Establishment of an IUCN SSC Center for Species Survival: A New Milestone for AFdPZ in Biodiversity Protection

The Center for Species Survival France (CSS France) is a partnership between the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and the French Association of Zoological Parks (AFdPZ). The purpose of CSS France is to become a key player, acting as a catalyst to connect SSC member experts, civil society, government agencies, academia, and other organisations. It will develop strategic support, identify key networks, stakeholders, and conservation efforts that are or should be prioritized for French threatened species, in alignment with the French IUCN Red List (published by the IUCN French Committee).

The official agreement was signed by SSC Chair, Jon Paul Rodríguez, and AFdPZ Chair, Rodolphe Delord. The official launch will take place on May 13 at CERZA.

“The creation of the IUCN SSC Center for Species Survival dedicated to French species, in partnership with AFdPZ, reflects the concrete commitment of the association and its members to biodiversity conservation, as well as its inclusive vision of conservation. This is a major step forward for French species and ecosystems. AFdPZ is honored by the collaboration and trust of the Species Survival Commission, a global reference in species conservation,” stated Rodolphe Delord, AFdPZ Chair.

A center dedicated to threatened French species

CSS France will focus on the preservation and restoration of threatened French species within a global strategy aimed at protecting ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss. Its creation aligns with discussions during the 16th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity held in Colombia, which emphasized the importance of cooperation in conserving threatened species. This initiative marks another step in the global effort to protect biodiversity, responding to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 14 and 15, which ensure the protection of life below water and on land, respectively.

“We are delighted with the establishment of CSS France, and the significant milestone that it represents as the 20th CSS created by SSC and our partners worldwide. By bringing together SSC experts with the conservation ethic of AFdPZ, as well as other key players in the country such as IUCN Members, governmental organizations and the business sector, we are all together able to mobilize a tremendous amount of expertise, experience, resources and passion for species conservation. Assuring that animals, fungi, and plants under human care thrive in the wild, is our ultimate goal,” said Jon Paul Rodríguez, SSC Chair.

Exceptional French natural heritage to preserve

France ranks among the countries with the highest number of threatened species at both global and European levels, placing a significant responsibility on the nation in addressing the biodiversity crisis.

With its overseas departments and territories, France is present in all four major oceans (it has the world’s second-largest maritime space, encompassing nearly 10% of the planet’s coral reef areas) and in five global biodiversity hotspots: the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, Polynesia, and New Caledonia.

France's natural heritage includes 21,976 endemic species (i.e. species found only in a particular, generally small region), representing 11% of the 200,801 species recorded in France, which accounts for 10% of the world’s known species.

Since 2008, experts from the IUCN French Committee have assessed 17,367 species in mainland France and overseas territories. Among them, 2,903 species are currently threatened, and 189 species have already disappeared from France or are globally extinct.

A unique expertise in conservation

With the expertise and dedication of its 106 members in both mainland France and overseas territories, the in situ conservation programs it supports, and the actions of its partners, AFdPZ has already established a strong network of committed stakeholders. The organisation aims to further develop partnerships, strengthen the role and involvement of zoological parks and aquariums in biodiversity conservation, enhance the impact of conservation programs in the field through synergies among different stakeholders, and contribute to guiding public policies regarding species protection.

“As a key player in French species protection, AFdPZ will use this new project to bring research and innovation to the world stage, and help French public policy to move forward collectively,” said Maud Lelievre, Chair of the IUCN French Committee. 

The Center embodies the spirit of international resolutions on cooperation, biodiversity education, and concrete ecosystem conservation measures.

AFdPZ and SSC invite governments and civil society to join this ambitious species conservation project. Together, we have the power to make a difference and protect the natural treasures that are the pillars of our shared future. Biodiversity protection requires strong synergy between scientists, policymakers, local communities, civil society, and citizens. Let us unite our skills and energy to preserve ecosystems and endangered species.

Together, let us create a movement of hope, capable of reversing the trend and ensuring a sustainable future where nature and humanity coexist in harmony.