In news– World Wildlife Day is observed on March 3rd every year to raise awareness about the conservation of wildlife.
About the day-
- On December 20, 2013 at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3 as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.
- It is also the day of the signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
- Further, the UNGA resolution designated the CITES Secretariat as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar.
- The CITES resolution was sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand, the Host of CITES CoP16, which transmitted the outcomes of CITES CoP16 to the UN General Assembly.
- The theme for 2022 is ‘Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration’.
- CITES, in collaboration with other relevant UN organizations, facilitates the implementation of this Day.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES)-
- CITES is an international agreement to which States and regional economic integration organizations adhere voluntarily.
- States that have agreed to be bound by the Convention (‘joined’ CITES) are known as Parties.
- Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
- CITES was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of IUCN (The World Conservation Union).
- The text of the Convention was finally agreed at a meeting of representatives of 80 countries in Washington, D.C., United States of America, on 3 March 1973, and on 1 July 1975 CITES entered into force.
- Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties, it does not take the place of national laws.
- With 183 Member States, CITES remains one of the world’s most powerful tools for biodiversity conservation through the regulation of trade in wild fauna and flora.
Source: The Indian Express
