BY DR. RAVINDER PALL SAINI,
INDIAN FOREST SERVICE ( RETIRED),
MEMBER, BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION,
FOREST RESEARCH UNIVERSITY,
DEHRADUN.
DEHRADUN, 3 MARCH 2025:
World Wildlife Day, celebrated every year on 3 March, observes the day to mark the CITES i.e. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in 1973.
The theme for 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation and Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” It emphasizes the critical need for innovative financial solutions to support conservation projects while recognizing the indispensable role of wildlife in sustaining ecosystems, economies, and human well-being.
“Digital innovation is transforming the way we safeguard our invaluable biodiversity. Groundbreaking apps now enable us to tell different tiger species apart in seconds. Drones are helping us roam large areas to locate sea turtle nesting sites. Advanced tracking systems, real-time data analytics, and artificial intelligence-driven solutions are empowering conservationists across the globe with unprecedented tools to help identify, monitor, track and ultimately preserve wildlife. However, as we leverage our growing technological capacities, we must also revitalize our commitments to sustainable development. This includes preventing destructive ecological impacts, mitigating threats to species and livelihoods arising from the misuse of technology, and ensuring digital inclusion for all by 2030”.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero.
The day is about raising awareness about wildlife and educating yourself and others about the diversity and importance of flora and fauna across the world. In other words, it is the celebration of the beautiful biodiversity that exists on our planet.
History and significance:
On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 March – the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973 – as UN World Wildlife Day.
Habitat loss, climate change and poaching are among the most alarming challenges faced by wildlife today. Poaching and trafficking of wildlife is now the most immediate threat to many species, whether charismatic or less known. The fate of the world’s wildlife will soon be in the hands of the next generation. The pressing need for enhanced action to ensure the survival of wildlife in its natural habitats must be imparted from generation to generation, and the youth should have the opportunity to communicate the conservation goals to a wider society.
The secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), in collaboration with other relevant United Nations organizations, facilitates the implementation of World Wildlife Day.
With over 183 Member States, CITES remains one of the world’s most powerful tools for biodiversity conservation through the regulation of trade in wild fauna and flora.
Yearly Themes and Activities:
Since 2014, the international community has been celebrating World Wildlife Day with a different theme selected for each year. Find more information for each year below:
2025 l Wildlife Conservation and Finance: Investing in People and Planet.
2024 | Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation
2023 | Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation
2022 | Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration.
2021 | Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet
2020 | Sustaining all life on Earth.
2019 | Life below water: for people and planet
2018 | Big cats: predators under threat
2017 | Listen to the young voices.
2016 | The future of wildlife is in our hands.
2015 | It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime.
2014 | First Celebration
(Pics by author and some adapted from World Wildlife UNO site & Geneva Environment Network).
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