To celebrate the variety of living species on our planet and to help combat threats to this extraordinary biodiversity, in 2013 the United Nations established the World Wildlife Day. The date chosen coincides with the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), signed in Washington on 3 March 1973.
This year the day is dedicated to the protection of animal and plant wildlife, in all its forms. This day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, such as poaching and illegal trade in animals and plants, which have far-reaching economic, environmental and social impacts, and to intensify efforts to eradicate them, as well as to raise people’s awareness of the multitude of benefits that nature conservation offers our species.
Biodiversity has an intrinsic value and is ecologically, socially, economically, scientifically, educationally, culturally, recreationally and aesthetically indispensable for human well-being and sustainable development. The slogan chosen for the day is “Sustaining all life on Earth“, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 1, 12, 14 and 15 and the commitment to alleviate poverty, ensure sustainable use of resources and halt the loss of biodiversity both on land and in water.
Read also...
