‘World Wildlife Day’ is organized every year on 3rd March since the year 2013.
It is worth noting that on this date the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife and Flora (CITES) was adopted in the year 1973.
It is directed by the CITES Secretariat to ensure the global observance of this special day for wildlife in the UN calendar by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.
Today Current Affairs
Theme of the year 2022:
Theme: Restoration of key species for ecosystem restoration.
The theme has been chosen as a way to draw attention to the conservation status of some of the most critically endangered species of wildlife and flora.
Significance of this day: The Hindu Analysis
It is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals-1, 12, 14 and 15 and seeks to conserve life on land and under water to reduce poverty, ensure sustainable use of resources and prevent loss of biodiversity. It also aligns with their broader commitments.
Our planet is currently facing many challenges, which harm biodiversity and due to this one lakh species may become extinct in the coming decades.
Current status of fauna and flora species: The Hindu Analysis
More than 8000 species of wildlife and flora are endangered and more than 30,000 species are on the verge of extinction.
It is also estimated that about one lakh species have become extinct.
India accounts for 7-8% of all recorded species, including over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of animals.
India is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world with three biodiversity hotspots – the Western Ghats, the Eastern Himalayas and the Indo-Burma hotspots.
There are 7 Natural World Heritage Sites, 11 Biosphere Reserves and 39 Ramsar Sites in the country.
India has many wildlife conservation parks and sanctuaries, including Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, Gir National Park in Gujarat, Bannerghatta Biological Park in Karnataka, Periyar National Park in Kerala, Hemis National Park in Ladakh, Himachal The state includes the Great Himalayan National Park etc.
Along with human activities, the main factors in the extinction of species include habitat loss due to urbanization, overexploitation, relocation of species from their natural habitat, global pollution and climate change etc.
Illegal wildlife trade is also harming plant and wild animal populations and pushing endangered species to extinction. This can also have many public health consequences such as the spread of zoonotic pathogens.
India’s domestic legal framework for wildlife conservation:
Constitutional Provisions for Wildlife: The Hindu Analysis
Conservation of forests and wild animals and birds were transferred from the State List to the Concurrent List through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
Article 51 A (G) of the Constitution states that it shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests and wildlife.
Under the Directive Principles of State Policy, Article 48A states that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to protect the forests and wildlife of the country.
Legal Framework: The Hindu Analysis
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Environment Protection Act, 1986
Biodiversity Act, 2002
Today Current Affairs
India’s contribution to global wildlife conservation efforts: The Hindu Analysis
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife and Flora (CITES)
Convention on the Protection of Migratory Species of Wildlife (CMS)
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
World Heritage Convention
Ramsar Convention
Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network
United Nations Forum on Forests
International Whaling Commission
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Global Tiger Forum
Here we mention all information about World Wildlife Day – Today Current Affairs.
No Comments