The Akron Zoo has pledged to protect 30% of the planet by 2030. Photo courtesy of The Akron Zoo

AKRON — The Akron Zoo has joined together with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and other AZA-accredited facilities on advancing the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including protecting at least 30% of the planet by 2030 (30×30). More than 100 AZA-accredited members have signed a declaration uniting behind efforts to end and reverse the world’s catastrophic decline of biodiversity.
AZA members, spread throughout 13 countries, currently invest more than $250 million annually in field conservation, making it one of the largest funders for biodiversity globally. In addition, these zoos and aquariums inspire and engage more than 200 million visitors a year to care about and take action for animals and their ecosystems.
AZA and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have joined together to unite the AZA community to make 30×30 a reality, along with the other agreed-upon targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The goals and targets include retaining and restoring ecological integrity of ecosystems; saving threatened and endangered species; ending illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade; and preventing future pandemics.
“We know that our planet has lost 69% of monitored wildlife populations just since 1970,” said Doug Piekarz, president and CEO at the Akron Zoo. “At the Akron Zoo, our mission to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action comes alive when we work together with our local community to save wildlife and wild places, starting right here in Akron, Ohio. The data is clear — we need to work together with as many partners as possible to truly make a difference for wildlife and future generations. Coming together to preserve 30% of our planet by 2030 is a visionary goal that will clearly make a difference for all species journeying together on this beautiful planet we call home.”