March 3 - World Wildlife Day

On March 3, we celebrate World Wildlife Day, an annual event to highlight the importance of conserving wildlife and their habitats. In 2013, at the 68th session of the ONU General Assembly, it was decided that March 3, the day on which the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora – CITES, a key agreement in protecting species threatened by international trade, was adopted, would be celebrated as World Wildlife Day. In its resolution, the General Assembly reaffirmed the value of wildlife and its contributions, starting from the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational or aesthetic levels and ending with sustainable development.

Protected natural areas constitute a fundamental strategy for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, scientific research, environmental education and public awareness on environmental protection in the Republic of Moldova,. They include various categories, such as scientific reserves, nature reserves, landscape reserves and natural monuments.

The vision for 2050 is to live in harmony with nature, and the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems globally. Each species plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. The ongoing loss of wildlife poses an existential threat to people and the planet, affecting the ecosystems on which we all depend.

On World Wildlife Day, it is essential to renew our commitment to conserving biodiversity and to recognize the interdependence of all species. Investing in wildlife conservation is not only a moral responsibility, but also a necessity to ensure a sustainable future for future generations.

Cristina Țugulea, PhD