The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is proud to announce the renewal of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), reaffirming WAZA’s commitment to addressing biodiversity loss by, among other actions, promoting the sustainable use of resources within its global zoo and aquarium membership. 

Since 2017, WAZA has worked with RSPO to advance the use of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO) across the global zoo and aquarium community. This renewed agreement, effective through 2028, builds on that foundation ‑ strengthening a shared vision to protect wildlife habitats, and support market transformation toward sustainability.

A Shared Mission to Address Biodiversity Loss

Together, RSPO and WAZA bring complementary strengths: RSPO as the leading global standard for certified sustainable palm oil, and WAZA as the global voice of progressive zoos and aquariums reaching hundreds of millions of visitors every year.  

As part of this renewed collaboration, WAZA will continue to produce resources and raise awareness about the importance of sourcing certified sustainable palm oil, while providing tools to help its members promote more sustainable behaviours among their visitors. WAZA will also encourage members to commit to using CSPO in the products they purchase, and retail on their premises. This includes ensuring that food, merchandise, cleaning products, and other palm oil-containing goods used or sold within zoos and aquariums are responsibly sourced and aligned with sustainable practices. 

“Addressing biodiversity loss is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Promoting certified sustainable palm oil is a tangible step towards that goal ‑ one that also helps protect endangered species and critical habitats. Through this renewed MoU with RSPO, we aim to further mobilise our global zoo and aquarium community ‑ and their millions of visitors ‑ to drive broader change through responsible sourcing,” said Dr Martín Zordan, CEO of WAZA. 

“The renewed MoU with WAZA directly reflects the RSPO’s vision of a global partnership to make palm oil sustainable. WAZA and its member organisations bring environmental and educational expertise that encourage both consumers and companies alike to prioritise responsible, sustainable sourcing. The RSPO is proud to continue this partnership.”, said Joseph D’Cruz (JD), CEO of RSPO. 

Joint Priorities for a Sustainable Future 

The renewed MoU outlines a shared framework focused on three core goals: 

• Encouraging WAZA zoo and aquarium members to scale up public awareness of deforestation-free, certified sustainable palm oil.
• Supporting members to align their procurement, retail, and sourcing practices with RSPO Standards.
• Growing and expanding the PalmOil Scan app database and geographic reach, in collaboration with RSPO and WAZA members. 

PalmOil Scan App: Fighting Deforestation One Product at a Time

The renewed MoU reinforces the rollout of PalmOil Scan ‑ a free mobile app co-developed by WAZA and members Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Chester Zoo, Auckland Zoo, Zoos South Australia and Mandai Wildlife Group ‑ which allows users in selected countries to scan product barcodes and see whether brands are committed to sourcing CSPO. 

“By using PalmOil Scan, a free, global mobile app, everyone has the power to advocate through their shopping choices, and to make large companies listen to their demands for sustainably produced palm oil,” said Kean Kearney, Palm Oil and Conservation Coordinator at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. “As a leader in sustainable palm oil advocacy for more than a decade, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo helped launch PalmOil Scan in July 2022, under the direction of WAZA. When more companies recognize that their customers won’t tolerate the use of unsustainable palm oil, we can help prevent further deforestation and support the recovery of endangered wildlife.”