World Wildlife Day to be celebrated today

Kathmandu, March 2

The government will celebrate the fourth World Wildlife Day tomorrow with a formal programme in Kathmandu.

The programme is being organised by the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation.

With the slogan ‘Listen to the youth voices’ for the big event, the United Nations General Assembly said: “Given that almost one quarter of the world’s  population is aged between 10 and 24 years, vigorous efforts need to be made  to encourage young people to act at both local and global levels to protect endangered  wildlife.”

On 20 December 2013, the UNGA proclaimed March 3 as the day of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. World Wildlife Day is celebrated to raise awareness on the world’s wild animals and plants.

The UNGA resolution also designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar.

World Wildlife Day 2017 encourages youth from around the world to rally together to address ongoing major threats to wildlife, including habitat change, over-exploitation or illicit trafficking.

In September 2016, parties to CITES gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the 17th Conference of the Parties and adopted the first CITES resolution on ‘Youth Engagement’ – calling for greater engagement and empowerment of youth in conservation issues.