Leading Social Change for Biodiversity Conservation –

We are delighted to share with you a new joint publication by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the International Zoo Educators Association (IZE): Leading Social Change for Biodiversity Conservation. 

This special edition brings together powerful, real-world examples from zoos and aquariums around the world, highlighting how our community is helping to drive meaningful social and behavioural change for the benefit of people, wildlife, and the natural world. 

Across its pages, you will discover how institutions are: 

• Engaging communities to drive behaviour change, by combining conservation education with practical support, empowering local groups, offering simple and replicable skills, and using tools such as citizen science, local advocacy and behaviour change models to foster nature-positive actions. 
• Strengthening the role of young people, teachers and community educators, through programmes that build confidence, nurture empathy for wildlife, encourage science-based problem-solving, and embed conservation values across classrooms and community spaces. 
• Influencing policy and shifting public narratives, from mobilising regional support for protected areas to driving global momentum through storytelling, public pledges and collective action that reframes conservation from crisis to hope. 
• Embedding wellbeing as a cornerstone of conservation engagement, recognising the importance of emotional resilience, intentional nature connection and holistic learning environments as essential drivers for long-term pro-environmental behaviour, conservation action and broader social change. 

Together, these stories illustrate a powerful message: zoos and aquariums are not only places for learning and inspiration – they are dynamic forces for positive change, shaping a future where communities and nature thrive side by side. 

We warmly invite you to: 
• Download the magazine 
• Read and reflect on the inspiring work of your peers 
• Share it with your teams, partners and networks 

Your leadership and commitment continue to strengthen our collective ability to inspire people, transform behaviours and safeguard biodiversity. We hope this publication encourages further collaboration, sparks new ideas, and reinforces the essential role each of you plays in driving social change for conservation.