WORLD WILDLIFE DAY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The Prime Minister of India, greeted the wildlife enthusiasts on the World Wildlife Day.

World Wildlife Day

• About: The day is dedicated to celebrating the world's wild animals and plants, acknowledging their vital contributions to our lives and the overall health of the planet.
• Annual Celebration: The International Day of Wild Fauna and Flora is observed every year on March 3, emphasizing global awareness and appreciation for biodiversity.
• Origin: World Wildlife Day was initially proposed by Thailand to the United Nations General Assembly in 2013.
• Official Designation: The United Nations General Assembly officially adopted a resolution on December 20, 2013, designating March 3rd as World Wildlife Day.
• Significance: The chosen date holds significance as it marks the birthday of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which was signed in 1973.
• Theme 2024: Connecting People and Earth: Discovering Innovations for Wildlife
• Theme 2023: Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

• About: Resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• Entry into Force: CITES entered into force on 1 July 1975.
• Legally Binding Nature: CITES is legally binding on state parties to the convention, which are obliged to adopt their own domestic legislation to implement its goals.
• Aim: To ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

oIt accords varying degrees of protection to more than 35,000 species of animals and plants.