It is World Wildlife Day and the UN has issued a stern warning that one million species are at risk of going extinct because of habitat degradation, fossil fuel pollution, and the escalating climate disaster.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the world to “end this war on nature” and emphasized the need for bolder actions to reduce emissions, accelerate renewables and build climate resilience.
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This year’s celebration marks 50 years since a major agreement to limit the trade of endangered animals and plants.
In Africa, partnerships between wildlife conservation organizations and local communities have helped to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.
To conserve wildlife, governments and organisations must recognise their national importance, identify threats to their long-term survival, and establish sustainable and adaptable collaborative approaches.
In addition, supporting ecotourism as a sustainable source of income and ensuring that necessary laws are in place to protect rare habitats can also help strengthen a strong commitment among society at large to protecting one of Earth’s most valuable assets: its diversity of life.
World Wildlife Day is not only a time to celebrate the unique biodiversity of our planet but also an opportunity to educate the next generation on the importance of wildlife conservation.