About the Global Center for Species Survival
A partnership between the Indianapolis Zoo and the IUCN Species Survival Commission
The Global Center for Species Survival is built upon a partnership and a commitment to conservation. As human pressure continues to drive biodiversity loss, the work of conservationists from around the world becomes more vital in protecting and restoring nature. Only through collaboration can we protect species and the spaces they call home.
That’s why the Indianapolis Zoo partnered with the IUCN Species Survival Commission, the world’s largest science-based network with thousands of dedicated individuals working to encourage and assist societies to conserve biodiversity.
The Global Center combines the expertise and resources of its partners to provide crucial capacity to support, connect and communicate the work of more than 10,000 conservationists joined together in more than 180 Specialist Groups, Task Forces and Conservation Committees of the IUCN SSC.
A PASSIONATE TEAM
The Global Center team consists of seven conservation experts, a behavior change specialist, a public relations specialist and a director. While the team is based in Indianapolis, they have decades of experience working on five continents to save species from extinction.
“These extraordinary conservationists help to accelerate the conservation of animals, fungi and plants under water and on land,” said Indianapolis Zoo Senior Vice President and Global Center Director Bill Street. “In partnership with the IUCN Species Survival Commission, we are making a significant contribution to saving species worldwide and redefining how zoos can support field conservation efforts.”
The Global Center team supports thousands of conservationists who are working to tackle critical planetary issues leading to biodiversity loss, such as invasive species, habitat degradation, overexploitation and illegal wildlife trade.
It is the mission of the Global Center to support the IUCN Species Survival Commission in influencing, encouraging and assisting societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature.
ONE PLAN APPROACH
The IUCN SSC network follows the One Plan Approach, which emphasizes collaboration between all parties involved in saving species. This plan utilizes the strengths of in situ and ex situ conservation. When you visit an accredited zoo like the Indianapolis Zoo, you are participating in the conservation of species, because admission fees contribute to the care of biodiversity and wild populations. That care leads to greater understanding of species, and that understanding improves the ability to make an authentic difference in saving species.
The Global Center opened in 2020 with generous support from Lilly Endowment, Inc. In addition to serving as a conservation hub, the Global Center also hosts international meetings and conferences, furthering economic benefit to the community and solidifying the Zoo’s efforts to make Indianapolis one of the most conservation-literate cities in the world