World Nature Conservation Day

Today is World Nature Conservation Day, and it comes at an unsettling time. We have all experienced the recent record-breaking temperatures in Britain and watch wildfires sweep across Europe; it is clearer than ever that our natural environment is in crisis.

The evidence is overwhelming that human activities, from deforestation and pollution to hunting and poaching, are destroying our own life-support machine. One million species are on the brink of extinction and almost half of our ecosystems are in decline.  

Nature needs us all more than ever – and now is the time to act. Together.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Working in Scotland and around the world, our wildlife conservation charity aims to bring an inspired and empowered global community together to make this possible – and everyone has a role to play.

RZSS expertise in species recovery is vital and we have pledged to reverse the decline of at least 50 species by 2030, from pine hoverflies and wildcats in the Cairngorms National Park, to chimpanzees in Uganda, giant anteaters in Brazil and many more.

Protection of habitats and mitigating threats in the environment is an essential part of successful species recovery. We must use not only our own conservation expertise but also that of national and international partners, and indeed everyone who holds nature dear.

Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are gateways to the natural world where many people choose to spend quality time with their loved ones and have incredible experiences connecting with wildlife and each other.  

We are creating diverse and unique opportunities for more people to experience nature in a way that has personal resonance and meaning, which is why RZSS has pledged to create deeper connections with nature for more than a million people by 2030.

After the challenges of the last few years, we have all gained a greater appreciation for real life events and encounters. There is just something missing when you are only able to look at the world through a screen, and truly amazing to see someone meeting a giraffe for the first time, getting up close to a giant panda, or even spotting a well-camouflaged leaf-tailed gecko after a determined search.

The unique resources of our zoos, and our ability to build stronger connections between animals and people, can drive improved individual wellbeing and strengthen communities. There are proven links to greater wellbeing through increased access to nature, but sadly not everybody can access nature equally.  

As part of our pledge to enable more than 100 communities to better protect nature by 2030, we will identify and minimise any barriers to visiting our zoos, engage with online audiences and provide access to outreach activities.

Making nature more accessible is fundamental, because people protect and value what they love and understand.

We are working with key partners to develop targeted programmes that address key challenges in our local communities, for example loneliness, and foster direct links with social and community groups, like Age Scotland and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital.  

Ultimately, stronger communities have a greater capacity to care for wildlife – and through our zoos and our global reach we can help people realise the mental and physical health and wellbeing benefits of being close to nature.

There is also much we can do as guardians of the native biodiversity on our doorstep. You would be amazed at the range of native wildlife thriving at both Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.  

The reality is that the world’s biodiversity is vanishing fast, but by working together, inspiring and empowering communities, we can all make a difference.  

Now is the time.

David Field

Chief executive