World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on 3 March to raise awareness about the conservation of the world’s wild fauna and flora and the need to protect biodiversity. Observance of this day highlights the importance of wild animals and plants and underscores our collective responsibility to conserve biodiversity for ecological balance and human well-being.
Significance of the Date
- 3 March marks the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
- The treaty aims to ensure that international trade in wildlife does not threaten species survival.
Theme for 2026: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
- The theme highlights the importance of plant species used in traditional medicine, modern pharmaceuticals, and the livelihoods of rural and Indigenous communities.
Focus on Medicinal Plants
- Around 50,000–70,000 medicinal plant species are used globally for healthcare. • These plants are critical for traditional medicine systems, pharmaceutical research and livelihoods of rural and indigenous communities.
Conservation Concerns
- Over 20% of medicinal plant species are threatened due to habitat loss, overharvesting and unsustainable trade.
Background of World Wildlife Day
- On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 March as World Wildlife Day during its 68th session.
- The date commemorates the adoption of CITES in 1973.
Earlier, the idea of observing World Wildlife Day was proposed during the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP16) held in Bangkok (March 2013).
- The resolution was sponsored by Thailand, which hosted the conference. • The CITES Secretariat, in collaboration with various UN agencies, coordinates the global observance.
What is CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)?
- It is an international agreement signed on March 3, 1973, and enforced in 1975 to ensure international trade does not threaten the survival of wild plants and animals.
- It regulates trade for over 38,000 species via a licensing system, requiring permits for import/export based on three protective appendices.
Key Aspects of CITES:
- Objective: To protect biodiversity by ensuring that international trade in wild fauna and flora does not threaten their survival.
- Administration: Administered through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Structure: It is legally binding on its 184 parties, which must implement it through national legislation.
- Implementation: Requires designated Management and Scientific Authorities to monitor and authorize trade.
- Impact: Covers over 38,000 species, regulating major international markets.
Appendices:
- Appendix I: Prohibits trade for the most endangered species (e.g., gorillas, sea turtles).
- Appendix II: Regulates trade for species not immediately threatened, but potentially so if trade is not controlled (e.g., penguins, corals).
- Appendix III: Includes species at the request of a party regulating their trade, needing international cooperation.