This year’s World Wildlife Day theme is all about exploring digital innovation in wildlife conservation. Learn about how you can participate digitally to support wild species and their habitats.
Every year, the United Nations celebrates World Wildlife Day (March 3, 2024). This day is dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of wild animals, and plants to our planet. The theme for 2024 is “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation,” shedding light on the intersection of technology and wildlife sustainability. With an estimated 7.8 million animal species and 298,000 plants, WWD explores how technology and digital spaces can drive conservation and sustainability forward.
Ahead, check out the various ways you can participate and support positive change.
Ways you can participate this World Wildlife Day
1. Learn about endangered species
One of the best things you can do is learn about endangered species. Understanding the challenges faced by endangered species increases public awareness of the issue, helps people appreciate the interconnectedness of our ecosystem, and catalyzes people to take action. Start by exploring endangered species provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
2. Donate to a wildlife conservation organization you care about
Chanel your support by contributing monetarily to a wildlife conservation organization of your choice. There are a plethora of local wildlife organizations that are dedicated to conserving wildlife, water, and the land. For example, The Jane Goodall Institute works to save chimpanzees from extinction. In 1900, there was an estimated one million chimpanzees in the wild. Today, there are fewer than 340,000. By donating or signing up for action alerts, you can support the institute’s work to fight illegal wildlife trafficking and increase public awareness.
Other organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) work with scientists and lawyers to protect the planet’s wildlife and spaces to ensure a healthy environment for all living things. Fun fact: NRDC lawyers helped lay the groundwork for America’s environmental laws.
But these aren’t the only two organizations doing the work. Here are some other organizations to consider:
● International Fund for Animal Welfare
● Wildlife Conservation Society
● National Wildlife Conservation
3. Volunteer at a botanical garden or national park
While donating is one way to help, you can also dedicate your time by volunteering at a botanical garden or national park. Botanical Gardens provide opportunities to help improve local gardens, lead school programs, and assist with educational programs.
The volunteer opportunities at national parks are as diverse as the landscapes themselves and can involve:
● Leading educational programs
● Maintaining or rebuilding trails
● Educating others about the parks
● Producing art as an artist-in-residence
Find a park near you to get started.
4. Take part in the United Nations WWD 2024 event
Engage in the global conversation by using #WorldWildlifeDay and tagging @worldwildlifeday on Instagram and Facebook to share with others what you’re doing to conserve and celebrate nature and wildlife.
Additionally, don’t miss the main event’s live stream, featuring speakers from Wildlabs, Jackson Wild, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare, along with multimedia performances and presentations highlighting the latest conservation technologies.
World Wildlife Day is not just a day of celebration, but a time for collective action. By learning, donating, volunteering, or participating in online events, you can play a role in conserving wild species and their habitats.
