World Wildlife Day 2025 | Theme, Celebrations, and Significance

World Wildlife Day 2025, celebrated on March 3, marks the anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), highlighting the importance of protecting wildlife. The World Wildlife Day 2025 Theme is, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” which emphasises the urgent need for sustainable funding to protect biodiversity amid a growing extinction crisis. With over a million species at risk, securing innovative financial solutions is essential to safeguarding wildlife and ecosystems. Join the global movement to celebrate nature’s beauty, raise awareness, and drive action for a more sustainable future. Read the complete article to know more about global celebration.

World Wildlife Day - Overview

On December 20, 2013, during its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially declared March 3 as World Wildlife Day, commemorating the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. This global event is dedicated to celebrating the richness of wildlife and ecosystems while highlighting the crucial role conservation plays in sustaining life on Earth.

World Wildlife Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to combat wildlife crime and prevent the decline of species caused by human activities. These threats have far-reaching economic, environmental, and social impacts, making conservation efforts more critical than ever. Recognised as the most significant global event for wildlife awareness, this day is coordinated by the CITES Secretariat, ensuring international collaboration to protect biodiversity for future generations.

World Wildlife Day 2025 Theme: Investing in People and Planet for a Sustainable Future

World Wildlife Day 2025, observed on March 3, will highlight the theme “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet” to address the critical need for sustainable funding in wildlife conservation. This year’s event is especially significant as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the enforcement of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

However, with over 1 million species facing extinction due to climate change, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade, innovative financial solutions are essential to reversing biodiversity loss. To bridge this funding gap, innovative financial mechanisms like Debt-for-Nature swaps, Wildlife Conservation Bonds, and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) are gaining momentum, enabling nations and organisations to channel private investments toward conservation.

World Wildlife Day 2025 will serve as a platform for discussing these financial innovations, the challenges faced by governments, NGOs, and the private sector, and the collaborative efforts required to secure sustainable biodiversity funding. The official UN celebration will take place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on March 3, 2025, and will be livestreamed globally on the World Wildlife Day YouTube channel.

Geneva’s Role in World Wildlife Day 2025

Geneva plays a crucial role in global wildlife conservation, hosting major international organisations dedicated to protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. As the headquarters of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), Geneva is central to regulating global wildlife trade and ensuring species survival.

Geneva remains at the forefront of conservation efforts. Organisations such as IUCN, UNEP, WWF International, and the UN-REDD Programme work towards biodiversity protection, climate action, and sustainable finance solutions.

Locally, Geneva promotes urban biodiversity through protected areas, river restoration projects, and initiatives like Pro Natura, WWF Geneva, and Bioparc Geneva, which focus on education, conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation. Efforts such as Debt-for-Nature swaps, Wildlife Conservation Bonds, and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) are helping bridge the biodiversity funding gap, ensuring a sustainable future for wildlife.

The official World Wildlife Day 2025 celebration will take place in Geneva at the UN Palais des Nations on March 3, 2025, with a global livestream, reinforcing the city’s commitment to conservation and sustainable investment in nature.

Interesting Wildlife Facts

• Scientists estimate that over 1 million species of animals and plants are threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade.

• Human activities have drastically impacted biodiversity. Today, 60% of mammals on Earth are livestock, 36% are humans, and only 4% are wild mammals like lions, elephants, and tigers.

• Rainforests, woodlands, and other forested areas support 80% of the world’s land-based species, including rare and endangered animals like orangutans and jaguars.

• Though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs are home to 25% of marine species, providing critical habitats for fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.

• Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds play a vital role in food production, contributing to 75% of the world’s leading food crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

World Wildlife Day 2025 highlights the urgent need for sustainable funding to protect biodiversity under the theme “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” With over 1 million species at risk, innovative solutions like Wildlife Conservation Bonds and Debt-for-Nature Swaps are crucial for securing a resilient future.

As we celebrate on March 3, 2025, let’s take action—support conservation, spread awareness, and advocate for policies that protect wildlife. The time to invest in nature is now!