Now available: A comprehensive set of tools and resources for zoos, aquariums, museums, and other organizations to use in outreach and engagement around 30×30!  

This set was produced by a working group comprised of six members and four advisors and coordinated by The Ocean Project with support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. 

Working Group 

Frost Science, National Aquarium, New England Aquarium, Philadelphia Zoo, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Seattle Aquarium

Advisors

Association of Zoos & Aquariums, National Ocean Protection Coalition, Aquarium Conservation Partnership, and a specialist on issues of diversity, equity inclusion

“Zoos, aquariums, and museums have been increasingly active in conservation efforts, and many were inspired by the global goal of protecting at least 30% of lands, waters and ocean by 2030, as well as the national commitment to 30×30 under the America the Beautiful Initiative,” explained Bill Mott, Executive Director of The Ocean Project. “However, they did not yet have the tools and resources that they needed to participate effectively, based in part on what we knew from our many years of prior research.” 

Over the last year and a half, the working group members have focused on identifying, adapting and in many instances creating the messages, methods, and materials needed to help their colleagues understand the movement, raise awareness, document response, and inform policymakers. While the working group has been focused on the needs of zoos, aquariums, and museums in the United States, the tools and resources developed can be used by a wide array of organizations around the world, as evidenced by the way many were incorporated into the resources provided for World Ocean Day this past year.  

Highlights of the working group’s efforts to date have included: 

• A messaging kit to help inform and train staff and volunteers about 30×30  
• Short videos to introduce and explain 30×30 to visitors and other audiences  
• Templates for creating custom posters, banners, and postcards 
• An innovative recording booth approach for documenting visitor opinions 
• A letter signed by more than 200 zoos, aquariums and museums and their three main associations from across all 50 states expressing support and  appreciation for the way the United States plans to pursue the goal of 30×30 as part of the promising “America the Beautiful” initiative.  

While the working group does not anticipate adding additional tools and resources to the set centered on the overarching goal of 30×30, they are continuing their efforts to advance progress, specifically by encouraging support for local efforts to expand protections for special places in keeping with the principles of the America the Beautiful Initiative.  

Updates about the efforts of the working group will continue to be posted at https://theoceanproject.org/30×30/, and also within the “30×30 Community” for members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Interested organizations can also contact us at 30×[email protected].