The Zoo and sustainability

Over thousands of years of evolution, the Earth has undergone major changes such as movements of the continents caused by plate tectonics and severe climatic changes (glaciations), which in turn led to mass extinctions and migrations. Our world is highly dynamic on a planetary level, but it is also currently undergoing a global change caused primarily by the social model of our species. The strong pressure of humans during the last century is breaking the fragile dynamic equilibrium of the biosphere.

Today we face a series of processes: global warming, acidification of the oceans, desertification, loss of habitat, destruction of resources, overpopulation and biodiversity loss, among others. All these environmental problems are linked with each other. Their common thread is that they all threaten the dynamics of the planet from a human perspective.

The planet is finite and resources are limited. For this reason, an institution like the Barcelona Zoo must be an environmental reference point and should seek to use resources in the most sustainable way possible. Thus, the new facility must meet eco-efficiency criteria, available resources must be managed carefully and the impact of construction should be minimized.

Clean technologies, such as bioclimatic architecture and bioengineering can help achieve this goal. However, the principles of sustainability should not only be an enforceable objective, they should also be taken into account during all phases of the new Zoo: from the design and construction to the operation and maintenance of the facility, as well as in the exhibits and educational activities.

In this section, you will find specific actions that the Barcelona Zoo carries out to increase awareness of the importance of living in a sustainable world.