UN Secretary-General’s Call for Action to Protect Wildlife
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need to protect nature in his message on World Wildlife Day. He highlighted the devastating impact of human activities on wildlife and stressed the potential of human ingenuity to contribute to its conservation.
Digital Technologies for Wildlife Conservation
This year’s World Wildlife Day theme focuses on the role of digital technologies in driving wildlife conservation efforts amidst growing challenges such as pollution, climate change, habitat loss, and exploitation of nature. These factors are threatening over a million plant and animal species with extinction.
The Role of Technology in Conservation
Mr. Guterres noted the importance of technology in wildlife conservation, citing how satellites are currently being used to track endangered animals and monitor wildlife migration patterns and land use. He emphasized that while technology is a valuable tool, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution (silver bullet) to the conservation challenges we face.
Concerted Global Efforts for Wildlife Conservation
The Secretary-General called for collaborative efforts to preserve wildlife and advocate for a just and sustainable global future. He urged countries to take immediate action to reduce emissions, adapt to climate extremes, prevent pollution, and combat biodiversity loss.
Significance of World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day, observed annually on March 3rd, was established by the UN General Assembly in 2013 to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the planet’s flora and fauna. This date also marks the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.