WORLD WILDLIFE DAY

United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 March as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness about wildlife at a global level. In 2021, it will be celebrated under the theme ‘Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet’.

Wildlife refers to all the wild life forms, especially animals and birds of an area that are neither domesticated nor introduced by humans. From time immemorial, humans have been discovering the wonderful gifts of nature from tender little herbs to giant animals. We have always been enthusiastic about making the best use of things around us and have monopolized an enormous portion of our wild resources. This makes it important to think about wildlife conservation. We, of course do not want to run out of valuable resources that sustain our lives.

That is why on March 3 every year, we celebrate World Wildlife Day. This year’s theme aims to recognize the importance of forests and promote practices that helps to ensure balance between human civilization and sustenance of wildlife in the long run. Reckless cutting of forests and other insensitive human actions are leading to depletion of our natural resources at an alarming rate. Loss of forests is not something we can afford to ignore. We must do what needs to be done for wildlife conservation before we find ourselves in the middle of nowhere, searching for the precious riches which we have already destroyed beyond repair.
There are two approaches to develop awareness and involve the masses in wildlife protection. First is teaching them how our lives depend on nature. If they realize the potential danger that may arise due to ruthless exploitation of wildlife, it will prompt them to think of and implement possible solutions. This is the approach generally seen around us, most of our actions are driven by the fear of troubles that may arise if we do not do so. The second one is a more empathetic approach. It focuses on thinking about how our actions can affect others. For example, a child who grows up believing that plucking a flower is wrong because it hurts the plant is very likely to become a citizen who is concerned about wildlife conservation.
This does not mean that humans should stop eating vegetables, as vegetables come from plants and plants are hurt when we eat their parts. It actually means that we can try to refine our actions in such a manner that it will lead to good for our fellow humans, nature and our whole world. I believe such an attitude can have a tremendous impact, it will help protect flora and fauna, reduce disparity and ensure natural resources are flourishing.

World Wildlife Day is not only meant for doing something to protect wildlife, but also for appreciating wildlife. If you have ever stood staring at the unparalleled splendour of a wild landscape, you might be able to see the sheer elegance in every wild flower, the charm possessed by the fluttering wings of a little bird, the magnificence of the hard trunk of an old tree or the delight in watching a busy squirrel. Wildlife, in all its diverse forms, makes our earth perfect. It reminds us how every little element of nature has its own purpose, and how balanced it is in its unaltered form.