EATA in Brussels at the event of the VdZ and the EAZA

On 28.11.2017 an event of the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ) and its European umbrella association, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), took place in the buildings of the Permanent Representation of Germany in the EU in Brussels. I visited them on behalf of EATA President, Peter Sound and VDA President Jens Crueger. Thematically, the well-attended event dealt with questions about the EU zoo directive and what contribution zoological gardens and aquariums can make to conserving biodiversity. The event focused on a panel discussion in which, among others, Humberto Delgado Rosa from the European Commission, Mira Mileham from IUCN and BMUB Nature Conservation Director Elsa Nickel participated. However, the well-attended event not only drew attention to the importance of preserving biodiversity. Rather, it became clear once again that many important decisions have now been taken at European level in environmental protection and nature conservation. In subsequent discussions, I was able to familiarize some of our interlocutors with the concerns of organized aquaristics - especially with regard to the controversial invasive species ordinance of the EU. Furthermore, some acquaintances with representatives of the VdZ and DGHT were maintained during the event.