Conservation in the News:

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 3rd as World Wildlife Day. This date celebrates the signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. The theme for this years wildlife day is “Forests and livelihoods: sustaining people and planet”. “CITES was signed on 3 March 1973 and entered into force on 1 July 1975. With 183 Parties (182 countries + the European Union), it remains one of the world’s most powerful tools for wildlife conservation through the regulation of international trade in over 38,000 species of wild animals and plants. CITES-listed species are used by people around the world in their daily lives for food, health care, furniture, housing, tourist souvenirs, cosmetics or fashion. CITES seeks to ensure that international trade in such species is sustainable, legal and traceable and contributes to both the livelihoods of the communities that live closest to them and to national economies for a healthy planet and the prosperity of the people in support of UN Sustainable Development Goals.” (cities.org) Wildlife is an amazing resource we get to share this planet with, and the conservation of animals and their habitats is crucial. It is our responsibility as humans to fight for the conservation of these resources. So go out and celebrate nature and the outdoors today!