World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on March 3rd to raise awareness about the world’s wild animals and plants. The day highlights the importance of conservation and sustainable use of wildlife, addressing threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade.
Each year, there is a specific theme focusing on different aspects of wildlife conservation.
Find out more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPEDvG66cXM
Why was World Wildlife Day established?
It was established by the United Nations in 2013 to raise awareness about the conservation of wildlife and ecosystems.
What is the significance of March 3rd?
It marks the anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which was signed in 1973.
What is the theme for World Wildlife Day 2025?
The theme is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”
Why is financial investment in wildlife conservation important?
Over half of the world’s GDP depends on nature, and biodiversity loss threatens global economies and livelihoods.
How much money is currently invested in biodiversity conservation each year?
Around USD 143 billion is invested annually.
How much more funding is needed?
Experts estimate that USD 824 billion per year is required to effectively protect global biodiversity.
What financial strategies are being used to support wildlife conservation?
Some strategies include:
- Debt-for-Nature swaps (reducing national debt in exchange for conservation efforts).
- Wildlife Conservation Bonds (raising funds through investments).
- Payments for Ecosystem Services (rewarding people for protecting nature).
What milestone does 2025 mark for CITES?
It is the 50th anniversary of CITES, highlighting five decades of global efforts to protect endangered species.
WILDLIFE FACTS!!!
🌍 Over 8 million species of plants and animals exist on Earth, but around 1 million are at risk of extinction, according to the UN.
💰 The Illegal wildlife trade is worth up to $20 billion annually, making it one of the world’s largest illegal industries, alongside drugs and arms trafficking.
🦏 The black rhino population dropped by 98% between 1960 and 1995 due to poaching, but thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers are slowly recovering.
🐝 About 75% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds—without them, food production would plummet.
🌳 Forests cover about 31% of Earth’s land area, but they are disappearing rapidly – about 10 million hectares of forest are lost each year due to deforestation.
🌊 Oceans absorb about 30% of human-produced CO₂, helping to regulate the planet’s climate, but pollution and overfishing threaten marine ecosystems.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?
There are many ways you can help protect wildlife and support conservation efforts! Here are some practical actions:
1. Support Conservation Organisations
🌍 Donate to or volunteer with reputable wildlife conservation groups like:
- WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
🤝 Adopt an animal symbolically—many organisations offer adoption programs where your contribution helps protect endangered species.
2. Make Eco-Friendly and Ethical Choices
🥦 Adopt a vegan/plant-based diet – Remove meat, fish and animal by-products from your diet to dramatically reduce your carbon footprint and cause less harm to our fellow earthlings.
🌱 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Cut down on waste to protect habitats.
❌ Say No to Single-Use Plastics – Plastic pollution harms marine life.
👕 Buy Sustainable Products – Avoid products made from endangered species (e.g., ivory, exotic wood, or shark-fin products).
💡 Support Ethical Brands – Choose companies that prioritise sustainability.
🌍 Support Renewable Energy – Transition to clean energy sources to reduce environmental impact and combat climate change.
3. Protect Wildlife Habitats
🏡 Plant Native Plants – Create a wildlife-friendly garden to support birds, bees, and butterflies.
🚯 Reduce Pesticide Use – Harmful chemicals kill pollinators and small animals.
🌲 Support Reforestation Efforts – Trees provide essential habitats for many species.
4. Be a Responsible Tourist
🐘 Avoid Attractions That Exploit Animals – Don’t ride elephants or visit places that mistreat wildlife.
🦈 Say No to Wildlife Souvenirs – Avoid buying products made from endangered species.
🚶♂️ Follow “Leave No Trace” Principles – Respect nature when hiking or visiting parks.
5. Raise Awareness & Advocate for Change
📢 Spread the Word – Share wildlife conservation facts on social media.
📝 Sign Petitions – Support laws that protect endangered species.
📚 Educate Yourself & Others – Learn about wildlife issues and share knowledge with friends and family.
Where can I learn more about World Wildlife Day 2025?
Visit the official website: wildlifeday.org or check out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WorldWildlifeDay for more insights into this all-important day which raises global awareness about wildlife conservation, highlights urgent environmental challenges, and inspires action to protect our planet’s biodiversity. Don’t forget to take the quiz which includes questions such as…
A significant event will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CET at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, focusing on “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” The event will feature a musical performance with medicinal plants, an expert panel discussion, statements from Member States, the announcement of the winner of the 2025 International Youth Art Contest, and a trailer premiere of the 2025 Jackson Wild Film Showcase. The celebration will be livestreamed on the World Wildlife Day YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4kfldDNrCw
Together we can raise awareness about wildlife conservation, support efforts to protect endangered species, advocate for policies, educate others and take personal action while celebrating the sheer beauty of our natural world.
