World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day is observed on 3 March to celebrate wild animals and plants and to draw attention to the threats facing them. The UN General Assembly proclaimed the day in 2013, choosing 3 March because the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was adopted on that date in 1973. CITES was created to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. World Wildlife Day has since grown into a broader discussion of biodiversity, habitats, illegal wildlife trade, conservation science and the relationship between healthy ecosystems and human wellbeing. Annual themes highlight particular species, ecosystems or conservation challenges. Governments, conservation organisations, schools, museums and communities mark the day through educational programmes, field activities and public campaigns. The observance celebrates the beauty and value of wildlife while stressing that protecting species also requires protecting the habitats and ecological relationships on which they depend.

World Wildlife Day is intended to build public awareness and encourage attention to its associated global issue.