Zoos for biodiversity: Annual conference in Berlin discusses solutions!
Berlin, Deutschland - On June 19, 2025, the annual conference of the Association of Zoological Gardens (VDZ) was opened in Berlin, which will continue until June 21. The aim of this important event is the discussion about the role of zoos in species protection and the preservation of biodiversity. Zoo experts from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Spain take part in the conference, which shows how zoos are committed to protecting biological diversity. It should be emphasized that the 70 member zoo of the VDZ maintains over 163,000 wild animals and attract more than 42 million visitors annually, as ots.at reports.
Overall, VDZ member zoos invest around 11 million euros annually in over 150 species protection projects worldwide. These investments are crucial because animal and plant species worldwide disappear at alarming speed, which causes catastrophic consequences for nutrition, water, climate and health. The managing director of the VDZ, Volker Homes, therefore demands that the new federal government take concrete steps to recognize and support the commitment of the zoo. The required measures include the anchoring of zoos in the national biodiversity strategy and the promotion of conservation breeding programs, which are to be recognized as a systematic contribution to species protection, according to zoo-leipzig.de.
focus of the annual conference
At the VDZ annual conference, the topic of “species protection” is the focus of the discussions. Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of the Environment, emphasizes the significant function that zoos play in the protection of biological diversity. The President of the VDZ, Prof. Dr. Jörg Junhold emphasizes the need for common strategies and financial resources. In addition, the VDZ Zoo and Wildier-Forum will bring decision-makers from various areas on June 19 to talk about strategic issues in species protection, animal welfare and education.
dr. Andreas Knieriem, host of the annual conference, refers to the success of outsourcing projects in recent years. The importance of zoological institutions for the preservation of biodiversity was even recognized in the coalition agreement of the federal government. The loss of biodiversity urgently needs to be addressed because it is crucial for our living conditions.
The responsibility of zoos in species protection
The role of zoos in species protection is becoming increasingly important, especially since they represent protective devices for endangered species. According to an analysis of the scientific perspective, Zoos contribute to biodiversity by implementing targeted breeding programs and protection projects. They offer species -appropriate enclosures and promote the emotional connection between visitors to the animals that they look after. In a report on das-wissen.de it becomes clear that 82 percent of German zoos support what underlines the relevance of these institutions in society.
The challenges that the zoos face are, however - from a limited habitat to high costs to public perception there are numerous aspects that need to be overcome. Many critics question the ethics of the attitude of animals in captivity. Nevertheless, scientific research has shown that zoos were able to make significant progress through their initiatives and strategies in the area of species protection, including international breeding programs.
In summary, it can be said that the VDZ's annual conference offers an important opportunity to actively promote species protection and to develop new perspectives for future cooperation at national and international level. Zoos are not only places of education and entertainment, but also decisive actors in the fight against the loss of biological diversity.