KATHMANDU: Today, March 3, marks World Wildlife Day, celebrated globally under the theme ‘Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet’. This observance highlights the urgent need to curb the overexploitation of Earth’s resources, protect wildlife habitats, and preserve biodiversity for both wildlife and humans.
Established by the United Nations on December 20, 2013, World Wildlife Day aims to raise awareness about endangered species and their habitats. The date was chosen to commemorate the ratification of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) back in 1973. The proposal to designate March 3 as Wildlife Day was made at the 16th United Nations Conference on Climate Change, and it has since gained immense significance worldwide.
This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of funding wildlife conservation initiatives to secure the future of not only wildlife but also human well-being. According to the United Nations, over one million species are currently facing increased risk of extinction, indicating the urgent need for significant investments aimed at safeguarding wildlife and their ecosystems.
Dr. N. Munal Meitei, an environmentalist, stated, "Investing in wildlife is not an aspiration, it is a necessity. It is our collective responsibility toward a resilient future for both people and the planet." This sentiment encapsulates the pressing need for innovative financial resources to combat the growing threats to wildlife fueled by human activities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also echoed the significance of this day, asserting, "Wildlife conservation is ingrained in our ethos and has always been an integral part of our tradition and culture. With a strong network of protected areas, our commitment toward wildlife protection is as strong as ever." He emphasized the importance of coexistence between nature and human development, noting efforts to promote sustainable practices and conservation initiatives.
World Wildlife Day serves as a call to action for nations, communities, and individuals to acknowledge the role of wildlife and promote efforts aimed at preserving our planet's biodiversity. It draws attention to the various ecosystems on which human life fundamentally relies. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outline how wildlife contributes to food security, medicine, clean air, and water, underscoring its importance to human well-being.
Unfortunately, human activities, such as illegal logging, poaching, and habitat destruction, have led to unprecedented wildlife and biodiversity loss, which poses significant economic, environmental, and social impacts. Statistics reveal alarming trends: between 1970 and 2022, the wildlife population size dropped by 69%. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports 150,300 species on its Red List, with 42,100 of them classified as threatened with extinction.
Paul Rosolie, the founder of JungleKeepers, has dedicated his efforts to conserving rainforest ecosystems. He describes the stark moments he encountered, including rescuing orphaned spider monkeys. "I felt a lump in my throat. I stroked her black fur. That night, she wouldn’t let go," he recounted, illustrating the strong emotional bonds shared between nature and those committed to its preservation.
The day highlights the intrinsic value of wildlife as part of the complex web of life on Earth. Wildlife not only supports ecosystems but also maintains environmental balance. The effects of losing species can trigger changes not only locally but also globally, affecting the organisms surviving around them.
To combat these threats, the observance of World Wildlife Day encourages actionable steps for wildlife conservation. People can engage by advocating for eco-friendly practices, supporting organizations dedicated to wildlife preservation, and participating in community initiatives aimed at protecting natural habitats.
Today is not just about recognizing the challenges; it’s also about celebrating the vibrant ecosystems we share and the countless species within them. Efforts to promote wildlife conservation and restoration must be amplified as we confront the realities of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Moving forward, it is imperative to unify efforts globally to forge stronger partnerships for conservation. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and local communities, we can implement financial strategies for wildlife protection and sustainability.
World Wildlife Day 2025 serves as both awareness and rallying cry for the future of our planet. It calls upon everyone to advocate for the protection of wildlife, reminding us all of our responsibility to preserve the delicate balance of life on Earth.