World Wildlife Day: Why is it celebrated on March 3? Know the significance of CITES agreement on its 50th anniversary

UN World Wildlife Day is an annual observance held on March 3rd every year to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife and the need to conserve and protect it.

The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2013, to celebrate the world's wild flora and fauna and raise awareness about the many threats they face including habitat loss, poaching, climate change, and unsustainable hunting practices.

Each year, World Wildlife Day has a specific theme, events and activities are organised around the world to celebrate the day and raise awareness about the theme. This year’s theme is, ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’.


World Wildlife Day is celebrated on March 3 since the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973 on this day. Today, the treaty has completed five decades.

CITES is an international treaty that aims to regulate and monitor the trade of endangered plants and animals, including their parts and derivatives, in order 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.

FAQ

Q1:In which city CITES was signed?
It was signed in Geneva, Switzerland.

Q2:Which body in India combats wildlife crimes in the country?
The Ministry's Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is an organisation created specifically to fight organised wildlife crime in the nation. In accordance with the requirements of the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972, CITES, and the export and import policy regulating items, it aids the customs officials in the examination of the consignments of flora and wildlife.