World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd.

FORUM: ”Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” World Wildlife Day 2026. This year’s theme shines a spotlight on the extraordinary plants that have supported human well‑being for centuries. It also invites us all to learn from the communities, experts and knowledge‑holders working to conserve these species and the cultural traditions surrounding them. The year also coincide with the 51st anniversary of the entry into force of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1975. With more than 1 million species now estimated to be threatened with extinction amid the intensifying triple planetary crisis, innovative finance for wildlife conservation has never been more urgent. Over half of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) is dependent on nature, making biodiversity loss an increasing threat to financial stability and livelihoods. Let’s celebrate the incredible diversity of wild fauna and flora that sustains our planet. As the global celebration will invite us to rediscover the richness of medicinal and aromatic plants - plants that represent cultural heritage, and support livelihoods - hold immense value for human and planetary health. The celebration will recognize the traditional knowledge behind their use, the communities conserving these species, and our shared responsibility to ensure their conservation for future generations. Building on a collaborative spirit, the forum will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing solutions and advancing wildlife conversation on how innovative finance can contribute to halting biodiversity loss, raising the interest of private sector stakeholders to invest in wildlife conservation, and creating a sustainable future. Follow the conversations with the hashtags:  #WWD2026, #Medicinalplants, #Aromaticplants #3March, #WorldWildlifeDay, #WWD2026, #wildlifeconservation.

EVENTS: At UNHQ in New York, NY, United States of America. On March 3rd, the World Wildlife Day 2026 will be celebrated under the critical theme of “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”. The event will showcase key global initiatives in wildlife finance. For example, the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works to demonstrate how nature-positive economies can work for people and the planet; the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) established by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to help countries achieve the Targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; the Green Climate Fund (GCF) which works to increase access to climate finance for biodiversity rich (and other) developing countries; the Biodiversity Credit Alliance which works to facilitate the transition to a nature positive economy; as well as other initiatives.

At UN GENEVA, on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, from 13:30 to 15:30 Central European Time, the World Wildlife Day 2026 Virtual Celebration will take place online. The virtual celebration will shine a spotlight the vital contributions of medicinal and aromatic plants to human health, cultural heritage, livelihoods and ecosystems, while celebrating those who steward them and reflecting on our shared responsibility to conserve these species and the benefits they provide for future generations. This event will feature stories and presentations about the sustainable use and conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants by Member States, scientific experts, high-level officials from international organisations, industry stakeholders, local community leaders and youth network members. The event will be moderated by Ms Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General, CITES. Explore the WWD 2026 panelists!

High-level Opening speakers include:

• Mr Kristopher Blake, Chair, CITES Standing Committee, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• H.E. Mrs Francisca Méndez Escobar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of México to the United Nations at Geneva
• Ms Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UNEP
• Ms Francine Pickup, Deputy Assistant Administrator, UNDP

Musical Performance with Medicinal Plants will be performed by Ms Helen Anahita Wilson, Composer, Sound Artist and Wellcome Trust Research Fellow, King's College London

2026 United Nations Endangered Species Stamps will be launched by the CITES Secretariat and the United Nations Postal Administration.

Lightning Talks on the Trade and Conservation of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants around the World will be moderated by Mr TING Wai Kit, Co-Founder, CITES Global Youth Network and Youth Executive, Mandai Nature.

Speakers include:

• Dr Rita Engel, Horticultural Engineer, Department of Botany in the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest
• Dr Melesse Maryo, Associate Professor, Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority
• Ms Kalpana Sharma Dhakal, Scientific Officer Department of Plant Resources of Nepal
• Dr Tim Synnott, Former Executive Director, Forest Stewardship Council

Statements from the Floor by Member States will be made by:

• H.E. Dr. Linkham Duangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
• H.E. Ms Irene Vélez Torres, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia
• H.E. Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Somalia
• Ms Célia de Lavergne, Director of Water and Biodiversity, Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion of France

Jackson Wild 2026 Film Showcase Selections will be revealed by Ms Christie Quinn, Executive Director, Jackson Wild.

Stakeholder Stories from Along the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Value Chain will be moderated by Ms Anastasiya Timoshyna, Director of the European Programme Office, TRAFFIC and Co-Chair, IUCN Species Survival Commission Medicinal Plant Specialist Group

Speakers include:

• Ms Emma Willliams, CITES Policy Officer, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, United King of Great Britain and Northern Irelan
• Ms Neida Andi Arimuya, Kichwa Indigenous Spiritual Guide from the Amazonian Ecuador
• His Majesty MVONDO Bruno, the President of African Network of Traditional Leaders for Environmental Conservation and the Sustainable Management of Ecosystems and Forests, Cameroon
• Ms Elisa Aragon, Co-Founder, Nelixia, Paraguay.
• Ms Jamie Horst, Chief Purpose Officer, Traditional Medicinals, United States of America

Ifaw 2026 Youth Art Contest Winners and Finalists will be announced by Mr Azzedine Downes, President and CEO, ifaw

Takeaway Messages will be delivered by:

Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director General, IUCN
Mr Richard Scobey, Executive Director, TRAFFIC

Closing.

This virtual event is organized by the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Geneva Environment Network (GEN), Jackson Wild, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (ifaw), TRAFFIC and the IUCN Species Survival Commission Medicinal Plant Specialist Group. Register to participate and to get access interpretation in English, French and Spanish and Watch the livestream!

To mark the World Wildlife Day 2026, the CITES Secretariat will leverage the expertise, knowledge, and creativity of key stakeholders through collaborative partnerships with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Jackson Wild, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (ifaw), WILDLABS, the Geneva Environment Network, and other organizations. This event will feature a musical performance with medicinal plants, an expert panel discussion on the 2026 theme, statements from Member States, the announcement of the winner of the International Youth Art Contest, and a trailer premiere of the 2026 Jackson Wild Film Showcase. The World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest and the winners will be presented during the high-level event. Congratulations in advance to the winner of the annual WWD Poster Contest!. On and around March 3rd, many side-events, seminars, workshops and excursions will be held worldwide. For enquiries, please contact wildlifeday@un.org

LIVESTREAM:The United Nations Celebration Event, to be livestreamed on the World Wildlife Day 2016 on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. 

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd.

It is no secret that human activity has pushed millions of animal species to the brink. But we pay far less attention to plants, the planet’s unsung architects.

Across the Earth, flora underpin economies, support human health and sustain almost every other form of life. This is particularly true of medicinal and aromatic plants — the theme of this year’s World Wildlife Day.

Therapeutic species are vital to both traditional and modern medicine, supporting the livelihoods of millions and the well-being of many times more. Plants boost biodiversity, stabilize soils and represent centuries of knowledge and stewardship by Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

But today, this living heritage is under threat. The climate crisis, habitat destruction, overharvesting and illegal trade are accelerating the decline of thousands of plants, putting incomes and ecologies at risk.

By strengthening global environmental governance through pacts like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, and the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, we can make our planet safer for all living things.

I urge all countries to become gardeners of the global commons. Together, we can ensure that the ecosystems that have healed humanity for millennia sustain us for generations to come.

 António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.

OTHER STATEMENTS : Read the Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World wildlife Day 2026; march 3rd; the Statement by the World Bank Group GWP Enviroment Director, Mme Valerie Hickey on World Wildlife Day 2026; March 3rd, the Statement of the FAO Director-General; Mr Qu Dongyu on World Wildlife Day 2026; March 3rd, the Statement of the BRS Conventions, Executive secretary, Mr Rolph Payet on World Wildwife Day 2026; March 3rd; the Statement of the ITPGR Secretary; Dr Kent Nnadozie on World Wildlife Day 2026; March 3rd; the Statement by the World Heritage Centre, Director, Mr Lazare, Eloundou Assomo for World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd; the Statement of the UNEP Executive-director, Mme Inger Andersen on World Wildlife Day 2026; March 3rd; the Statement by the CITES Secretary-General, Mme Ivonne Higuero for World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd; the Statement by the UNDP Policy & Programme, Mme. Francine Pickup for World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd; the Statement by the Secretary-General of the Convention on Wetlands; Mme. Musonda Mumba for World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd; the Statement by the Executive Director of the Jackson wild, Christie Quinn For World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd; the Statement by the IFAW CEO and President, Mr Azzedine Downes for World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd; the Statement by the Director General of the IUCN, Mme Grethel Aguilar For World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd; the Statement by the TRAFFIC Executive Director Richard Scobet on World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd; the Statement by the CBD Executive secretary; Mme Astrid Schomaker for World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd; the Statement by the WWF Biodiversity Lead, Mr. Carlos Drews for World Wildlife Day 2026, March 3rd.

AGENDA PROGRAMME

GET INVOLVED!
As we approach 3 March, there are several ways to take part in this year’s global celebration:

Organise and register your satellite celebration activity or event on the World Wildlife Day website and share with the world how you plan to celebrate in your community.
Download, use and share the Official WWD2026 Poster, designed by the Official Poster Contest Winner Ms Hannah Payet, and promote the theme at your event, with a virtual background, or on social media.
Submit your film to the Jackson Wild Film Showcase, deadline extended to 11 February, to share your powerful stories about wildlife and the people conserving it.
Use the WWD2026 Social Media Kit, which contains ready-made social media assets to support your outreach leading up to or on the Day.

World Widlife Day 2025; March 3rd.

FORUM: ”Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” World Wildlife Day 2025. The year also coincide with the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1975. With more than 1 million species now estimated to be threatened with extinction amid the intensifying triple planetary crisis, innovative finance for wildlife conservation has never been more urgent. Over half of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) is dependent on nature, making biodiversity loss an increasing threat to financial stability and livelihoods. Building on a collaborative spirit, the events will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing solutions and advancing wildlife conversation on how innovative finance can contribute to halting biodiversity loss, raising the interest of private sector stakeholders to invest in wildlife conservation, and creating a sustainable future. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #TechForWildlife, #3March, #WorldWildlifeDay, #DigitalInnovation, #WWD2025, #wildlifeconservationfinance.

EVENTS: At UNHQ in New York, NY, United States of America. On March 3rd, the 50th anniversary of CITES and the World Wildlife Day 2025 will be celebrated under the critical theme of “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”. The event will showcase key global initiatives in wildlife finance. For example, the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works to demonstrate how nature-positive economies can work for people and the planet; the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) established by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to help countries achieve the Targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework; the Green Climate Fund (GCF) which works to increase access to climate finance for biodiversity rich (and other) developing countries; the Biodiversity Credit Alliance which works to facilitate the transition to a nature positive economy; as well as other initiatives.

At the Palais des Nations on Monday, March 3rd; From 10:00AM-12:00PM Central European Time. The WWD2025 main celebration event in Geneva will highlight innovative financial mechanisms for wildlife conservation and share actionable pathways to mobilize the financial resources for investing in the future of our planet. The event will showcase the efforts on innovative financing of financial institutions, such as Building Bridges, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the World Economic Forum. Participants will explore Wildlife Conservation Finance and how to better invest in people and planet To mark the World Wildlife Day 2025, the CITES Secretariat will leverage the expertise, knowledge, and creativity of key stakeholders through collaborative partnerships with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Jackson Wild, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (ifaw), WILDLABS, the Geneva Environment Network, and other organizations. This event will feature a musical performance with medicinal plants, an expert panel discussion on the 2025 theme, statements from Member States, the announcement of the winner of the International Youth Art Contest, and a trailer premiere of the 2025 Jackson Wild Film Showcase. The World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest and the winners will be presented during the high-level event. Congratulations in advance to the winner of the annual WWD Poster Contest!. On and around March 3rd, many side-events, seminars, workshops and excursions will be held worldwide; Explore the map of WWD2025 celebrations around the world. Get the Agenda Programme; register to participate and watch the livestream!

At UN Geneva, from 3–8 February 2025; the 78th Meeting of the CITES Standing Committee was held. The CITES SC78 reviewed the reports of the Plants and Animals Committees July 2024 meetings, where members discussed emerging operational issues; cooperation with other multilateral environmental agreements and international organizations; the transport of live specimens; specimens produced through biotechnology; and the role of CITES in reducing the risk of potential zoonotic disease emergence associated with international wildlife trade.. It preceded the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20) from 24 November – 5 December 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Convention’s entry into force. In addition to these issues, the Standing Committee considered:

1. arrangements for the 20th meeting of the CoP, including a draft provisional agenda and draft work programme;
2. the engagement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities;
3. non-detriment findings for specimens of Appendix-II species taken from areas beyond national jurisdiction;
4. trade in medicinal and aromatic plants;
5. demand reduction to combat illegal trade;
6. an assessment of the practicalities of the CoP12 decision that the Convention should apply to fungi; and
7. an information system for trade in specimens of CITES-listed tree species.

Delegates have celebrated achievements, like the dramatic recovery of the saiga antelope. But their agenda with over 127 working documents across 87 agenda items containing more than 200 draft decisions could not be completed, illustrating a growing gap between the Convention’s workload and resources. Read the summary report of the meeting!




STATEMENTS: Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World wildlife Day 2025; march 3rd.

• Statement by the CITES Secretary-General, Mme Ivonne Higuero for World Wildlife Day 2025, March 3rd;
• Statement by the UNDP Administrator, Mr Achim Steiner for World Wildlife Day 2025, March 3rd; Statement by the Secretary-General of the Convention on Wetlands; Mme. Musonda Mumba for World Wildlife Day 2025, March 3rd;
• Statement by the Executive Secretary of the ICW, Mme Martha Rojas Urrego For World Wildlife Day 2025, March 3rd;
• Statement by the UNCTAD Secretary; Mme Rebeca Grynspan for World Wildlife Day 2025, March 3rd;
• Statement by the Director General of the WOAH, Mme Monique Eloit For World Wildlife Day 2025, March 3rd;
• Statement by the UNEP FI; Mr Eric Usher for World Wildlife Day 2025, March 3rd;
• Statement by the CBD Executive secretary; Mme Astrid Schomaker for World Wildlife Day 2025, March 3rd;
• Statement by the World Heritage Centre Director, Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo for World Wildlife Day 2025, March 3rd.

Watch the celebration of World Wildlife Day 2025 at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The theme of World Wildlife Day is "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet."

World Wildlife Day 2024; March 3rd.

FORUM: “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.'' World Wildlife Day 2024. For this occasion, we are exploring digital innovation and highlighting how digital conservation technologies and services can drive wildlife conservation, sustainable and legal wildlife trade and human-wildlife coexistence, now and for future generations in an increasingly connected world. We are in the midst of a global digital revolution that is breaking down barriers to people-centered digital governance and to equal opportunities for all to unleash the power of digital transformation. The ‘digital divide’ is slowly narrowing, with better connectivity and Internet access reaching 66 per cent of our global population. However, around 2.7 billion people of our global population are still not online. On average, only 36 % of the populations in the least developed countries and landlocked developing countries are online. Women and young people are more likely to experience gaps in Internet access and/or job-ready digital skills. Technological innovation has made research, communication, tracking, DNA analysis and many other aspects of wildlife conservation easier, more efficient and accurate. Yet, uneven access to these new tools, environmental pollution and unsustainable applications of certain technologies remain critical issues for achieving universal digital inclusion by 2030. How are you Connecting People And Planet for the WWD2024?; What Digital Innovation in wildlife conservation inspires you or sparks your curiosity?; What kind of Technology For Wildlife have you (or someone you know) using?. 

Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #TechForWildlife, #3March, #WorldWildlifeDay; #Partnershipsforconservation, #ConnectingPeopleAndPlanet, #DigitalInnovation, #WWD2024.

EVENTS: While WWD2024 will be celebrated on 3 March 2024, the high-level event will take place on 4 March 2024 at UNHQ in New York, NY, United States of America. This year, the CITES Secretariat has teamed up with the United Nations Development Programme, WILDLABS, Jackson Wild (host of the World Wildlife Day Showcase and the WILDLABS Awards 2024) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) (host of the World Wildlife Day Youth Art Contest). The World Wildlife Day 2024 represents a platform for inter-generational exchange and youth empowerment through art, presentations and conversations on the opportunities ahead for our shared sustainable future in digital wildlife conservation. WWD2024 offers a jumping off point for exploring what digital innovations are available now, what intersectional discrepancies we are facing and how we want our digital connectivity to evolve for all people and planet. Get the World Wildlife Day 2024 Agenda Programme and watch the livestream on United Nations WebTV. On and around March 3rd, many side-events, seminars, workshops and excursions will be held worldwide to celebrate the World Wildlife Day 2024. Explore the map of WWD2024 celebrations around the world.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Wildlife Day 2024; March 3rd.

Human activities have devastated our wildlife. Human ingenuity can help to save it.

Pollution, climate chaos, habitat loss and exploitation of nature have pushed a million plant and animal species to the brink of extinction. This is horrifying in itself. It is also a direct threat to the health and livelihoods of billions of people around the world — particularly the most vulnerable.

As the theme of this year’s World Wildlife Day reminds us, digital technologies can help to turn things around. Already, satellites are helping to track animals under threat. And data is charting wildlife migration and land use, supporting efforts to protect them.

When used responsibly, sustainably and equitably, digital technologies have the potential to revolutionize conservation. But they are a tool in our arsenal, not a silver bullet. We still need concerted efforts by countries, companies, and individuals to help pull the world’s wildlife back from the brink and build a just, sustainable future.

At this year’s Summit of the Future, Members States will discuss our proposals to develop new metrics to complement gross domestic product (GDP). Activities like overfishing and forest clearance increase GDP while devastating nature. Complementary metrics can provide balance, by measuring the things that really matter to people and planet.

I also urge countries to take urgent action to drastically reduce emissions, adapt to climate extremes, prevent pollution and put the brakes on biodiversity loss, including recognizing the role Indigenous Peoples play in protecting biodiversity.

Developed countries must invest in biodiversity and climate action in developing countries. And all Governments must create new national climate plans that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as well as national biodiversity strategies that implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

We depend on nature. Let’s show that nature can depend on us — and act now to protect it.

Mr. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.

OTHER STATEMENTS: Read the other Statements and Remarks on behalf World Wildlife Day 2024.

CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Share your digital innovations in wildlife conservation using this Social media kit which features official hashtags, post ideas, information about the theme and Get the World Wildlife Day 2024 Communication materials!

LIVESTREAM: World Wildlife Day should connect people with our natural world and inspire continued learning and action beyond the event. For WWD 2024, we hope to provide a jumping off point for exploring what digital innovations are available now, what discrepancies we are facing and how we want our digital connectivity to evolve for people and planet. The Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with partners such as the UN Development Programme (UNDP), International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Jackson Wild and others, will host the World Wildlife Day 2024 celebration

World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.

 FORUM: 'Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation'. World Wildlife Day 2023.

The theme ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’ will thus provide the opportunity to highlight the people who are making a difference as well as to celebrate the bridge that CITES has been for these partnerships to form, making a significant contribution to sustainability, wildlife and biodiversity conservation. This year’s theme recognizes that CITES’s successes – indeed almost all successful conservation actions, depend upon cooperation. It is such an important and complex subject that no one government or organization, including the United Nations, can tackle the issue without collaboration and sharing of experience and expertise. So, the theme this year is ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’.

This year, the theme is “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation”. The idea of a partnership inevitably means different things to different people. Some will see the most impactful conservation partnerships as taking place at the international level between organizations, while others may see small groups living alongside nature as having the most beneficial partnership for wildlife conservation.

In order to capture as many different partnerships as possible, WWD 2023 will focus on partnerships at three levels: international; regional and national; and local.

‘Partnership stories’, i.e. successful case studies, will be identified for each of these three groupings to illustrate that work needs to be done at all levels in order to safeguard the future of species currently threatened with extinction, and to secure a healthier planet for all.

It will allow to celebrate all conservation efforts, from intergovernmental to local scale. Within this theme, the day wants to generate discussions and awareness on two sub-topics: business & finance; and marine life & oceans.

Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) and Youth representatives will be specifically invited to contribute to the ‘partnership stories’, as two stakeholder groups that CITES has been working towards ensuring meaningful representation. 

Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WWD2023, #3March, #WorldWildlifeDay; #Partnershipsforconservation.

CONCERT: UN Chamber Music Society Concert in Celebration of World Wildlife Day 2023.

Statement by the U.N. Secretary-General on World Wildlife Day 2023: March 3rd.

On World Wildlife Day, we reflect on our responsibility to protect the magnificent diversity of life on our planet.

And we recognize our abject failure.

Human activities are laying waste to once-thriving forests, jungles, farmland, oceans, rivers, seas, and lakes.

One million species teeter on the brink of extinction, due to habitat destruction, fossil fuel pollution and the worsening climate crisis.

We must end this war on nature.

The good news is that we have the tools, the knowledge, and the solutions.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which has helped protect thousands of plants and animals.

And last year’s agreement on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework marked an important step towards putting our planet on a path to healing.

As this year’s theme – ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’ – highlights, we need to work across governments, civil society, and the private sector to turn commitment into action.

And we need much bolder actions now to cut emissions, accelerate renewables, and build climate resilience.

Throughout, we need to place the voices of local communities and indigenous people – our world’s most effective guardians of biodiversity – front and centre.

Today and every day, let us all do our part to preserve natural habitats and build a thriving future for all living beings.

U.N. Secretary-General.

Statement from the President of the U.N. General Assembly on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.

Dear friends, 3rd of March 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. I'm pleased to be celebrating this important milestone with you all. Recently, we have made a great advance in the field of conservation and protection by adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This agreement shows a strong sense of solidarity with future generations of humanity, but also towards our environment, our flora and our fauna. It has reignited hope.

The parties pledged, that by 2050, the extinction rate and risk of all species are reduced tenfold. I can only commend the resolve of this commitment, but we should not rest on our laurels now. We must do our utmost to implement it as best we can. For that, we need to resort to our most powerful tool building broad networks and fostering far reaching partnerships. Partnership is the key to rebuilding degraded areas and restoring healthy environments.

It is also crucial in curbing wildlife related crimes to successfully protect biodiversity. Indigenous communities must be included in these partnerships. But if we really want to see change, we must boost conservation and protection funding too. We have to enhance our cooperation with the financial institutions and the private sector. Your views do matter, and we need you to voice your concerns, ideas and proposals.

I'm happy to welcome you as decision shapers, and I count on your help. Thank you.

President of the U.N. General Assembly.

OTHER STATEMENTS

• Statement from the UNEP Executive Director on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the UNDP Administrator on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the Secretary-General of INTERPOL on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the WORLD BANK Global Director for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy (ENB) on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the IPBES Executive Secretary on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the IUCN Director-General on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the ITTO Executive Director on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the TRAFFIC Executive Director on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the WOAH Director-General on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the U.N. Special Envoy for the Oceans on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.
• Statement from the Director-General of the FAO on World Wildlife Day 2023; March 3rd.

EVENTS: UN World Wildlife Day 2023 - Virtual event.

On 3 March 2023, the CITES Secretariat will collaborate with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to hold the first WWD event in Washington D.C., the birthplace of CITES. The National Geographic Society has graciously offered its Grosvenor Auditorium as the venue of WWD 2023. Jackson WILD and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) have once again offered to organize the WWD Film showcase and the youth art competition, respectively, to showcase the power of visual arts that could bring people together to raise awareness and promote discussions among different parts of the world.

The Event organised by the CITES Secretariat and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will celebrate World Wildlife Day 2023 and CITES' 50th anniversary. During the ceremony the winner of the WWD2023 design competition will be presented. Huge congratulations to the designer Xavi Reñé for his beautiful work!

On this day; We will mark also the @CITES' 50th birthday.

March 3rd 2023 will be a very special date, as it will also be marking the 50th anniversary of CITES. CITES has stood at the junction of trade and conservation, with Parties to the Convention working with the shared goal of ensuring sustainability of endangered species. CITES has sought to build partnerships and reconcile differences between the groups that are guided and governed by its regulations. At national and local levels, these partnerships have been essential in every country across the globe to focus on the conservation of species and ecosystems.

World Wildlife Day 2023 Event programme.

Celebrate with us by joining the livestream .

World Wildlife Day 2022; March 3rd.

FORUM: Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration. World Wildlife Day 2022.

World Wildlife Day will be celebrated in 2022 under the theme "Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration", as a way to draw attention to the conservation status of some of the most critically endangered species of wild fauna and flora, and to drive discussions towards imagining and implementing solutions to conserve them. Join the conversation by following the hashtag #WorldwildlifeDay

                              



This aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 12, 13, 14 and 15, and their wide-ranging commitments on alleviating poverty, ensuring sustainable use of resources, and on conserving life land.

Over 8,400 species of wild fauna and flora are critically endangered, while close to 30,000 more are understood to be endangered or vulnerable. Based on these estimates, it is suggested that over a million species are threatened with extinction.

In 2022, World Wildlife Day will therefore drive the debate towards the imperative need to reverse the fate of the most critically endangered species, to support the restoration of their habitats and ecosystems and to promote their sustainable use by humanity.

World Wildlife Day 2021, 03 March

 

PRESENTED BY UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP)

 UN Chamber Music Society
Virtual Performance at the Observance of
World Wildlife Day 2021
“Forests and livelihoods: sustaining people and planet”

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

8:00am – 11:00am EST

WATCH THE PERFORMANCE

World Wildlife Day CONCERT at UN Chamber Music Society

 

On 3 March 2021, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council will perform during the celebration of World Wildlife Day 2021, hosted by the United Nations Development Programme.  The focus of this year's World Wildlife Day is "Forests and livelihoods: sustaining people and planet", which sheds light on the links between the state of our planet’s forests and woodlands and the preservation of the millions of livelihoods that depend directly on them, with a particular attention to the traditional knowledge of the communities who have managed forest ecosystems and its wildlife for centuries.

In celebration of World Wildlife Day, the UN Chamber Music Society will perform a programme inspired by wildlife - 'Flocks a Mile Wide' – composed by 2x Grammy award winning composer, Christopher Tin.  Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society carries out the United Nations’ mission of peace, understanding and cooperation, through the universal language of music.  All musicians will perform chamber ensemble music from the safety of their homes, to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.
 

MESSAGES

H. E. Mr. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

Ms. Ivonne Higuero, CITES Secretary-General

H.E. Mr. Federico Tenorio Calderón, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation of Peru

Ms. Fawn Sharp, President, Quinault Indian Nation and President, National Congress of American Indians

Ms. Elizabeth Mrema, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity 


UN Chamber Music Society

of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director

MUSIC PROGRAMME

CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) 'Flocks a Mile Wide'
Hana Mundiya (Violin I), Rohan Mundiya (Violin II), Abigail Elder (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Kohei Yamaguchi (Bass), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Tom Betsalel (Percussion)

 

SPECIAL THANKS

Video Editing

Daniel Drake, Video Editor

 

Audio Production
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World Wildlife Day 2015, March 3

Theme 2015 : Wildlife crime : Let's End it Now! 

World Wildlife Day, March 3.

Día Mundial de la Naturaleza, 3 de marzo.

 Journée mondiale de la vie sauvage, 3 mars.

世界野生动植物日, 3月3日.

Всемирный день дикой природы, 3 марта.

يوم العالمي للحياة البرية

United Nations Secretary-General's Message for the World Wildlife Day 2015.

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 3 March – the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) – as World Wildlife Day.  On this second observance of the Day, the UN system, its Member States and a wide range of partners from around the world are highlighting the simple yet firm message that “It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime”.
Illegal trade in wildlife has become a sophisticated transnational form of crime, comparable to other pernicious examples, such as trafficking of drugs, humans, counterfeit items and oil.  It is driven by rising demand, and is often facilitated by corruption and weak governance.  There is strong evidence of the increased involvement of organized crime networks and non-State armed groups.
Illegal wildlife trade undermines the rule of law and threatens national security; it degrades ecosystems and is a major obstacle to the efforts of rural communities and indigenous peoples striving to sustainably manage their natural resources.  Combatting this crime is not only essential for conservation efforts and sustainable development, it will contribute to achieving peace and security in troubled regions where conflicts are fuelled by these illegal activities.
Getting serious about wildlife crime means enrolling the support of all sections of society involved in the production and consumption of wildlife products, which are widely used as medicines, food, building materials, furniture, cosmetics, clothing and accessories.  Law enforcement efforts must be supported by the wider community.  Businesses and the general public in all countries can play a major role by, for example, refusing to buy or auction illegal ivory and rhinoceros horn, and insisting that products from the world’s oceans and tropical forests have been legally obtained and sustainably sourced. 
On this World Wildlife Day, I urge all consumers, suppliers and governments to treat crimes against wildlife as a threat to our sustainable future.  It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime.

Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General.

This World Wildlife Day, let the world know it's time to get #SeriousAboutWildlifecrime

  Secretary-General of CITES , Mr John E. Scanlon Message for the World Wildlife Day 2015

Wildlife is now firmly fixed on the United Nations calendar thanks to its own special day.
On the 3rd of March 2014 the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon led the global celebrations of the first World Wildlife Day and called for us to work for a future where people and wildlife coexist in harmony.
This year, countries, United Nations and international organizations, as well as citizen’s groups from across the globe, have rallied around the theme ‘It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime’.
Illegal wildlife trade is threatening the survival of some of our most charismatic species, as well as some plants and animals you may have never heard of.  And it threatens people, their livelihoods, their safety and security.
The situation is serious. We must tackle the poaching, transport and consumption of illegally traded wildlife and in so doing use the same sorts of enforcement tools, techniques and penalties used to combat other serious crimes, such as trafficking in drugs or persons.
As we celebrate the beauty and variety of our wildlife let’s do whatever we can – as citizens and as consumers – to bring this illegal trade to an end and secure a sustainable future for wild animals and plants, as well as for ourselves.
We know what needs to be done – and by working together we will succeed.
Let’s all mark this special World Wildlife Day by getting serious about wildlife crime!

John E. Scanlon, Secretary-General of CITES

UNEP Executive Secretary Mr  Achim Steiner message for the World Wildlife Day 2015

 Forum :  World Wildlife Day, March 3
 join the social media campaign!

 Google+ Hanghout "World WildLife Day 2015 " Scheduled for 3 Mar 2015 by the  U.S. Department Of State

Wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise that poses a serious and urgent threat to conservation and national security. The increasing involvement of organized crime in poaching and wildlife trafficking promotes corruption, threatens the peace and security of fragile regions, strengthens illicit trade routes, and destabilizes economies and communities that depend on wildlife for their livelihoods.

To celebrate World Wildlife Day, Under Secretary Catherine Novelli will host a Google+ Hangout - moderated by Peter Knights, Executive Director at WildAid - on wildlife trafficking around the world.

Hangout Participants:
•Catherine A. Novelli, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment at the U.S. Department of State
•Mr. Peter Knights, Executive Director at WildAid
•Ms. Paula Kahumbu, Executive Director of Wildlife Direct
•Ms. Hong Hoang, Executive Director for CHANGE
•Ms. Grace Ge Gabriel, Asia Regional Director for International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

Do you have questions for the participants? Ask now and tune in on Tuesday, March 3 at 9:00AM ET.

For more information on wildlife trafficking, please visit http://goo.gl/PMAfba and follow the conversation online by using #WorldWildlifeDay.

World Wildlife Day Tweets