RZSS joins global coalition #UnitedForBiodiversity
RZSS CEO David Field and Przewalski’s horse.
Move comes ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference CoP15

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has become the first UK zoo to sign the global coalition #UnitedForBiodiversity.

RZSS joins more than 150 institutions and 25 organisations worldwide that have already joined the coalition, which calls for stronger mobilisation in raising awareness about the need to protect biodiversity. 

The move comes ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference CoP15, which takes place later this year.

David Field, RZSS CEO, said, “We are proud to join this growing list of international organisations standing together on behalf of biodiversity across the globe.

“Our planet is facing an extinction crisis, with scientists warning that one million species are on the brink of disappearing. The UN Biodiversity Conference offers an opportunity to set new goals and transform our relationship with nature for the better.”

The #UnitedForBiodiversity campaign was launched on World Wildlife Day 2020 by Virginijus Sinkevičius, the EU commissioner for environment, oceans and fisheries. Among the institutions that have already pledged to raise their voices for nature include aquariums, zoos, national parks, research centres and botanic gardens.

The 2021 CoP15 summit will see scientists, heads of state and policymakers adopt a new global framework to protect and restore nature. Current projects being carried out by RZSS Scotland include restoring the Scottish wildcat population and protecting chimpanzees in Uganda.