March 04, 2021

Anna Murray 

On March 3, representatives of UN Member States, UN system organizations, international and non-governmental organizations, Indigenous peoples and local communities, and youth took part in the first-ever online event for celebrating the United Nations World Wildlife Day. The theme of World Wildlife Day 2021 was highlighted on "Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet", which attempted to encourage global awareness about the diverse flora and fauna.

On December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3 as World Wildlife Day in the 68th session to raise global awareness of wild animals and plants. World Wildlife Day marks the day of the signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) with 183 parties (182 countries and the European Union) on March 3, 1973. World Wildlife Day has quickly become the most prominent global annual event dedicated to wildlife conservation through the regulation of international trade in over 38,000 species of wild animals and plants.

On this year's World Wildlife Day on March 3, prominent experts around the world joined online to share their ideas over two-panel discussions.

The first panel, exploring the role of the livelihoods of Indigenous peoples and local communities in the conservation and sustainable use of forests, was moderated by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero. The panel was opened with messages from Ms. Nemonte Nenquimo, founder of the Ecuadorian organization Alianza Ceibo and 2020 Equator Prize laureate. Ms. Nenquimo illustrated her community’s efforts to sustainably use and conserve forest biodiversity for future generations.

The second panel, looking at the opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic growth and employment through the sustainable use of forests, was moderated by Ms. Adriana Dinu, Deputy Director of the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The panel was opened with messages from another 2020 Equator Prize Laureate, Mr. Albert Lotana Lokasola, Founder and President of Vie Sauvage, an organization based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mr. Lokasola highlighted his country's efforts to combine the conservation of endemic forest species in the Congo basin and provide sustainable economic opportunities to local communities.

Photo:Webshot.