PPG Industries, PPG Industries Foundation, and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium have renewed their partnership, which was initiated in 2001 and scheduled to expire in 2012.

During a ceremony at the zoo, PPG chairman and chief executive Charles Bunch announced a $6.9 million contribution over 10 years and introduced the PPG Conservation and Sustainability Fund. This fund awards grants to help support a variety of field studies and projects with a multidisciplinary approach to conservation. It will enable the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium to support research and conservation work around the world, especially in countries where PPG operates.

“PPG and the Pittsburgh Zoo are both long-standing, sound and deep-rooted Pittsburgh institutions,” said Bunch. “At PPG, we believe that this partnership helps to underscore our commitment to the Pittsburgh area—a place that we have called ‘home’ for more than 127 years.”

“PPG Industries is more than a sponsor; they are our partner, and together we are pioneering new and exciting efforts to support wildlife conservation around the world,” said Dr. Barbara Baker, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. “In the past 10 years we have developed the PPG Aquarium into a world-class marine environment, reached a benchmark of one million visitors, built the state-of-the-art Water’s Edge habitat and now are one of the top 10 zoos in the country.”

The new 10-year agreement also supports expansion projects at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, such as the Animal Health and Education Center slated for completion in 2012, and a new Top of the World reptile and mixed-species habitat to be built on undeveloped land at the Zoo.

“By supporting the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, we believe that we’re clearly enhancing the region’s value,” Bunch said. “The zoo plays a key role in educating all of its visitors, and notably children, about the importance of preserving and protecting the world in which we live. As such, our partnership also underscores a shared commitment to sustainability, conservation and education.”

In addition to supporting conservation efforts, PPG Industries and PPG Industries Foundation also sponsor the zoo’s annual PPG Party for the Planet and PPG Festival of Water events and are naming sponsors of the PPG Aquarium.