Why is it in the News?

On the occasion of World Wildlife Day on March 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded those at the forefront of sustainable practices and supporting wildlife conservation efforts.

About the World Wildlife Day:

• World Wildlife Day is observed to advocate for sustainable practices that contribute to biodiversity conservation and to enhance public consciousness about the importance of safeguarding and nurturing animals.
• It endeavors to underscore the interconnectedness of all life forms on Earth and to foster harmonious coexistence between humans and animals through activism, advocacy, and education.

Origins:

• Initially proposed by Thailand to the UN General Assembly in 2013, World Wildlife Day aimed to dedicate a day to spotlight the significance of wild animals and plants worldwide.
• On December 20, 2013, the General Assembly adopted a resolution, designating March 3 as World Wildlife Day from 2014 onwards.
• Coinciding with the day, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding species from the threats of international trade.

The theme of WWD 2024:

• The theme, "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation," underscores the potential of technological advancements to revolutionize conservation efforts.
• In today's digital era, technological breakthroughs offer novel solutions to persistent conservation challenges, making this theme particularly relevant.

Significance:

• World Wildlife Day serves as a vital global awareness platform for animal protection and conservation.
• It reinforces the intrinsic value of animals and advocates for treating them with compassion, integrity, and reverence.

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

• CITES is an international treaty that aims to regulate and monitor the trade of endangered plants and animals, including their parts and derivatives, to ensure their survival in the wild.
• Under CITES, member countries are required to regulate and monitor the trade of endangered species through a system of permits and quotas.
• They must also report regularly on their implementation of the treaty and collaborate with other countries to ensure its effectiveness.
• Currently, CITES has 184 parties.