FAQ About World Wildlife Day
How did World Wildlife Day come into existence?
The idea of creating a day dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness about wildlife was initially proposed by Thailand. The proposal aimed to commemorate the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on March 3, 1973, in an effort to regulate international trade and prevent the exploitation of endangered species.
On December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed March 3rd as World Wildlife Day through Resolution A/RES/68/205. The resolution recognized the intrinsic value of wildlife and its contributions to sustainable development. The choice of March 3rd as the date for World Wildlife Day is significant because it marks the adoption of CITES, an international treaty designed to ensure that the international trade of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
With the establishment of World Wildlife Day, the United Nations aimed to create a global platform for raising awareness about the importance of wildlife, addressing conservation challenges, and promoting sustainable practices. Since its inception, World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on March 3rd. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to focus on particular aspects of wildlife conservation, and events and activities are organized worldwide to engage individuals, communities, and organizations in the efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity.
