The EC Zoos Directive: A lost opportunity to implement the convention on biological diversity.

Rees, PA

Abstract

The Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 requires contracting parties to take ex-situ conservation measures to protect biodiversity. This paper considers the effectiveness of the Zoos Directive in implementing this obligation within the European Union. The directive requires zoos to have an education role and at least one further conservation activity, which may be research, training, information exchange, captive breeding, or species reintroductions. However, the Convention requires parties to engage in all of these activities. EU member states have been reluctant to implement the directive. In any event, it is unlikely significantly to affect the conservation activities of the majority of zoos, as they are either already in compliance or they may comply with minimal effort. Most significantly, the directive does not specifically require zoos to participate in the captive breeding and reintroduction of endangered species, and this is arguably their most important potential (if not actual) conservation role.

Citation

Rees, P. (2005). The EC Zoos Directive: A lost opportunity to implement the convention on biological diversity. Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy, 8(1), 51-62. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880290590913723

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Oct 9, 2007
• Journal: Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy
• Print ISSN: 1388-0292
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 51-62
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13880290590913723