New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, presided over a meeting with the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) on Tuesday, leading to the formation of a sub-committee aimed at exploring the potential of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions for zoos.

The 43rd CZA meeting also tackled matters concerning ex-situ conservation and the management and assessment of zoos nationwide, according to an official statement.

During the Chief Wildlife Warden and Zoo Directors’ Conference, the Minister urged officials to consider if they were adhering to the best global practices and learning from international experiences.

He pointed out that the younger generation is becoming increasingly immersed in virtual reality through mobile devices, leading to a diminishing awareness of the natural wonders surrounding them.

In this regard, he emphasized that zoos are crucial in educating urban youth about the natural world.

In a social media post, the Minister revealed that the meeting extensively discussed matters related to ex-situ conservation and zoo management across the nation.

He also directed the completion of the second round of the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) for zoos across the country.

Yadav stressed that the MEE process is a comprehensive, evidence-based, independent assessment that promotes the highest standards within zoos.

One of the key objectives outlined in the National Policy on Zoos is to foster empathy for wildlife among visitors and raise awareness about the necessity for conserving natural resources and maintaining ecological balance, as stated in the announcement.

To realize this goal, it was emphasized that zoos should enhance their outreach efforts by creating an annual calendar and action plan for significant observances, alongside assigning specific roles to each zoo.

The Central Zoo Authority, a statutory entity under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, also marked its 34th Foundation Day during this event. It coincided with the Chief Wildlife Warden and Zoo Directors’ Conference, offering a shared platform for discussions on zoo management and wildlife conservation.

During the inaugural session, the Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, remarked that a zoo is not merely a place for animal display, but also serves as a vital resource for researchers and scientists to deepen their understanding of animal behavior, care, and medical advancements.

“We are caring for vulnerable, defenseless animals, and we must be very sensitive to explore all possible improvements,” he added.