What is World Wildlife Day?

World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on March 3 in support of animals and plants worldwide and to mark the anniversary of the Convention on the Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). The UN General Assembly reaffirmed the natural value of wildlife and its various contributions including ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational, and aesthetic, to sustainable development and human wellbeing. Every year, World Wildlife Day has a different theme. In 2023, the theme is “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation” and aims to encourage groups to work together in a concerted effort to create and sustain healthy ecosystems, wildlife populations, and biodiversity.

Why is World Wildlife Day Important?
With increasing numbers of endangered and extinct species, educating people on how we can help conserve the planet to continue providing for future generations is essential.

Wildlife conservation is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated and collaborative effort from various stakeholders including governments, Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local communities, and the private sector. Partnerships are key to addressing the challenges faced by wildlife and their habitats and achieving sustainable conservation.
One important partnership is between governments and local communities. Local communities are often the best stewards of the land and deeply understand the ecological and cultural values of the forests, savannah, and other ecosystems. By working together, governments and local communities can develop and implement conservation strategies that are effective and sustainable.
Another important partnership is between NGOs and the private sector. NGOs have the expertise and resources to conduct research and conservation efforts, while the private sector has the financial resources and reach to significantly impact the ground. By working together, NGOs and the private sector can leverage their strengths to achieve conservation goals.

In addition, partnerships with the media can play an important role in raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the efforts being made to protect it.

Wildlife and the LCDS 2030
By working to keep our forests intact, the LCDS 2030 both intentionally and unintentionally keep our wildlife safe, as many of our plants and animals call the forests their home.

How is World Wildlife Day celebrated?
Whilst our planet’s wildlife deserves constant attention, it’s great to celebrate World Wildlife Day with your children and in schools to have that opportunity to teach them about how plants and animals rely on our support and vice versa. This year, like every other year, the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) partners with the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) and will be hosting a Wildlife Day Zoo Fair for the public at the Zoological Park on Sunday, March 5, 2023, from 13:00 h to 17:00 h. The Fair aims to bring more awareness to the general public on EPA’s role in wildlife conservation and management and showcase our partnerships within the sector emphasising the partnership with GWCMC.

On this World Wildlife Day, let us celebrate the partnerships that are working to protect wildlife and their habitats, and let us commit to forming new partnerships to continue the fight for conservation.

Happy World Wildlife Day!