environment in which to live. WAZA partnered with the Convention during the 2010 Year of Biodiversity and the Decade on Biodiversity 2011–2020.

International Union for Conservation of Nature

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, non-government organisations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice. IUCN is the world's oldest and largest global environmental network – a democratic membership union with more than 1,000 government and non-governmental member organisations, and almost 11,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. WAZA is a founding member of IUCN.

Convention on Migratory Species

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is an intergovernmental treaty, concluded under the aegis of the United Nations Environment Programme, concerned with the conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. Since the Convention's entry into force, its membership has grown steadily to include more than 110 Parties from Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. WAZA partnered with the Convention during the 2009 Year of the Gorilla and the 2011–2012 Year of the Bat. 

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Ramsar Convention is the only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem, and the Convention's member countries cover all geographic regions of the planet, with more than 160 contracting Parties.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Because the trade in wild animals and plants crosses borders between countries, the effort to regulate it requires international cooperation to safeguard certain species from over-exploitation. CITES was conceived in the spirit of such cooperation. Today, it accords varying degrees of protection to more than 30,000 species of animals and plants.

Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums

The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums is an international association representing marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities and professional organisations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study and wildlife presentations. It was founded in 1987 and established offices near Washington, DC, in 1992, when it was formally incorporated. Collectively, the Alliance membership represents the greatest body of experience and knowledge about marine mammal care and husbandry.  

International Zoo Educators Association

The International Zoo Educators Association is an association dedicated to expanding the educational impact of zoos and aquariums worldwide. Its mission is to improve the education programmes in the facilities of its members, to provide access to the latest thinking, techniques and information in conservation education and to support excellence in animal care and welfare. IZE is the environmental education arm of WAZA.   

International Species Information System

The International Species Information System (ISIS), an international non-profit founded in 1974, delivers animal records management solutions to zoo and aquarium members. ISIS provides the leading global records management solution (ZIMS) to over 800 institutions in 80 countries. Solutions address animal collection management, veterinary and studbook requirements. ISIS serves a critical role in establishing record standards and sharing pooled specimen information among the zoo and aquarium community.