Posted on March, 02 2014

World Wildlife Day is an opportunity for the international community to celebrate the globe's wild plant and animal life while redoubling efforts to protect them. WWF welcomes recent achievements to safeguard wildlife, laments the losses, and looks toward a future in which people can truly live in harmony with nature.

The United Nations General Assembly set aside March 3 to raise awareness of the intrinsic value of wildlife and its contributions to sustainable development and human well-being. The day, which marks the signing in 1973 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), is also being used to underscore the need to fight wildlife crime.

“The Earth’s wild creatures – from the tiger to the monarch butterfly – bring wonder and beauty into our lives. They are also a vital part of the forests, meadows, rivers and oceans on whose services our economy and society depend. Wildlife needs our appreciation and protection," said Jim Leape, director general of WWF International.

The last year has recorded numerous achievements in the fight against wildlife crime. Several countries disposed of ivory stocks, the United Nations imposed targeted sanctions, and the recent London Conference resulted in strengthened commitments aimed at poaching and illegal trade.

While progress has been achieved, illegal wildlife trade continues to pose a grave threat to our natural world. In South Africa alone, over 1,000 rhinos were poached in 2013. More than a statistic, it’s a somber reminder that wildlife crime is real, that it interrupts economic opportunities, and that it poses a threat to security and stability.

Despite these setbacks, WWF is pleased to mark the first World Wildlife Day by recognizing Nepal for achieving zero poaching of rhinos, elephants and tigers for the year period ending in February 2014. Successes such as these translate into a more secure future for wildlife, with Nepal’s tiger population increasing by over 60% since 2009.

“We congratulate Nepal on reducing poaching to zero within its borders,” said Yolanda Kakabadse, president of WWF International. “This achievement serves as a model for WWF’s goal of drastically reducing wildlife crime worldwide – with a combination of brave policymaking, determined implementation and robust enforcement.”

By working with civil society, government and business, WWF helps safeguard wildlife on World Wildlife Day and everyday. For more on the innovative ways WWF is protecting wildlife and supporting communities visit: https://earthhourblue.crowdonomic.com/