World Wildlife Day
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Overview
World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on March 3rd to raise awareness of the world's wild animals and plants. It highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable use to ensure their long-term survival and coexistence with humanity. The day also serves as a reminder of the urgent need to combat wildlife crime and human-induced reduction of species.
Origin and story
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 3rd as World Wildlife Day in 2013.
The date of March 3rd was chosen because it is the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
Quick facts
- DateMarch 3
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to celebrate
The date behind World Wildlife Day marks a treaty that still decides, species by species, what can legally cross a border.
What CITES actually does
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed by representatives of 80 countries in Washington, D.C. on March 3, 1973, regulates and monitors the international trade of tens of thousands of animal and plant species, from elephant ivory to orchids, to make sure that trade doesn't push them toward extinction. It remains one of the most widely adopted conservation agreements in the world.
Ways to mark the day
- Learn the official background and this year's theme from the United Nations observance page.
- Explore U.S. conservation efforts via the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Pick one local species to learn about and share a fact with friends or classmates.
- Watch a wildlife documentary or spend time outdoors noticing local ecosystems.
Did you know?
The idea for World Wildlife Day was formally proposed at CITES's own 16th Conference of the Parties in Bangkok in March 2013, and the UN General Assembly made it official later that year.
Fun facts
- The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 3rd as World Wildlife Day in 2013.
- The date of March 3rd was chosen because it is the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
- Each year, World Wildlife Day focuses on a specific theme to address various aspects of wildlife conservation, such as marine life, forest species, or digital conservation.
- CITES, the convention commemorated on this day, provides a framework for regulating international trade in over 38,000 species of animals and plants to ensure their survival is not threatened.
- Wildlife trafficking is a serious crime that impacts biodiversity, security, and economic development worldwide.
- Engaging local communities is crucial for successful wildlife conservation efforts, as they often live closest to wildlife and natural resources.
Sources and attribution
Primary sources: United Nations, "World Wildlife Day" and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
External links may lead to third-party websites.
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FAQ
- When is World Wildlife Day?
- It is observed on March 3 each year.
- What is World Wildlife Day?
- World Wildlife Day raises awareness about wild animals and plants and the need for conservation.
- How do people celebrate World Wildlife Day?
- People learn about CITES, the 1973 treaty that regulates international trade in endangered species and gives the day its March 3 date, and support wildlife conservation efforts.
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