Bonn - 29 September 2006 In margins of the 31st CMS Standing Committee, held from September 28 to 29 in Bonn, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) signed a formal Partnership Agreement with the Convention. It aims to strengthen cooperation with WAZA as the only body that coordinates zoos and aquariums at the global level.
The agreement recognizes that the two organizations pursue common goals in conserving ecosystems and migratory species. CMS values WAZA for the ex-situ conservation activities being another contribution to achieving the 2010 biodiversity targets. The World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy adopted by WAZA in 2005 calls upon WAZA Members to become increasingly involved in "in- situ" nature conservation.
Providing the framework to enhance communication and cooperation between CMS and WAZA, the agreement calls for information exchange on activities and resulting issues. In addition, the CMS Secretariat and WAZA will co-ordinate their activities in research, training and public awareness. WAZA will support the CMS Secretariat in the field of science and contribute to developing Agreements.
The Partnership Agreement also covers the Secretariats of Agreements concluded under the auspices of CMS, allowing the whole CMS Family to share information of mutual interest.