Four years ago the United Nations designated March 03, as World Wildlife Day. This year’s observance focuses on the role of future leaders in Wildlife Management and Conservation under the theme “Listen to Young voices.” World Wildlife Day 2017, encourages youths to be active agents of change, addressing the many threats facing wildlife such as:

1. Illegal trade;
2. Habitat destruction;
3. Pollution;
4. Consumerism; and
5. Over-exploitation.

Benefits of wildlife
1. Wildlife is critical to medicine, science and agriculture
2. Wildlife forms an important part of Tourism for many countries including Guyana.
3. Wildlife is vital to natural processes such as, ecological and biological cycles essential for life and is dependent on interaction between plants, animals, microorganisms and abiotic factors.
4. Wildlife is important to life – our food, clothing, air and experiences definitely wouldn’t be same without wildlife.

What can our youths do?
Wildlife has numerous benefits, however there are many threats which can hinder our youths from reaping future benefits. Below are some things you can do to safeguard wildlife, on World Wildlife Day and everyday.

1. Just #Do one thing today to make a difference and help wildlife conservation.
2. Set a goal – Live your daily life with the smallest negative impact on the environment, wildlife and their habitats.
3. Mobilise – Form or join an environmental club in your school or community and work with businesses or organization within your area to protect the environment.
4. Visit – Visit areas that educate you and seek to conserve the environment such as, national parks and ecotourism sites.
5. Consume responsibly- Do not purchase wild meat or eggs from illegal traders and NEVER purchase endangered species or their products. Educate yourself on the status of various species.
6. Volunteer – One of the best way to learn about wildlife is to volunteer at an institution that deals with wildlife.
7. Stay informed – Know what’s happening with the plants and animals on the planet and those in your area.
8. Speak up – share your knowledge, passion and questions about wildlife conservation with your friends, family and community – either in person or online.
6. Reach out– If you witness an illegal activity which can affect wildlife and the environment, inform the authorities. Do you part to educate the defaulters! Do not sit in silence and allow your future to be jeopardized.

In Guyana, the Wildlife Management Authority is responsible for Regulating Wildlife Trade and the Environmental Protection Agency for Wildlife Management and Conservation. The Wildlife Management and conservation Regulations was Gazetted in 2013, but was amended in 2016, to better address the issues facing wildlife. In Guyana many of the conservation organisations such as Protected Areas Commission, World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation involve youths in Wildlife Management and Conservation.

In addition, the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission all have a role to play in this process. The Wildlife Clubs of North and South Rupununi as well as the youths on Shell Beach Protected Area, all play an active role in the protection of wildlife. Through simple acts for environmental protection wildlife can also be cared for.

Join the World Wildlife Day Art Exhibition and Interactive Forum at Castellani House on March 03, 2017 form 09:00h – 15:00h. Come learn more about wildlife in Guyana and how you can be involved. This event is FREE!

Sources
http://wildlifeday.org/content/get_involved
http://nre.gov.gy/category/guyana-wildlife-management-authority/

C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com