World Wildlife Day 2024: How your small changes can make big waves for wildlife

Over 50,000 wild species fulfill the needs of billions of people globally

Approximately 20% of the global population depends on wild species for income and sustenance, with 2.4 billion individuals using wood fuel for cooking purposes

Despite their diverse natures, species such as cacti, seaweeds, giraffes, parrots, and oak trees are endangered

At present, one million species face the threat of extinction

According to the United Nations World Wildlife Day: People everywhere rely on wildlife and biodiversity-based resources to meet our needs – from food, to fuel, medicines, housing, and clothing. “For us to enjoy the benefits and the beauty that nature brings us and our planet, people have been working together to make sure ecosystems can thrive and plant and animal species can exist for future generations. So, let’s celebrate wildlife and the important conservation work being done around the world,” the foundation said.

According to Pushpa Kumari, TGT Chemistry at Apeejay School, Kharghar, emphasising the importance of early education in wildlife conservation is crucial. “It is essential to instill awareness in students from the beginning about the need to preserve our planet and its wildlife. This approach not only teaches respect for the natural world but also highlights our shared responsibility in maintaining the Earth’s biodiversity. Ignoring the fact that humans are not the sole proprietors of the planet’s resources is not an option. The concept of coexistence is vital, as it underscores that wildlife also has rightful claims to the world we live in,” Kumari said and added that introducing conservation education in schools is particularly important because early learning can significantly shape an individual’s perspective and actions towards environmental stewardship.

“Historically, conservation topics might not have been a focus in early education, but the growing awareness of climate change, global warming, and biodiversity loss makes it an urgent matter. Children, even as young as first or second graders, are now more aware of these critical issues, showing that early education on these topics is both feasible and necessary,” Kumari shared.

Moreover, students must understand their potential role in conservation efforts, regardless of their urban or rural settings, the educator said. There are various activities students can engage in to contribute to wildlife conservation. “Creating awareness, participating in tree planting drives, conserving electricity, and saving water are practical measures that not only foster a sense of responsibility but also demonstrate the interconnectedness of our actions and their impact on the environment. These efforts highlight the importance of individual actions in contributing to a larger ecological balance,” Kumari said.

World Wildlife Day, which is celebrated every year on March 3, is an opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that their conservation provides to people. At the same time, the Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime and the human-induced reduction of species, which have wide-ranging economic, environmental, and social impacts.

The History

Thailand initiated the proposal for World Wildlife Day to the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, to dedicate a day to enhance global awareness of the conservation needs of wild flora and fauna. On December 20, 2013, the General Assembly passed a resolution to officially observe March 3 as World Wildlife Day from 2014 onwards, coinciding with the date the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973. This international treaty aims to regulate the trade of wild animal and plant specimens, ensuring it does not lead to endangerment of species.

The Importance

The day plays a critical role in promoting the welfare and conservation of animals worldwide. It acts as a reminder of the value of animals and advocates for their treatment with compassion, fairness, and respect. The day encourages actions to halt cruelty, exploitation, and mistreatment of animals, including wildlife, farm animals, and pets. By emphasising the interconnectedness of all life forms, World Animal Day seeks to foster a harmonious existence between humans and animals, utilising activism, campaigning, and educational efforts.