World Wildlife Day – 2023 

“We are part of the earth, and it is part of us. The perfume flowers are our sisters; the deer, horse, and great eagle are our brothers. Chief Seattle says everything is connected, like the blood, which unites one’s family. Man cannot live without wild species. According to the great Red Indian leader, Seattle, there is a deep connection between humans and wildlife. 

The breakdown of this relationship also breaks down the ecosystem since global attention was focused on conserving wildlife. Because of that, 3 March has been allocated as “World Wildlife Day.” This date was chosen as it is the birthday of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed in 1973. It aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Theme: Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation

World Wildlife Day 2023 acknowledges the significant contribution CITES made to sustainability, wildlife, and biodiversity conservation and how this contribution has been enhanced by the bridge-building and partnership work done within the CITES framework.

CITES collaborates with other organizations and sets up Sustainable Development Goals to better conserve endangered species. More details can gain through here  Archived.  

The theme of World Wildlife Day  

A theme is recommended almost every year, considering the state of wildlife worldwide. Let us consider some themes in recent years and their impact on wildlife.  World Wildlife Day Theme 2020 was “Sustaining all life on Earth.” It emphasized ecosystems and the lives of persons who live close to nature. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of ecological sustainability in pursuit of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. World Wildlife Day Theme 2021 was “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet.” It focused on the United Nations’ attempts to encourage activities that may aid in sustainable development, particularly cultural traditions and understanding, by recognizing the importance of forest-based livelihoods. World Wildlife Day Theme 2022 was “Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration.” It was focused on our planet’s most threatened animal and plant species. This was followed by developing and adopting practical solutions to their preservation. The Threatened Species Red List of the IUCN lists 8,400 plants and animal species as dangerously threatened and almost 30,000 endangered.

The theme for World Wildlife Day 2023 is “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation. “To protect wildlife, governments must establish partnerships, collaborate with civil society organizations, and engage with local communities.

Through the partnership, we can build bridges between people from different backgrounds and provide new perspectives on how to protect nature in the future.  It is an important aspect and helps to,

• Recognizing their national importance,
• Achieving long-term survival by identifying threats,
• Assuring that collaborative approaches are sustainable and adaptable to changing circumstances.

This theme also supports the overall objectives of CITES. Such collaborative work also helps to, 

• Improved and coordinated wildlife conservation efforts on private land.

“Conservation will ultimately boil down to rewarding the private landowner who conserves the public interest.” Aldo Leopold, the father of scientific wildlife management, wrote these words in 1934. At that time, society lacked the appetite and the tools to reward private landowners for conserving wildlife. More can be read here.  Archived However, we want to consider much because private lands are higher than public lands worldwide. Agriculture and development co-occur if the government lacks the proper management of wildlife.

• Initiating global research networks around threatened species.

Novel researches are paramount important to adapt current situation because the species extinction rate goes high with climate change. Furthermore, biological techniques such as tissue culture are essential to conserving flora, and these techniques should also be introduced into the local communities.

• Reaching out to local communities with social media campaigns to bring their perspective to conservation discussions.
• Supporting ecotourism as a sustainable source of income.

Sustainable ecotourism is a powerful tool for stimulating local economies and empowering local people to protect wildlife. In addition, it builds cultural awareness and provides direct benefits to conservation.

• Ensure that the necessary laws are in place to protect rare habitats. More can be read here. Archived

These initiatives help strengthen a strong commitment among society at large to protecting one of Earth’s most valuable assets. Wildlife plays a significant part in the growth of the economy. It draws visitors from around the world to witness these breathtaking natural marvels.

Wildlife conservation status of Sri Lanka

The Department of Wildlife Conservation of Sri Lanka is the leading institute that takes action to conserve wildlife with the government’s direct involvement. In addition, the Department of Forest Conservation, Central Environment Authority, and Department of Coast conservation also play a significant role in protecting the wildlife of Sri Lanka.

Every species is protected legally through the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance No 2 of 1937. Sri Lanka also involves in the CITES agreement. In addition, habitats and the associated biodiversity are protected through a network of Protected Areas.

Apart from government institutes, several private and non-profit organizations are working to conserve wildlife. Central Environmental Authority, Young Zoologist association, Center of environment and Nature Studies, Lanka Environment fund, and Pearl protectors are some of them.

Besides the respect for the lives of human beings, all animals and plants should be on the list too. Therefore, let’s work together to protect wildlife.