In 2023, on 3 March, we celebrate World Wildlife Day,

It is an international day of the United Nations to celebrate all the world’s wild animals and plants and the contribution they make to our lives and the health of the planet.

This date was chosen because it is the birthday of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed in 1973.

This World Wildlife Day is also a celebration of CITES turning 50 years old. In recognition of the work done by CITES and the collaborative conservation work taking place globally, the theme of this year’s World Wildlife Day is ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’.

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its purpose is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of species.