#United States #IUCN #Palm Desert #The Living Desert #Species Survival

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Partners with IUCN to Launch the First U.S. Center for Species Survival Behavior Change

In a groundbreaking initiative, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has joined forces with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) to establish the first U.S. Center for Species Survival Behavior Change (CSS). This landmark project aims to address a critical gap in global conservation efforts: the need to directly influence human behavior. With species declining mainly due to anthropogenic factors, this center is poised to reshape conservation strategies to foster coexistence between people and nature.

The Center for Species Survival encompasses collaborative partnerships among conservation organizations and IUCN SSC experts. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is proud to be the first American host of this initiative, which reinforces its commitment to leveraging social science in conservation practices. The new center will focus on transforming community engagement and involvement in conservation, ensuring that ecosystems, species, and economic interests can thrive together.

The Living Desert has a proven track record with its Building Community Conservation Success (BCCS) program, through which it has trained over 675 conservation professionals across 32 countries. By integrating social sciences into its methodologies, The Living Desert has gained recognition as a leader in the realm of human-centered conservation, tackling the root causes of species decline.

Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert, aptly noted, "Species are declining worldwide due to human-induced pressures such as habitat loss, climate change, and exploitation. As humans are the cause of these issues, it follows that we must also be part of the solution. Conservation is not solely a biological challenge; it involves social dimensions as well."

The newly created U.S. CSS will provide vital guidance, tools, and strategies aimed at conservationists, governmental bodies, and communities across the globe to uncover and remedy the underlying issues contributing to species decline. Dr. Kira Mileham, the IUCN SSC Partnership Director, emphasized the magnitude of this initiative, stating, "This Center represents a pivotal moment in conservation, highlighting the necessity of centering people in the quest for species survival. By merging social science with biological science, we can mobilize societal actions that lead to a harmonious relationship between humans and nature."

As part of the announcement, selected media representatives and conservation advocates are invited to a press conference on September 9, 2025. This exclusive event will give attendees an early insight into the Center for Species Survival Behavior Change before its formal introduction at the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi this October. Members of the press interested in attending the press conference are encouraged to reach out for access.

For those seeking to learn more about this exciting initiative and the role of the various Centers for Species Survival, further information can be found at the IUCN website.

About The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is an established nonprofit organization dedicated to animal care, conservation, and education. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, it adheres to the highest industry standards. Its involvement in global conservation includes research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and educational outreach that also engages local communities. For over half a century, The Living Desert has served as a prominent attraction in Palm Springs, California.

About IUCN Species Survival Commission

The IUCN SSC, with over 11,500 members spanning 186 territories, stands as the largest IUCN expert commission. It plays a crucial role in encouraging and facilitating biodiversity conservation through comprehensive knowledge sharing, advocating for sustainable practices, and galvanizing conservation efforts worldwide. More details about their operations can be accessed on the IUCN website.