Peace and Prosperity In A Changing World: AZA Conference Reflections
21/09/20 18:24 Filed in: AZA Conference Post | Zoo Design theory
By Gail Lash, PhD
Well, it’s a wrap! The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) 2020 Annual Conference ended last Friday (18 September). As I write this reflection, today 21 September is the United Nations International Day of Peace. Because I live in Belize, Central America, I also recognize that this auspicious day is Belize’s 39th Independence Day. Its theme, "Overcoming Adversity, Creating Opportunity, Belizeans: Unite for Prosperity!" was created by a 13-year-old girl from the town I live in, San Ignacio.
Well, it’s a wrap! The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) 2020 Annual Conference ended last Friday (18 September). As I write this reflection, today 21 September is the United Nations International Day of Peace. Because I live in Belize, Central America, I also recognize that this auspicious day is Belize’s 39th Independence Day. Its theme, "Overcoming Adversity, Creating Opportunity, Belizeans: Unite for Prosperity!" was created by a 13-year-old girl from the town I live in, San Ignacio.
Peace. Freedom. Independence. Opportunity. Prosperity. We humans (and I dare say all species) want these. These concepts were explored at length in the AZA talks. Mental health tools for our stressed staff, virtual educational and marketing opportunities abounding, new revenue streams, expansive spaces for animals under human care, quiet zen moments and rooms with bubble walls for children and parents, opportunities to link conservation messages to COVID-19 pandemic to illustrate our global interdependence regarding future prosperity.
The Women In Leadership panel expressed that it is time for leaders to be both vulnerable and authentic. Take time for reflection. Develop your own “peace routine”. Manage your energy. Be your own brand. Don’t be concerned about fitting into a mold; bring your whole, unique self to the Table of Life. Dr. Kathayoon Khalil quoted from “The Alchemist” by saying, “You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say.” Say Yes to the right (heart-approved) opportunities. Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman shared, “You are multi-faceted. Know which facets/qualities to show to each person you are with.”
Bert Castro gave one of the most brilliant Chair of AZA Board speeches that I’ve heard. Listen to it here: https://www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/bert-castro-addresses-azas-2020-virtual-annual-conference-attendees Citing as example the work of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, he points out that we have to uplift the lives of local people, in order to sustain conservation. People come first. No lasting, peaceful, solutions for animal (and human) welfare can be obtained unless and until cooperation, unity, and justice are in place. Bert links his personal story as a Cuban immigrant to current needs for racial unity, social justice, and DEIA reform – both in AZA and in the world. “We must support and protect human diversity, as we do biological diversity.”
This world is changing in so many ways that it is hard to keep up. Change can be stressful, particularly when so much “fear energy” is in the air. Change can also bring so many wonderful new possibilities. We’ve all heard, “necessity is the mother of invention”. It is time to invent new standards and actions, creating a world of prosperity, justice, freedom, and opportunity for all. I invite you to reflect on the amazing person that you are. What are the multi-faceted qualities, skills, talents, values, vulnerabilities that you bring to this table for societal change? Embrace these! Help to envision and build a new society of peace. Let go of doubt and anxiety. Breathe in your independence, freedom, unity, cooperation, opportunity and prosperity. Breathe out peace.
AZA member institutions and organizations can foster cultures of care and conservation by transforming themselves into 21st-century peace sanctuaries. See our article “Give Peace A Chance” written in 2015 for Center For Humans & Nature at: https://www.humansandnature.org/give-peace-a-chance Imagine a “Peace Zoo/Aquarium”. Humanity is in need of and ready for it now.
The Women In Leadership panel expressed that it is time for leaders to be both vulnerable and authentic. Take time for reflection. Develop your own “peace routine”. Manage your energy. Be your own brand. Don’t be concerned about fitting into a mold; bring your whole, unique self to the Table of Life. Dr. Kathayoon Khalil quoted from “The Alchemist” by saying, “You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it’s better to listen to what it has to say.” Say Yes to the right (heart-approved) opportunities. Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman shared, “You are multi-faceted. Know which facets/qualities to show to each person you are with.”
Bert Castro gave one of the most brilliant Chair of AZA Board speeches that I’ve heard. Listen to it here: https://www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/bert-castro-addresses-azas-2020-virtual-annual-conference-attendees Citing as example the work of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, he points out that we have to uplift the lives of local people, in order to sustain conservation. People come first. No lasting, peaceful, solutions for animal (and human) welfare can be obtained unless and until cooperation, unity, and justice are in place. Bert links his personal story as a Cuban immigrant to current needs for racial unity, social justice, and DEIA reform – both in AZA and in the world. “We must support and protect human diversity, as we do biological diversity.”
This world is changing in so many ways that it is hard to keep up. Change can be stressful, particularly when so much “fear energy” is in the air. Change can also bring so many wonderful new possibilities. We’ve all heard, “necessity is the mother of invention”. It is time to invent new standards and actions, creating a world of prosperity, justice, freedom, and opportunity for all. I invite you to reflect on the amazing person that you are. What are the multi-faceted qualities, skills, talents, values, vulnerabilities that you bring to this table for societal change? Embrace these! Help to envision and build a new society of peace. Let go of doubt and anxiety. Breathe in your independence, freedom, unity, cooperation, opportunity and prosperity. Breathe out peace.
AZA member institutions and organizations can foster cultures of care and conservation by transforming themselves into 21st-century peace sanctuaries. See our article “Give Peace A Chance” written in 2015 for Center For Humans & Nature at: https://www.humansandnature.org/give-peace-a-chance Imagine a “Peace Zoo/Aquarium”. Humanity is in need of and ready for it now.