The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission has recently released a Position Statement that serves as a significant milestone in the field of wildlife conservation. This document is not just an acknowledgment of the work already being done by botanic gardens, aquariums, and zoos; it is also a call to action for all stakeholders involved in conservation efforts.
The Position Statement serves as a call for all entities, including government agencies, to foster collaboration with botanic gardens, aquariums, and zoos. These institutions have been at the forefront of both ex situ and in situ conservation efforts, contributing to applied sciences, community engagement, and policy development. The IUCN encourages a collective effort under the One Plan Approach, aiming for a unified strategy to save species from the brink of extinction.
The statement goes beyond mere acknowledgment. It invites organizations that have not yet fully realized their conservation potential to step up their efforts. By doing so, it aims to create a united species conservation community, where each entity plays a significant role in halting the loss of biodiversity.
We at the Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) fully support this initiative. The call for a unified approach aligns with our mission to protect amphibian populations and the habitats upon which they depend. We encourage our partners and the broader conservation community to heed this call to action and work collectively toward a sustainable future for all species.