WHAT IS WORLD WILDLIFE DAY?

Anuoluwa Adebanjo

EVER WONDERED WHAT “WORLD WILDLIFE DAY” IS ABOUT? LET’S TELL YOU ABOUT IT!

Flora and Fauna species of the world have intrinsic values, which they provide to humans. They also contribute largely to social, cultural, economic, educational, scientific and environmental well-being of the human society. These flora and fauna species, have key roles to play in maintaining a good health status for the ecosystem and thus, prevent uncomfortable situations and hazards that could arise from global warming, climate change, drought, erosion and other negative environmental impacts.
Wildlife (Flora and Fauna), though are viewed to be only large animals and plants, extends beyond those. They include even tiny insects, fungi, smaller sea animals, and even small plants that are existing naturally in their respective habitats.
According to the United Nations (UN), over 8,400 species of flora and fauna are already critically endangered and almost 30,000 species of flora and fauna are either endangered or already labelled vulnerable. This is as a result of indiscriminate killings and utilisation of these Wildlife resources. Hence, it has become a major responsibility for us all to stand up for these flora and fauna species, in order to save the Ecosystem.
The World Wildlife Day (WWD), which comes up every 3rd of March in each year, has therefore been set aside as a day to create awareness for the conservation (sustainable utilisation) of these Wildlife resources. WWD is a day to reach out to as many people as we can, educating them on the need to protect Wildlife resources. This is because indiscriminate killing of wild animals and logging or felling of trees, can pose a serious threat to human health condition, as these plants and animals help to create a safer environment from natural hazards. They also provide therapeutic environment for human health care.
The World Wildlife Day for this year 2022, has been themed, “Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration”. The notion behind this is to help preserve the dying species that are crucial to the survival of ecosystems, which are currently facing dangers of extinction. This key species play a major role in helping to sustain the ecosystem and maintain its balance. Thus, this year we are particularly raising awareness for the near threatened, the critically endangered and the vulnerable species of flora and fauna across the globe, that people must no longer kill these Wildlife species indiscriminately but rather help to protect and conserve them for the benefit of all human race.