World Wildlife Day is celebrated on 3rd March every year as a part of the International Wildlife Organisation initiative. Recognised by the United Nations, this special day highlights the conservation of not only animals but also plants, as they are also part of the natural ecosystem. Urban development affects plant and animal species, making conservation efforts even more crucial.
As urbanisation expands, the number of trees, flora, fauna, and even wildlife is steadily decreasing. Wildlife faces threats caused not only by encroaching settlements but also by poaching and illegal trade. To raise awareness about these critical issues, World Wildlife Day is observed every year on March 3rd.
History Of World Wildlife Day:Â
According to many sources, the concept of a World Wildlife Day was first proposed by Thailand at the United Nations in the year 2013. This proposal was accepted formally on 20 December of the same year. The first-ever World Wildlife Day was celebrated on March 3rd, 2014. The date was particularly chosen to celebrate the signing of the “Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)” in the year 1973, which is a significant agreement for wildlife conservation.
Importance Of Biodiversity:
The world is home to innumerable species other than humans. Together, all these species form a very large and diverse web. Each species has a way of survival and has some dietary needs. Whereas plants produce their own food, such dependence is not for other living people and animals; they all depend on plants or other animals for their food. This interconnected system forms a balanced ecosystem. If the ecosystem is disrupted, it will have severe consequences, even for humans, as they are also part of this food chain.
Theme For World Wildlife Day 2025:
World Wildlife Day has its theme that changes every year. For 2025, the theme is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”. This theme indicates the crucial need for finding new financial resources to support conservation projects while acknowledging the essential role of wildlife in the survival of ecosystems, economies, and human well-being.