World Wildlife Day 2017: Guiding the youth towards nature conservation

Every year, Mar 3 is observed as World Wildlife Day ever since the decision was taken on Dec 20, 2013, at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the day the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed.

With almost one quarter of the world’s population aged between 10 and 24, vigorous efforts need to be made to encourage young people, as the future leaders and decision makers of the world, to act at both local and global levels to protect endangered wildlife.

Therefore the theme for 2017 is 'Listen to the Young Voices'.

Anil Madhav Dave, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, tweeted, "MoEF&CC remains committed to conserving wildlife. Budget allocation increased from Rs. 475 Cr last year to Rs. 522.50 Cr. #WorldWildlifeDay."

In another tweet, he said, "Young citizens must take the lead in protecting the denizens of wild. Let us roar into action to the call of the wild – #SaveWildlife."

CITES Secretary-General, John E. Scanlon, said, "Given the current rate of poaching and smuggling, will future generations one day speak of elephants, rhinoceros and many other endangered species as we speak of mammoths: magnificent creatures belonging to the past? We must not and will not allow this to happen."

“It is the responsibility of each generation to safeguard wildlife for the following generation. We have not yet succeeded in securing the future of the world’s wildlife. Meeting this challenge will now be shared with the next generation. To succeed we must fully harness the innovation and energy of youth, and combine it with the wisdom that comes with experience, if we are to make the change we need to happen," said Scanlon.

Image: Anil M Dave Twitter