Context: World Wildlife Day, observed annually on 3 March, is a global event that highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and celebrates the diverse array of species inhabiting our planet.

• Theme for 2024: “Connecting People and Earth: Discovering Innovations for Wildlife,” emphasizing the importance of digital innovation in advancing conservation efforts.

• It underscores the transformative potential of digital technology in monitoring wildlife populations, combating illegal activities, and raising awareness about wildlife conservation on a global scale.

History of World Wildlife Day: Celebrating Nature’s Legacy

• World Wildlife Day was first proposed by Thailand to the United Nations General Assembly in 2013.

• The United Nation General Assembly adopted a resolution on December 20, 2013, designating March 3rd as World Wildlife Day, to coincide with the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.

• Aim: Promoting awareness of wild animals and plants worldwide.

World Wildlife Day: Nurturing Nature through Digital Innovation and Sustainable Collaboration

• It provides a platform to highlight the intrinsic value of wildlife and the urgent need to protect it from various threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. It serves as a call to action to promote sustainable practices that can help preserve biodiversity and protect wildlife habitats for future generations.

• Digital Innovation in Conservation: Digital innovation has revolutionized conservation practices, enabling real-time data gathering and monitoring of wildlife habitats with unprecedented accuracy.

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow for mapping of critical habitats and migration routes, facilitating targeted conservation efforts.

• Social media platforms provide a tool for raising awareness and mobilizing support for conservation initiatives on a global scale.

• Collaborative Conservation Efforts: World Wildlife Day emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts between governments, NGOs, local communities, and individuals in conserving biodiversity.

• Digital platforms facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, enabling the development of innovative solutions to conservation challenges.

• Promoting Sustainable Practices: At its core, World Wildlife Day advocates for sustainable practices that preserve biodiversity and protect wildlife habitats.

• Individuals can contribute to conservation efforts by reducing plastic pollution, supporting sustainable agriculture, and promoting eco-tourism.

• Making conscious choices and supporting ethical brands can collectively reduce our ecological footprint and safeguard the planet’s rich biodiversity.

Celebrating World Wildlife Day: Awareness, Action, and Sustainability

• World Wildlife Day is celebrated through various events and activities organized by governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), conservation groups, schools, and communities worldwide.

• These activities include educational workshops, seminars, film screenings, art exhibitions, nature walks, tree planting, and wildlife photography contests, among others.

• The goal of these celebrations is to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and inspire people to take action to protect and preserve wildlife and their habitats.

• Promote conservation and sustainable practice: Reducing plastic waste, supporting eco-friendly products, conserving water and energy, participating in wildlife conservation projects, and advocating for policies that protect wildlife and their habitats.

• By promoting conservation and sustainable practices, we can help preserve biodiversity and ensure the long-term survival of endangered species.

Additional Facts

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 1973

• CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals.

• Background: Resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

• CITES entered into force on 1 July 1975.

• CITES is legally binding on state parties to the convention, which are obliged to adopt their own domestic legislation to implement its goals.

Objective of CITES

• Aim: To ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

• It accords varying degrees of protection to more than 35,000 species of animals and plants.

Classifications of CITES Appendix

• Appendix I: It lists species that are in danger of extinction. 

• It prohibits commercial trade of these plants and animals except in extraordinary situations for scientific or educational reasons.

• Appendix II species: They are those that are not threatened with extinction but that might suffer a serious decline in number if trade is not restricted. 

• Their trade is regulated by permit.

• Appendix III species: They are protected in at least one country that is a CITES member state and that has petitioned others for help in controlling international trade in that species.

Conclusion

• World Wildlife Day is a time to celebrate the beauty and diversity of wildlife, while also recognizing the challenges facing many species around the world. By raising awareness, promoting conservation efforts, and advocating for sustainable practices, we can all contribute to protecting wildlife and preserving our planet for future generations to enjoy.