Interview with Rafael Zardoya, Director of Spain’s National Museum of Natural Sciences (Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales – MNCN), CSIC.
During the 2nd CETAF Directors’ Summit, held in November in Berlin, we had the opportunity to speak with several leading directors of natural history institutions across Europe. Their perspectives helped to outline the current landscape of natural science museums, the evolving role of collections, and the importance of taxonomy in addressing today’s global challenges.
In this edition of Faces of Taxonomy, we turn our attention to the National Museum of Natural Sciences of Spain (MNCN-CSIC). Through this conversation, we explore the relevance of natural history collections in understanding a rapidly changing world, the need for collaboration among institutions, and effective ways to engage society in biodiversity conservation—because #TaxonomyMatters, especially when it comes to preserving life on Earth.
The 2nd CETAF Directors’ Summit, organised with the support of the Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin / Freie Universität Berlin, brought together directors from across Europe to strengthen collaboration and exchange strategies to address the scientific, societal, and ethical challenges facing natural history institutions today. The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of building new partnerships to respond collectively to global environmental crises.
Rafael Zardoya shared his views on why cooperation among museums is essential in the face of the biodiversity and climate crises, and how organisations such as CETAF play a key role in helping society understand the value of taxonomic science.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing natural history museums and research institutions in Europe?
On a daily basis, we face problems related to limited resources, mainly staff, funding, and space. However, what concerns me most are the long-term challenges that derive from living in a highly polarised world. There is also the issue that politicians seem to have lost the sense that we are facing a truly global challenge with climate change and the biodiversity crisis.
How important is collaboration and unity among institutions when responding to global risks such as funding instability, populist pressures, cyberattacks, or political change?
From the discussions we are having these days among directors, it is clear that all institutions face very similar problems. It is therefore fundamental that we collaborate with a unique and strong voice, so that politicians and society understand that collaboration is essential if we want to address the environmental crisis we are facing.
“Natural history museums are in a privileged position to bridge science and society”
How do institutions like yours help build bridges between science and society, particularly to raise awareness of major risks such as biodiversity loss?
We are open institutions, and we are in a very privileged position because we can bridge science and society through our exhibitions and public engagement activities. We have strong educational initiatives, especially for children. We are losing some engagement with teenagers, but I think we need to better adapt to their needs. Adults, on the other hand, can be effectively engaged through citizen science.
Do you see a positive response from society to these initiatives?
Yes, when people come to the museum, they are very active. They ask questions and engage deeply with the activities we offer.
What role can CETAF play in strengthening collaboration with institutions such as yours, and what should be the main priorities for the CETAF community in the coming years
I envision three key initiatives that CETAF should pursue. The first is helping society understand why taxonomic science is important for addressing the biodiversity crisis. The second is to act more directly on European green policy. The third is to engage stakeholders, particularly private businesses and companies, while maintaining our scientific credibility and reputation.
“CETAF plays a key role in helping society understand why taxonomy matters”