World Wildlife Day: Celebrating and Protecting Nature
World Wildlife Day, observed annually on March 3, is a global celebration dedicated to raising awareness about the world’s wild animals and plants. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 to coincide with the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. This day emphasizes the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable practices to ensure the survival of species and ecosystems for future generations.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: March 3
- Tagged as: A day to celebrate and raise awareness about wildlife conservation
- What’s the hashtag?: #WorldWildlifeDay
- When was it founded?: December 20, 2013
- Who founded it?: United Nations General Assembly
History of World Wildlife Day
The idea for World Wildlife Day was proposed by Thailand during the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES in 2013. Later that year, the UN General Assembly officially designated March 3 as World Wildlife Day. The date marks the adoption of CITES in 1973, a pivotal international agreement aimed at ensuring that trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Timeline
- 1900: The Lacey Act becomes the first U.S. wildlife conservation law.
- 1948: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is established.
- 1961: The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is founded to protect endangered species.
- 1973: CITES is signed to regulate international wildlife trade.
- 2013: UN declares March 3 as World Wildlife Day.
Dates for Upcoming Years (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 3 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | March 3 | Friday |
| 2029 | March 3 | Saturday |
| 2030 | March 3 | Sunday |
Observed Activities
World Wildlife Day is celebrated through various activities, including educational programs, wildlife-themed events, tree planting campaigns, and social media advocacy using official hashtags. Schools, organizations, and governments host events to promote conservation efforts.
Fun Facts About World Wildlife Day
- There are over 8.7 million species of plants and animals on Earth, with many still undiscovered.
- Rainforests cover only 6% of Earth’s land area, but they house more than half of all species.
- Coral reefs are often called “rainforests of the sea” due to their incredible biodiversity.
Quiz
- What year was CITES signed?
- Which country proposed World Wildlife Day?
- What is the theme for World Wildlife Day in recent years?
(Answers:)
- 1973
- Thailand
- Themes vary annually; examples include “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation” or “Sustaining All Life on Earth.”
FAQs
- Why is World Wildlife Day important?
It raises awareness about biodiversity loss and promotes conservation efforts globally. - How can I participate?
You can join local events, share information on social media, or support wildlife conservation organizations.
Related Topics
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Endangered Species Protection
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDG #15)
Let’s come together this World Wildlife Day to celebrate our planet’s incredible biodiversity and take action to protect it!