News

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

Date Released: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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

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.

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.”

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.”

Additional Information:

Ireland’s Biodiversity at Risk

  • Ireland has over 31,000 recorded species across diverse ecosystems.
  • A significant proportion of native species are facing extinction.
  • 91% of assessed habitats have an unfavourable conservation status.
  • Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and invasive species are key drivers of biodiversity decline.

Dublin Zoo’s Commitment to Conservation

Dublin Zoo has long been a leader in native species conservation, supporting initiatives such as:

  • Breeding Waders EIP: A €25 million project aiding the recovery of ten breeding wader species co-funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, including curlew and dunlin, with Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park playing a key role in a chick headstarting programme.
  • Irish Peatland Conservation: Over €50,000 contributed since 2011 to protect and manage peatland habitats, including efforts for the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, Ireland’s only legally protected insect species.
  • BirdWatch Ireland Partnership: Since 2012, Dublin Zoo has supported raptor research, monitoring, and conservation, particularly for barn owls.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service role includes:

  • Securing the conservation of a representative range of ecosystems to maintain and enhance populations of flora and fauna in Ireland.
  • Promoting awareness of natural heritage and biodiversity issues through education, outreach to schools and engaging with stakeholders.
  • Making the necessary arrangements for the implementation of National and EU legislation and policies for nature conservation and biodiversity including the EU Habitats and Birds Directives,