What is World Wildlife Day?
World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on March 03 in support of animals and plants across the world; and to mark the anniversary of CITES (the Convention on the Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna), the UN General Assembly reaffirmed the natural 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. Every year, World Wildlife Day has a different theme. In 2023, the theme is ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’, and the aim is to encourage groups to work together in a concerted effort to create and sustain healthy ecosystems, wildlife populations, and biodiversity.
Why is World Wildlife Day Important?
With increasing numbers of endangered and extinct species, it’s essential to educate people on how we can help conserve the planet, to continue to provide for future generations.
Wildlife conservation is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated and collaborative effort from a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, local communities, and the private sector. Partnerships are key to addressing the challenges faced by wildlife and their habitats, and to achieving the goal of sustainable conservation.
One important partnership is between governments and local communities. Local communities are often the best stewards of the land, and have a deep understanding of the ecological and cultural values of the forests, savannahs, and other ecosystems. By working together, governments and local communities can develop and implement conservation strategies that are effective and sustainable.
Another important partnership is between NGOs and the private sector. NGOs have the expertise and resources to conduct research and conservation efforts, while the private sector has the financial resources and reach to make a significant impact on the ground. By working together, NGOs and the private sector can leverage their respective strengths to achieve conservation goals.
In addition, partnerships with the media can play an important role in raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation, and the efforts being made to protect it.
Wildlife and the LCDS 2030
By working to keep our forests intact, the LCDS 2030 both intentionally and unintentionally keeps our wildlife safe, as a large variety of our plants and animals call the forests their home.
How is World Wildlife Day celebrated?
While the wildlife of our planet deserves constant attention, it’s great to celebrate World Wildlife Day with your children and in schools, to have that opportunity to teach them about how plants and animals rely on our support, and vice versa. This year, like every other year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partners with the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) and will be hosting a Wildlife Day Zoo Fair for the public at the Zoological Park on Sunday, March 05, 2023, from 13:00h to 17:00h. The aim of the Fair is to bring more awareness to the general public on EPA’s role in wildlife conservation and management, and showcase our partnerships within the sector, placing emphasis on the partnership with GWCMC.
On this World Wildlife Day, let us celebrate the partnerships that are working to protect wildlife and their habitats, and let us commit to forming new partnerships to continue the fight for conservation.
Happy World Wildlife Day!
