World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on March 3rd. It was first established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2013, to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and to promote the protection of wild animals and plants.
The theme for World Wildlife Day changes every year to highlight a specific issue related to wildlife conservation. Some of the past themes have included “Sustaining All Life on Earth” (2020). “Big Cats: Predators Under Threat” (2018), and “Listen to the Young Voices” (2017).
The United Nations also uses this day to promote various initiatives
The United Nations also uses this day to promote various initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting wildlife. These initiatives include funding research and conservation programs. Also developing policies and legislation to protect wildlife and their habitats, and promoting sustainable practices.
Many organizations and individuals around the world participate in World Wildlife Day by organizing events. And campaigns to raise awareness and encourage action towards wildlife conservation. These events include educational activities, community cleanups, and fundraising initiatives.
Overall, World Wildlife Day serves as a reminder of the important role that wildlife plays in our world. And the need to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Here are some additional information about World Wildlife Day:
The date of March 3rd was picked to mark the acceptance of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. Which is an agreement between governments. And that makes sure that the international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not endanger their survival.
The United Nations General Assembly designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of World Wildlife Day. And in collaboration with other relevant organizations.
The goal of World Wildlife Day is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats. And as well as to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the world’s flora and fauna.
According to the United Nations, one million plant and animal species are currently threatened with extinction. Also largely due to human activities such as habitat destruction, over-exploitation, and climate change.
Sustaining People and Planet
The theme for World Wildlife Day 2021 was “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet“. And which aimed to raise awareness of the vital role that forests. And their biodiversity play in the livelihoods of people, especially indigenous and local communities.
In 2022, the theme for World Wildlife Day was “Wildlife in Emergency: Lend a Hand to Save Lives”. Also which focused on the need to protect wildlife during and after emergencies. Such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and conflicts.
Here are some additional facts about World Wildlife Day:
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2021-2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The Decade aims to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. Also including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and oceans, and to enhance the recovery of degraded and destroyed ecosystems.
The illegal wildlife trade is a major threat to the survival of many species. It is estimated to be worth between $7 billion and $23 billion annually. And includes activities such as poaching, trafficking, and smuggling of wildlife and their products. World Wildlife Day aims to raise awareness of this issue and promote efforts to combat it.
Many zoos and aquariums around the world use World Wildlife Day as an opportunity to educate their visitors about the importance of conservation. And the work they do to protect endangered species.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has developed the Wild for Life campaign. And which encourages individuals to take action to protect wildlife and raise awareness of the impact of wildlife crime. The campaign focuses on 17 iconic species, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, and pangolins.
Many countries have their own national days or weeks dedicated to wildlife conservation. For example, in the United States, National Wildlife Day is celebrated on September 4th. While National Wildlife Week is observed in Canada from April 4th to 10th. These events aim to raise awareness of local wildlife issues and promote conservation efforts.
World Wildlife Day is marked each year on March 3rd
World Wildlife Day is marked each year on March 3rd in honour of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on this day in 1973. CITES is an international agreement designed to protect endangered and threatened species from illegal and unsustainable exploitation. This day was established to celebrate and raise awareness for all of the wild species in the world. And as well as to highlight the issues surrounding their conservation and protection.
Starting from a local level, World Wildlife Day is celebrated through hosting events. And programs to increase public education on the issue of wildlife conservation. These events could include demonstrations, community cleanups, wildlife simulations or display booths. Activities help to educate the public – in particular, younger generations – on the issues of conservation and endangered populations.
To raise awareness on a global level
It is just as important, if not more so, to raise awareness on a global level. And especially in regards to finding solutions to conservation challenges. International organizations and governments, such as the United Nations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and others, have organized conferences. Also seminars and other events to create strategies to ensure the survival of threatened. And endangered species all around the world.
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An important factor in the conservation of wildlife
An important factor in the conservation of wildlife is the concept of sustainable use and wildlife management. Sustainable use is the idea of using wildlife for benefits such as food, clothing. And medicine. But also in a way that does not harm the species and allows for future generations to continue doing so. Sustainable use requires proper wildlife management. And which is the practice of ensuring that a species is not over utilized. And that its habitat is protected from destruction.
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The issue of conservation is a difficult
While the issue of conservation is a difficult and often controversial one. World Wildlife Day is a reminder and celebration of all the amazing and beautiful wildlife around the world. And how we should strive to protect it. World Wildlife Day provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our personal values. And actions in regards to conservation and act accordingly. With the right kind of determination and awareness, humans can help protect not only endangered species, but our entire planet.
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