A United Effort for Ireland’s Native Wildlife: Dublin Zoo and NPWS Sign Landmark Memorandum of Understanding

Dublin Zoo and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formally collaborate on advancing native species conservation efforts in Ireland.

Dr Christoph Schwitzer, Director of Dublin Zoo; Ciara Carberry, Director of Nature Conservation at NPWS; Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity; and Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), pictured at Dublin Zoo following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to advance native species conservation efforts in Ireland. The agreement marks a new era of collaboration in biodiversity protection. Photograph: Patrick Bolger

A Stronger Future for Irish Wildlife

The agreement marks a significant step in biodiversity protection and conservation action for native species nationwide and a long-term commitment to protecting Ireland’s biodiversity. By joining forces, Dublin Zoo and NPWS will enhance conservation efforts, ensuring a thriving natural environment for future generations.

Speaking at Dublin Zoo, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:

“Biodiversity, the variety of life on earth, is essential for healthy ecosystems and critical services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation that sustain our planet. Many of our native species are at risk of extinction, which is why partnerships like this between Dublin Zoo and NPWS are vital. By working together, we can implement meaningful actions including developing and scaling up conservation initiatives to protect Ireland’s native wildlife for generations to come.”

Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity; Dr Christoph Schwitzer, Director of Dublin Zoo; Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and Ciara Carberry, Director of Nature Conservation at NPWS, pictured at Dublin Zoo following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to advance native species conservation efforts in Ireland. The agreement marks a new era of collaboration in biodiversity protection. Photograph: Patrick Bolger

Dr Christoph Schwitzer, Director of Dublin Zoo, said:

“This partnership marks a new chapter in our commitment to Ireland’s native wildlife. By combining Dublin Zoo’s conservation expertise with NPWS’s leadership in protecting natural habitats, we can take meaningful strides towards safeguarding our most vulnerable species. Collaboration is key to tackling the biodiversity crisis, and this agreement ensures we are working together to create a lasting impact.”

Strengthening Conservation Efforts

This formal partnership will:

• Develop and scale up native species conservation initiatives such as the White-Clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) Conservation Project to halt the decline of the species within Ireland.
• Work closely with the IUCN SSC Centre for Species Survival: Ireland, hosted at Dublin Zoo.
• Undertake species status assessments, conservation planning and direct conservation actions for priority native species.
• Engage IUCN SSC Species Survival Commission (SSC) specialist group members and support the establishment of an IUCN SSC National Species Specialist Group.
• Promote joint scientific research, education, and public awareness initiatives.
• Align efforts with Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, which includes five key actions attributed to Dublin Zoo.

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said:

“This Memorandum of Understanding represents a powerful joint commitment to the conservation of Ireland’s native species. By partnering with Dublin Zoo, we are combining scientific expertise, conservation action, and public engagement to drive real progress in biodiversity protection. This collaboration will play a key role in safeguarding Ireland’s wildlife for future generations.”

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS); Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity; Ciara Carberry, Director of Nature Conservation at NPWS; Dr Christoph Schwitzer, Director of Dublin Zoo, and Dr. Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer at Dublin Zoo pictured at Dublin Zoo following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to advance native species conservation efforts in Ireland. The agreement marks a new era of collaboration in biodiversity protection. Photograph: Patrick Bolger

Date: 25th March 2025
Location: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) SSC Centre for Species Survival, Dublin Zoo, Ireland