World Wildlife Day 2025 (WWD2025) will be celebrated under the critical theme of “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” This theme highlights the urgent need for innovative financial solutions. These solutions are crucial to protect our planet’s biodiversity. This year’s celebration will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). This marks a significant milestone in global wildlife conservation efforts during World Wildlife Day 2025.
IMPORTANCE OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FINANCE
The theme for World Wildlife Day 2025 underscores the crucial role of financial investments in wildlife conservation. Over 1 million species face the threat of extinction amid a global biodiversity crisis. As a result, innovative finance mechanisms have become more important than ever. Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of CITES, says we must unlock the finance sector’s potential. It must incorporate nature-positive strategies. This can sustain ecosystems and communities.
More than half of the world’s GDP is linked to nature. Biodiversity loss now directly impacts financial stability and livelihoods. Addressing the funding gap for conservation has become a priority. Reflecting on this theme, World Wildlife Day 2025 will serve as a global platform to explore solutions. It will also encourage private sector investment in wildlife conservation.
COLLABORATIVE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
WWD2025 events will include both in-person and online activities. These events will bring together key stakeholders from governments, financial institutions, businesses, civil society, and youth to celebrate World Wildlife Day 2025. The events will aim to:
- Showcase innovative solutions for wildlife conservation finance, including stories of success and influential leaders in the field.
- Provide a knowledge base for stakeholders to access insights on how finance can mobilize resources for conservation efforts.
- Foster collaboration among sectors and stakeholders to bridge wildlife conservation funding gaps.
- Engage indigenous peoples, local communities, and youth who have experience in conservation and trade. Ensure their voices are heard. Incorporate them into global discussions.
Notable activities include the Jackson Wild Film Showcase and the IFAW Youth Art Contest, which will help raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation finance through media, film, and art.
CALL TO ACTION FOR GLOBAL PARTICIPATION
In line with the UN General Assembly Resolution proclaiming World Wildlife Day, the CITES Secretariat calls upon all member states, UN organizations, and other stakeholders to promote World Wildlife Day 2025:
- Raise awareness about the 2025 theme and its significance in addressing global biodiversity loss.
- Organize local celebrations and activities that highlight the importance of wildlife conservation finance during the celebrations of World Wildlife Day 2025.
- Incorporate the involvement of indigenous peoples, local communities, and youth, who hold essential knowledge for conservation and trade.
- Utilize the official World Wildlife Day logos and promotional materials for broader outreach.
The global conversation on wildlife protection and biodiversity loss is gaining momentum. World Wildlife Day 2025 will serve as a pivotal moment for the international community. It is a time to align efforts and advance solutions toward a sustainable future.