Located next to the Bardenas Reales, Sendaviva has transformed the experience of a theme park into a real opportunity for conservation and environmental education. Through scientific partnerships, coordinated breeding programs, and a firm commitment to certified sustainability, this unique space demonstrates that entertainment and biodiversity preservation can go hand in hand. With the Biosphere Certified label as a guarantee, Sendaviva leads a model of responsible tourism aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Conservation, education, and enjoyment in one place thanks to Sendaviva’s sustainable model.

In the unique natural environment of the Bardenas Reales of Navarre, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, lies Sendaviva, a park that has evolved beyond the traditional concept of a zoo or amusement park. Here, fun coexists with respect for the environment, commitment to biodiversity, and the transmission of sustainable values. Sendaviva not only offers shows, attractions, and a valuable collection of wildlife, but is also a place that inspires, educates, and acts responsibly.

At a time when society demands real sustainability commitments from recreational spaces, Sendaviva stands out as a benchmark. The park has understood that its mission cannot be limited to entertainment. That is why it has fully integrated three fundamental pillars: conservation, research, and environmental education.

These areas are increasingly interconnected. The current trend in zoos and wildlife centers is to develop applied research projects, where scientific knowledge translates into concrete conservation actions. In this sense, spaces like Sendaviva become true living laboratories.

Conservation that is lived and shared.

The potential for action in conservation by a park like Sendaviva is vast and high-impact. Many of these initiatives are carried out in collaboration with universities, scientific institutions, and public agencies. This network of partnerships creates unique synergies, where the park provides infrastructure, human resources, and operational expertise, while research centers contribute methodologies, analysis, and scientific monitoring.

A notable example is the collaboration in the university field to carry out joint studies, such as the analysis of how the diet of animals is reflected in the DNA present in their feces. In this case, Sendaviva has provided a controlled environment that allows sampling with guarantees, thanks to predefined diets that ensure the reliability of the data obtained.

Another exemplary case, in the scientific field, is the monitoring of wild small mammals. In one area of the park, monitoring stations have been installed that allow the capture, marking, and release of specimens twice a year, generating continuous data on the evolution of their populations. Sendaviva provides the study area, technical equipment, and qualified staff, while the university is responsible for the statistical analysis and scientific interpretation of the results.

This collaboration model shows how theme parks can become key allies for scientific conservation, going beyond their traditional recreational role.

Breeding and coordinated programs with real impact.

In addition to its research activities, Sendaviva is an active participant in European programs for the conservation of endangered species. Through its collaboration with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), the park participates in ex situ breeding programs for species such as the otter, squirrel monkey, and Siberian tiger.

These programs are managed by specialized coordinators who have in-depth knowledge of each species’ genetics, biology, and needs. The goal may be reintroduction into natural habitats or the creation of a solid genetic reservoir. In any case, it is meticulous, long-term work based on scientific criteria and animal welfare.

Thanks to this work, Sendaviva actively contributes to the protection of endangered species and the maintenance of biological diversity in Europe.

Sustainability that goes beyond a commitment.

Since 2021, Sendaviva has been part of the international Biosphere community and has annually renewed its Biosphere Certified label, which recognizes the effective implementation of good sustainability practices.

This certification not only ensures compliance with environmental, social, and economic criteria but also certifies continuous monitoring of indicators and a firm will for constant improvement. Some of the park’s notable actions include:

• Prevention of water pollution through control and treatment systems.
• Environmental education programs aimed at schoolchildren and families.
• Measures to reduce food waste in its food service areas.
• Responsible waste management and energy efficiency.

All these actions have been audited and validated, making Sendaviva an exemplary case of a theme park with sustainable management and a transformative vision.

Between science and emotion: educating for a better future.

Sendaviva shows that conservation is not at odds with emotion. On the contrary, emotions are the perfect vehicle for education. Every visit to the park is an opportunity to connect with nature, to understand the complexity of the animal world, and to awaken a stronger ecological awareness in visitors.

For this reason, the park designs experiences that combine entertainment and learning, where each show or animal encounter conveys a message of respect, knowledge, and commitment to life.

Commitment to the SDGs and conservation in service to the planet.

Sendaviva’s management model is directly aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 4 (Quality Education), through its environmental awareness and training programs.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), through efficient use of resources and waste minimization.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action), with specific initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land), through its breeding, conservation, and species research programs.

Sendaviva reminds us that entertainment can also be transformative, and that theme parks have a key role in building a fairer, more conscious, and more biodiverse world. A visit to Sendaviva is not just a leisure experience, but an invitation to see nature with new eyes—through emotion, science, and sustainability.

Do you want to visit a theme park that actively contributes to the planet’s well-being and promotes a new way of enjoying family leisure responsibly?

Sendaviva is a clear Biosphere success story. Thanks to the effective implementation of the Biosphere sustainability management tool, it has consolidated a model of a park committed to conservation, environmental education, and continuous improvement.

Holding the Biosphere Certified label is proof that it is possible to entertain, educate, and preserve at the same time, showing that sustainability is not just a goal but a reality lived every day.

Photos: Sendaviva