WAZA has become an official member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has become an official member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), emphasising its commitment to sustainable solutions that protect the environment.

WAZA now has the ability to vote on behalf of the world’s leading zoos and aquariums on issues central to RSPO such as deforestation, conservation, fair labour practices, and transparency, among others. WAZA can also engage directly with the manufacturers, suppliers and growers that dominate the US$90 billion palm oil industry.

WAZA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RSPO in 2017 that committed zoos and aquariums to driving market demand for certified sustainable palm oil.

“WAZA and its members understand what a pivotal issue palm oil has become and we are committed to using the economic and political power we possess to promote the certified sustainable process,” said Doug Cress, Chief Executive Officer of WAZA. “Palm oil boycotts grab headlines but ultimately promote alternatives that are often less regulated and more harmful to the environment. WAZA recognizes that sustainable palm oil is the practical solution.”

WAZA’s membership was announced by RSPO Chief Executive Officer Darrel Webber at the 73rd WAZA Annual Conference in Bangkok in October.

“We are fortunate to have WAZA in our membership,” Webber said. “WAZA is such an important and credible channel for reaching out to consumers and educating them on the value of sustainable palm oil and the need to transform markets.”

RSPO currently has more than 4,000 members in 92 countries.