Over 50 directors from Natural History Museums (NHMs) and Botanical Gardens across Europe gathered for the first time in person in Madrid, marking a milestone since the foundation of CETAF (Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities). Hosted by the National Museum of Natural Sciences of Madrid (MNCN-CSIC), this event reinforced collective action to combat biodiversity loss and geodiversity degradation. The directors endorsed CETAF’s 2025–2030 strategy and committed to advancing its ambitious vision and objectives.
CETAF56 served as a vital platform to discuss CETAF’s new 5-year strategic plan (2025–2030) and define a shared vision.
To begin with, MNCN Director Rafael Zardoya officially opened the event, joined by Isabel Díaz, Deputy Vice-President of International Cooperation at CSIC, and CETAF President Edwin Van Huis.
In his opening remarks, Van Huis emphasized the need for unity:
“To make an impact on the global stage, our voice must be unified. This historic Directors’ Summit offers a unique chance to boost our collaboration and shape CETAF’s 2030 strategy. It also strengthens our influence in key decision-making processes.”
Following the opening, discussions focused on two central themes:
First, the urgency to act. Biodiversity is declining at alarming rates, and geodiversity is rapidly degrading. As a result, essential ecosystems are increasingly at risk.
Second, setting a strategic direction. Participants collaborated on refining CETAF’s plan for 2025–2030, which is structured around four strategic objectives:
Inspirational talks and discussions highlighted the vital role of Natural History Museums (NHMs) and Botanical Gardens in leading public awareness and science-based responses to environmental challenges.
Speakers Pieter Hemels, Marie Stenseke, and Jorge López Conde stressed these institutions’ duty to provide science-driven solutions and raise awareness of the planetary crisis.
A panel, moderated by Katrin Vohland, featured calls for urgent action. Lisa Skjelkvåle, Director of Oslo NHM, urged collaboration to address biodiversity loss.
Thomas Borsch, Director of Berlin Botanical Garden, warned about public unawareness and overreliance on technology, urging respect for nature.
Finally, Doug Gurr, Director of London NHM, highlighted the unique public trust museums and gardens hold, positioning them to lead change.
Ultimately, CETAF56 concluded with unanimous support for CETAF’s new strategic plan, which focuses on four key priorities:
First, Policy Engagement: Strengthening the influence of NHMs and Botanical Gardens on environmental policy-making.
Second, Scientific Collaboration: Advancing integrative taxonomy and ensuring open access to biodiversity data.
Third, Public Engagement: Expanding awareness through education, outreach, and citizen science.
Finally, Sustainability Goals: Contributing to Europe’s vision for biodiversity-positive actions.
As part of the closing remarks, Jana Hoffmann, CETAF Vice-President, stated:
“Our institutions hold invaluable collections and conduct vital research. These form the backbone of our response to biodiversity loss.”
Furthermore, she added: “With a solid knowledge base and over 50 directors endorsing our strategy, we’re ready to promote science-led policy and engage the public.”
Recognizing the value of collective effort, CETAF directors agreed to meet annually to strengthen collaboration and promote shared action. The first CETAF Community Meeting is planned for May 2025 in Luxembourg.
Additionally, Berlin will host the next Directors’ Summit in November 2025. Together, these events aim to coordinate joint initiatives and align strategies for biodiversity conservation and knowledge sharing. This reinforces CETAF’s long-term commitment to united, science-driven efforts.
In conclusion, the event confirmed the united resolve of Europe’s leading NHMs and Botanical Gardens. Looking forward, they pledge bold, decisive action to protect the planet’s natural heritage and tackle biodiversity loss. Their collaboration will be key to driving meaningful environmental change across Europe and beyond.
