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Created in 2025, this Center for Species Survival based in France is a formal collaboration between the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and the French association of zoos and aquaria (AFdPZ). Its mission is to enhance species conservation in France by developing the network of French in and ex situ fauna experts, working with key partners from Government agencies to citizens, increasing capacity building, identifying priority actions, and catalysing conservation efforts for French fauna. 

About our work

Created in 1969 and an IUCN member since 2009, AFdPZ unites over 100 members dedicated to biodiversity conservation. Its members contribute to the reintroduction of 32 species, including 13 native to France, and fund numerous conservation projects. AFdPZ promotes species conservation and fights illegal wildlife trade through IUCN motions, CITES observer status, and national and international advocacy. The organization is aligned with the French National Strategy for Biodiversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Target 4).

The Center for Species Survival France will focus on French species, mobilizing financial, human, and technical resources according to the IUCN Species Conservation Cycle (Assess, Plan, Act). France and its overseas territories, located in five global biodiversity hotspots, host over 21,000 endemic species, underscoring AFdPZ’s commitment to addressing the biodiversity crisis.

The Center will act as a key player in the Reverse the Red movement, connecting IUCN SSC experts, zoos, NGOs, public authorities, and other actors. It will apply the One Plan Approach, integrating in situ and ex situ conservation to implement effective strategies and restore ecosystems. The Center will help secure a sustainable future where nature and people coexist in harmony. 

As promoted by the IUCN SSC CPSG’s One Plan approach, the CSS France will support integrated conservation planning for French endangered species in order to reverse the red trend of species loss in France.

Supporting the Species Conservation Cycle

Our Four Strategic Pillars for Supporting Species Conservation:

1
Catalyzing Conservation Actions for French Species

The AFdPZ is committed to supporting the conservation of French native species, with a focus on the biodiversity hotspots of the French overseas territories, such as the Caribbean and French Polynesia. Special attention is given to species facing significant population declines in the wild, including the Tahiti monarch (Pomarea nigra) and the Fatu Hiva monarch (Pomarea whitneyi), Lesser Antillean iguana (Iguana delicatissima), Crau plain grasshopper (Prionotropis rhodanica), European mink (Mustela lutreola), Little bustard (Tetrax tetrax), Common hamster (Cricetus cricetus), Common spadefoot (Pelobates fuscus), marine turtles, and many more.
Several of these species benefit from EU-funded LIFE programmes or national action plans in which zoos play an active role. The establishment of this Center will strengthen these ongoing efforts and promote integrated strategies under the One Plan Approach—bridging in situ and ex situ conservation for species survival.

2
Fighting Illegal Wildlife Trade

AFdPZ is actively engaged in fighting illegal wildlife trade, which is a major cause of biodiversity loss, while also addressing associated biosecurity and sanitary risks, and the spread of invasive alien species (IAS). For example, abandoned servals pose a significant predation threat to French native wildlife, while the introduction of the Yellow-bellied slider turtle (Trachemys scripta), listed as IAS,  jeopardizes the survival of the native European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). The illegal capture of European goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) is also contributing to their population decline.
Our work aligns with IUCN guidelines for the management of confiscated animals and CITES Resolution 17.8, aiming to ensure responsible handling and minimize ecological impacts.

3
Networking and Capacity Building

For decades, AFdPZ has fostered strong partnerships with conservation organizations. Through the Center, we aim to further develop and strengthen networks with both local and international stakeholders, including IUCN SSC Specialist Groups. A key focus will be on building local capacity to contribute to species conservation efforts. By facilitating exchanges between the French zoos and aquaria communities and the IUCN network, the Center will promote knowledge-sharing through workshops, webinars, and publications.

4
Advocating for Political Engagement

Zoos and aquaria have a vital role to play in biodiversity conservation, from ex situ species management to influencing policies.  AFdPZ has been actively engaging with the French government in highlighting the role of zoos, aquaria in conservation, education, and applied research, as acknowledged in the recently published “IUCN SSC Statement on the role of botanic gardens, aquariums, and zoos in species conservation.”
This collaborative approach has led to AFdPZ being recognized as a key stakeholder in species conservation in France. It has also provided opportunities to emphasize the importance of ex situ contributions and the value of strategic partnerships with the IUCN SSC. 

Meet our team

Cecile Erny
Mrs Cécile ERNY

Director

Conservation biologist, she is the Director of AFdPZ (French association of zoos) since 2009 and CSS France. Committed to species conservation and fighting illegal wildlife trade, she promotes the “One Plan Approach” for integrated conservation with zoos, aquariums, NGOs and scientists. She represents French zoos at CITES meetings and CBD COP, and is also a board member of the French IUCN Committee and ICENCA.

Director

Conservation biologist, she is the Director of AFdPZ (French association of zoos) since 2009 and CSS France. Committed to species conservation and fighting illegal wildlife trade, she promotes ...

EXPERTISE: Species conservation action