The United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2013, at its 68th session, proclaimed to celebrate March 3 as the world wildlife day. Since then, this day is celebrated annually all over the world. It is a coincidence that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed on March 3, 1973. The 2020 theme of World Wildlife Day is “Sustaining all life on earth”. 

World Wildlife Day – Duty to conserve wildlife

World Wildlife Day is the most important global annual event regarding the safety of the wildlife as well as those species and plants which are on the brink of extinction. The meaning of wildlife is undomesticated native animals and plants of an area. The day also signifies many issues such as urbanisation, poaching, pollution, fight against the destruction of wildlife habitat and the contribution of humans in conserving wildlife and rare species. 

Flora & fauna – sign of beauty

This day is an occasion to observe the remarkable beauty of flora and fauna in nature, and at the same time, try to conserve them. Flora and fauna have an intrinsic value, and they contribute a lot in the ecological, genetic, economic, social, scientific, cultural, educational aspects of human beings for their sustainable development. Unfortunately, in recent times, the export and import of wildlife substances have increased. The day also transmits a strong message to be ready to fight against wildlife crime to maintain balance in our environment.

Sustaining life on Earth

The theme of World Wildlife Day 2020, “Sustaining all life on Earth”, means all wildlife animals and plants are the components of biodiversity. Apart from this, they are also the livelihoods of those people who are living close to nature. Therefore, the UN has stressed to use the natural resources judiciously and try to conserve life both on land and below water to save biodiversity. 

Earth provides room to all

The blue planet earth is the home of countless species and flora and fauna. Human beings are very much dependent on all elements of the biosphere to fulfil their basic needs. Regrettably, unsustainable use of natural resources and overuse of species can lead to the destruction of the natural assets. If this happens, then it would be a disaster for human beings. Currently, some of the species are on the edge of extinction due to their overexploitation. 

How to celebrate this day

World Wildlife day should be celebrated to raise awareness among the people in every stratum of society. One can save and spread awareness about wildlife in many ways. One can try to build collaborative partnerships or make an association with national and international conservation events. Organise programmes for the safety of wildlife animals and plants beside this create consciousness among people to stop illegally-sourced wildlife products. We should teach our children about the importance of nature and wildlife in our life. At present, most children are disconnected with nature in the digital age. They need to know their significance and why it is essential in maintaining balance in the universe. 

Various programmes in school, colleges and universities should be held with the focus on the safety of our flora and fauna. Lectures by experts and environmentalists must be delivered on that day to create a sort of awareness. General appeal and advertisement through different mediums should be made common. This way, we can hope to conserve our natural habitats.