Every year on March 3, World Wildlife Day is celebrated. This date was established by the UN General Assembly in its resolution in December 2013. Since then, this day has served as a reminder of the importance of wild animals and plants for maintaining balance on the planet and the well-being of humanity.
A significant date
On this day in 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed. It is one of the most important agreements that unite global efforts to protect wildlife.
This international treaty protects rare and endangered species from illegal trade and overuse. The list of flora and fauna species covered by the Convention is specified in the annexes to the treaty.
There are 173 countries participating in the Convention. Ukraine joined it in 1999, implementing the provisions of CITES into its legislation. It is important to note that since the agreement was signed, none of the species it protects have become extinct due to trade.
Following a UN resolution in 2013, this date has taken on broader significance and context.
Theme of the year
Every year, World Wildlife Day is dedicated to a specific group of species or a particular ecosystem. In 2026, the theme of the event is "Medicinal and aromatic plants."
These plants are important for human health and ecological balance. Every year, humanity harvests 50-70 thousand species of medicinal and aromatic plants for use. About 1.5 thousand of them are listed in the CITES Appendices.
In developing countries, 70-95% of the population relies on traditional medicine, where medicinal plants are the basis for providing first aid. Even in developed countries, these plants play an important role in entire industries – pharmaceuticals, medicine, food production, and cosmetics.
At the same time, these plant species are part of sustainable ecosystems – they serve as a food source for pollinating insects, stabilize soils, and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. However, habitat destruction due to urbanization, construction, agriculture, deforestation, and illegal trade threaten many species with extinction.
"I call on all countries to become gardeners of the global commons. Together, we can ensure that the ecosystems that have healed humanity for millennia will continue to support us and future generations," urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
On February 19, the world celebrated Marine Mammal Protection Day, dedicated to whales and dolphins.
