Basic Information
World Wildlife Day is observed on March 3 every year to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora and recognized the important role of CITES in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the survival of species
Observed on: March 3
Organized by: UN, CITES
Introduced in: 2013 (UN Proclamation)
Observed: Worldwide
About World Wildlife Day
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, proclaimed 3 March as World Wildlife Day. This day is to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora and recognized the important role of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the survival of species. This date is the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
In its resolution, the General Assembly reaffirmed the intrinsic value of wildlife and its various contributions, including ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic, to sustainable development and human well-being.
Activities and Programs on Wildlife Day
The day is celebrated with many programs and activities to involve people around the world to rally together to address ongoing major threats to wildlife including habitat change, over-exploitation or illicit trafficking.
It also encourages governments, law makers, enforcement officers, customs officials and park rangers to put their efforts in protecting wild life. The day is celebrated with many programs and activities to encourage all citizens to put their part in protecting wildlife and their habitats as local communities can play a positive role in helping to curb illegal wildlife trade.
Theme for World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day 2021 Theme is “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet“
Wildlife Day 2020 Theme was “Sustaining all life on Earth”
Theme for Wildlife Day 2019 was “Life below water: for people and planet”
2018 Theme: Big Cats
2017 Theme: Listen to the young voices.
2016 Theme: The future of wildlife is in our hands.
2016 Subtheme: The future of elephants is in our hands.
2015 Theme: It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime.