Association of Zoos and Aquariums

PHILIPPINES BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PROGRAM RECEIVES SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

CONTACT: Jane Ballentine, (301)562-0777, x 252

CHICAGO, IL, September 18, 2005 – The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today awarded the Significant Achievement Award for International Conservation to the 4 zoos which have participated cooperatively in the "Philippines Biodiverstiy Conservation Program." Program officials accepted the award at AZA's 81st Annual Conference, meeting here this week.

In response to the growing conservation crises in the Philippines, particularly in the Central Visayas, Mindoro and Southern Luzon regions, the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Program (PBCP) was established in 1990.

The broad vision of the PBCP is to establish a series of Conservation Centers staffed by Filipino biologists, educators and other relevant personnal within the most critical conservation regions (Panay, Cebu, Negros, Mindoro and Polillo {Southern Luzon}). All relevant regional conservation programs are implemented by staff at these Centers. These include forest wardening schemes, biological surveys, relevant captive breeding programs and relevant conservation education programs.

This program is managed under the umbrella of Fauna and Flora International and is comprised of a consortium of zoos and conservation originations. These include the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (USA); Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (USA); Dallas Zoological Society (USA); Oklahoma City Zoological Park (USA); West of England Zoological Society (Bristol Zoo, UK.); Decin Zoo (Germany); Dresden Zoo (Germany); Gessellschaft zum Schutz der Eulen e.V. (Society for Conservation and Research of Owls); Landau Zoo (Germany); Loro Parque Fundacion (Tenerife, Spain); Melbourne Zoo (Australia); North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo, U.K.); Parc Zoologique et Botanique de la Ville de Mulhouse (Mulhouse Zoo, France); Rotterdam Zoo (Netherlands).

The International Conservation Award is presented each year by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association for recognition of outstanding dedication to international conservation issues and development of natural resources.

NOTE: For additional information, please contact Barbara Rish, Cincinnati Zoo at 513/559-7724

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