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The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has unveiled a new strategic plan and vision.

Working with the global community of zoos and aquariums to promote the best practices in animal welfare and conservation, the USA-based organisation has been working on the new strategy since last year.

As detailed in a recent blog post, the Association’s council and executive office have been working on a new vision to better support its members, with meetings taking place throughout last year at several zoos across the world.

However, the association’s council and executive office have been working on a new vision to better support its members, with meetings taking place throughout last year at several zoos across the world.

To develop the strategic plan, the executive office gathered data on the beliefs, values and aspirations for WAZA through the annual member survey.

Additionally, a consultation process took place with various focus groups, including members, non-members, former members and institutional members.

The association also invited members of the WAZA committees and subcommittees to share their feedback on the initial progress.

Before the 77th WAZA annual meeting in October 2022 on Spain’s Canary Islands, the council and executive office met to discuss the vision, before holding a strategic planning workshop to explore the association’s purpose, guiding principles, niche and vision.

Subsequently, in April this year, 68 WAZA voting members unanimously approved the following vision and four strategic priorities:

Vision - to be a globally recognised and trusted leader advancing conservation and animal welfare

Four strategic priorities:

Transformative leadership - lead the way in constantly redefining excellence in zoos and aquariums

Species impact - promote and facilitate global cooperation for species conservation and sustainability

Global members - retain and grow members to offer global representation, engagement and participation

Reputation - build a reputation as an indispensable voice in forums where global conservation and welfare policy is set

This year, the executive office will work towards developing and implementing the new plan and vision, collaborating with WAZA’s members.

Founded in 1935, WAZA is a global alliance of regional associations, national federations and institutions representing zoos, wildlife attractions and aquaria.

Image credit: Perth Zoo.

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