Our role is to help society rise to the challenges of biodiversity loss, through supporting people to make sustainable choices and through the mitigation of human-wildlife conflict.
For two decades we have used science to demonstrate the impact of conservation education programmes, as well as helping to shape new initiatives and activities. This research is essential for us to help drive continuous improvement and help achieve the empowerment target of the Chester Zoo Conservation Plan.
As conservation science has evolved and become more inter-disciplinary, we understand that addressing almost all conservation problems requires an understanding of the underlying human drivers.
World zoos and aquariums are well-established green and blue spaces, normally found in urban areas. It has long been demonstrated that exposure to nature is beneficial to human health and well-being. However, these benefits have been under-researched in zoos and aquariums. Our scientific specialisms will add to the evidence that supports the key role that zoos play, for the benefit of both nature and people.
• Provide scientific evidence to evaluate and improve our conservation education and related programmes.
• Deploy targeted social research to help better understand the drivers of in-situ conservation issues.
• Play a leading role in maximising the contribution of world zoos and aquariums to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Better understand the impact of zoos on human health and well-being
• Evidence and reinforce the pivotal role of zoos for species and society.