World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on the 3rd of March since 2013. The date chosen coincides with the day the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which was signed in 1973.
The UNGA resolution also designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar.
Theme: 'Sustaining all Life on Earth', highlights the unique place of wild fauna and flora as essential components of the world’s biodiversity.
The year 2020, known as “biodiversity super year,” will host several major global events that place biodiversity at the forefront.
This aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals1, 12, 14 and 15, and their wide-ranging commitments on alleviating poverty, ensuring sustainable use of resources, and on conserving life both on land and below water to halt biodiversity loss.
Goal 1: No Poverty
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption And Production
Goal 14: Life Below Water
Goal 15: Life On Land
Our planet is currently facing the urgent challenge that is the loss of biodiversity and up to a million species could disappear in the coming decades if unsustainable human activity, climate change and habitat degradation are left unchecked.
There might come a time when these species remain only in videos for future generations to see.
