What do the Sumatran tiger, African wild dog, and Western gorilla all have in common? Besides from all being really cool animals we love to watch on Animal Planet, the sad truth is, they are all critically endangered and they are only a few of the species. March 3, 2021 is World Wildlife Day as designated by the UN and on this day along with their partners, they seek to raise awareness of the gravity of the situation at hand. Each year, there is a designated theme and this year’s theme is, “Forest and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”.
So, what can you do this World Wildlife Day to help raise awareness?
- Get Involved: Across the globe, people are expected to come together on March 3 online to discuss ways to combat some of the biggest threats to the world’s wildlife, including habitat change on the land and in the water, over-exploitation, and illegal tracking. Governments, natural parks leaders, citizens and lawmakers will all be holding events to raise awareness. If you can’t attend an event that day, you can always donate to a reputable charity, like World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
- Share the Facts: One of the best ways to grab the attention of your friends and spread a message at the same time is to share a cool fact…especially when it comes to animals! Whether it’s on social media, or while waiting for coffee, it’s a great opportunity to share a little-known fact about an endangered animal, and hopefully spark someone’s curiosity to learn more about animal conservation. When posting on social media use the hashtags: #ForestPeoplePlanet; #WorldWildlifeDay; #WWD2021.
Fun Fact: The Pangolin aka the scaly anteater is the only mammal on Earth that is covered from head to toe in scales made from keratin (the same as human fingernails). They are believed to be the world’s most trafficked non-human mammal for their scales and meat.
- Throw a Watch Party: The Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and Jackson Wild have teamed up once more to organize an International Film Showcase to highlight stories that can showcase the role of forests, forest-dwelling species of wild fauna and flora and the ecosystem services they provide for the millions of people rely on them to meet their basic needs around the world. Winners will be unveiled during the global virtual World Wildlife Day event, on March 3. Their films, along with those of outstanding finalists, will also be shown around the world throughout 2021.
There are also ways you can help the environment and the animals by supporting specific brands that give back. Here are a few of our favorites.
- 4 Ocean: By purchasing their bracelet made with post-consumer recycled materials, you will remove 1 pound of trash from the oceans and coastlines. Since 2017, 4 Ocean has collected over 13 million pounds of plastic and other harmful marine debris from our oceans and coasts.
- United by Blue: United by Blue is a sustainable clothing company whose goal is simple, for every product sold they remove 1 pound of trash from our oceans and waterways. To date, they have collected over 3 million pounds of trash.
- Ten Tree: Ten Tree is a sustainable clothing company whose mission is to plants 10 trees for every product purchased, with a goal of planting 1 billion trees by 2030. With over 20 projects in more than 10 countries, Ten Tree has planted over 53 million trees so far.
- Patagonia 1% for the Planet: 1% for the Planet is an alliance of businesses that understand the necessity of protecting the natural environment. Since 1985, Patagonia has pledged 1% of all sales to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment. They have awarded over $89 million in cash and in-kind donations to domestic and international grassroots environmental groups making a difference in their local communities.
This World Wildlife Day, whether you choose to help support the animals and the different plant species that make our planet unique by attending online events, spreading the message to friends and family, or donating to an organization that helps to protect animals, every little bit makes a difference!
