The United Nations (UN’s) World Wildlife Day (WWD) is observed annually on 3rd March across the globe to honor and raise awareness about the diverse array of the world’s wild fauna (animals) and flora (plants). This day emphasizes the importance of conserving wildlife and the critical role that conservation plays in preserving our ecosystems.
- WWD also draws attention to the ongoing threats posed by wildlife crime and human activities that contribute to the decline of species, urging accelerated efforts to protect and sustain biodiversity.
- The theme for World Wildlife Day 2025, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” focuses on the importance of improving and making current financial efforts more effective and sustainable.
- World Wildlife Day 2025 will provide a platform to explore and share innovative financial solutions for wildlife conservation.
Background:
i.March 3rd was chosen to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
ii.On December 20, 2013, during its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3rd as WWD through resolution UN 68/205.
iii.Prior to this, during the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP16) held in Bangkok (Thailand) from March 3 to 14, 2013, a proposal from the Kingdom of Thailand led to the adoption of Resolution Conference 16.1.
iv.This resolution designated March 3rd as WWD and was subsequently endorsed by the UNGA.
- The first-ever WWD was observed on 3 March 2014.
Note: The CITES Secretariat, in collaboration with other relevant UN organizations, facilitates the implementation of WWD.
2025 Events:
WWD Day Events in India:
On WWD Day, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi went on a lion safari at the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Junagadh district, Gujarat during his state visit.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) in Junagadh, Gujarat. Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Bhupender Yadav, along with other board members, also attended the meeting.
- Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh and announced the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation set for May 2025.
- He announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management at SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and launched a book on river dolphins.
- The central government has approved Rs.2,900 crore for Project Lion, aimed at conserving Asiatic lions, which inhabit 30,000 sq. km across 53 talukas in 9 Gujarat districts.
- Additionally, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been developed with Indian Railways to prevent lion accidents on railway tracks in the Greater Gir region.
About National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
NBWL is a statutory body that advises the government on wildlife conservation and consists of 47 members.
- The Prime Minister serves as the ex-officio chairperson, while the Union Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change acts as the vice-chairperson.
Other Global Events
i.On the occasion of WWD, the CITES Secretariat, in collaboration with partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Wildlabs Community for Conservation Technology (WILDLABS), Jackson Wild, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) organized the high-level UN celebration event at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The Activities of event includes:
- World Wildlife Day Film Showcase: – Jackson Wild has organised this event which features films highlighting science, wildlife, and nature conservation with the theme “Wildlife Conservation Finance”.
- World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest – IFAW organized this contest to inspire youth artists aged 4-18 to create traditional artworks that highlight the significance of wildlife conservation.
Key Points:
i.Wildlife, encompassing species from highland steppes to coral reefs, plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems and supporting biodiversity, vital for human livelihoods and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ii.Forests alone are home to 60,000 tree species, 80% of amphibian species, and 75% of bird species, providing essential resources like food, medicine, and income to over 1.6 billion people.
iii.Additionally, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) aims to mobilize at least USD 200 billion annually for biodiversity and eliminate or reform harmful subsidies by 2030.
About Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
Secretary-General (SG)– Ivonne Higuero
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Established- 1973
Parties- 185 Parties including 184 countries and the European Union (EU).
