UN declares March 3 as World Wildlife Day

The 68th Session of the UN General Assembly has declared March as the World Wildlife Day, to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora website in Geneva.
According to the statement, the Assembly decided to proclaim March 3 as a day for the adoption of the convention.
In its resolution, according to the statement, the General Assembly reaffirmed the intrinsic value of wildlife and its various contributions.

The contributions include ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational, aesthetic as well as sustainable development and human wellbeing.

“It recognises the important role of the convention in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the species’ survival.
“The General Assembly requested the CITES Secretariat, in collaboration with relevant organisations of the UN system to facilitate the implementation of the World Wildlife Day,” it stated.

The statement quotes the CITES Secretary-General, Mr John Scanlon, as saying, “World Wildlife Day is an ideal opportunity to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora.”

“It will raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people.
“At the same time, the Day reminds us of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, which has wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.”

The statement further said: “We invite all member states, relevant organisations of the UN system as well as all other interested organisations and individuals from airports to museums to schools to get involved in this global celebration of wildlife.”

It domesticated the convention by promulgating the “Endangered Species (Control of Trade and Traffic) Act in 1985.

December 27, 2013