This year World Wildlife Day (WWD) on 3 March 2016 celebrates under the theme “The future of wildlife is in our hands” which reinforces the link between wildlife, people and sustainable development.

Wildlife plays an integral part of our daily living. This year we celebrate wildlife, but also focus on safeguarding wildlife for the following generation. We also need to focus on the pressing need for national action to ensure the survival in the wild of both charismatic and lesser known species.

“World Wildlife Day 2016 follows the adoption of the historic UN General Assembly resolution on “Tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife” and the new global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a vision for the planet in which humanity lives in harmony with nature” said CITES Secretary-General, Mr. John E. Scanlon.

The levels of killings of elephants in Africa and trafficking in their ivory remain alarmingly high. In the meantime, the long term challenges that are facing African elephants are also affecting Asian elephants, namely habitat loss and fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict. More recently, growing levels of poaching has also been witnessed for Asian elephants.

The actions each one of us takes, whoever we are, wherever we are, will determine the fate of wild animals and plants. The preservation of wildlife has become a UN top level priority. And we should all follow suit. Each small change you weave into your lifestyle will have an impact. So, this begs the question. What can you do to help? 

There is plenty you can do. Below is an informative list of suggestions and useful resources about how you can support World Wildlife Day.

Here is an endangered species list – protect them and don’t support the exploitation of wildlife.

• Read facts and figures about wildlife. Elephant trekking, or elephant riding, has long been on the Asia traveller’s bucket list. However, more and more travellers and tour operators are starting to question the ethics of riding these wild animals, as well as the methods used to train them. No more than 45,000 Asian elephants remain in their natural environment, scattered across 13 countries in ever decreasing patches of land; they are classified as endangered throughout their range. The more elephants that are taken from their natural habitat to supply temples, sanctuaries and camps, the smaller their chances of survival. These days, no animal lover would dream of purchasing ivory – yet riding an elephant while on holiday could ultimately have the same impact on elephant populations.
• Do not support beauty products tested of animals. Here, PETA has furnished us with a list of cruelty-free cosmetic products.
• Help to save endangered animals and the local communities with which they live alongside by volunteering with some of the world's most incredible wildlife species in completely breath-taking environments. From elephants in the Bornean rainforest to whale sharks in the Indian Ocean; you’re sure to find something suited to your interests with The Great Projects.
• Reduce your carbon footprint. Recycle and live sustainably. Reduce the energy you consume and take the burden off of our natural resources.
• Donate to a wildlife charity, or get your business to donate a portion of their turnover to a wildlife cause. UK-based charities dealing with endangered animals & wildlife conservation can be found here. To find out about the groups concerned, or to learn how you can donate - money, time or goods - or raise funds, simply click on an individual charity. Whether you've a general interest in animal protection, or are concerned with a particular area like marine conservation or wildlife trusts, our listings contain all you need to know.
• Development can often result in habitat destruction and loss of species. Do not support development in areas where there are protected species of fauna and flora.
• National Geographic wrote an excellent post celebrating the ways in which 9 of the world’s explorers have made a difference to saving our planet. Learn from the leaders.

This World Wildlife Day, let us all try and find ways to coexist in a sustainable manner that respects the values of communities and the preservation of wildlife.