According to World Wild Life Report, in the past 40 years, there has been an average decline of 60% in the populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. In the past 30 years, we have lost approximately 50% of shallow water corals, and in the last 50 years, the global average temperature has risen at 170 times the background rate.
The above facts and figures indicate that the natural habitat of the Earth is rapidly changing. There have been drastic changes in the past few decades, some positive and some negative, but every change is connected. Human happiness and development are dependent on healthy natural systems, and we cannot keep on enjoy the former without the latter.
Therefore, to raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared March 3rd as UN World Wildlife Day.
History of World Wildlife Day
In 1973, members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) signed a multi-lateral treaty, CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), for the conservation of endangered plants and animals.
CITES was created with an aim to ensure that the international trade of wild flora and fauna does not hamper the survival of the species in the wild. This treaty protects more than 35,000 species of animals and plants.
On December 20th, 2013, to further to raise awareness, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared March 3rd as UN World Wildlife Day.
On March 3rd 2014, people the world over celebrated the inaugural World Wildlife Day. A day to observe wildlife and to commit to its protection and conservation. Since then, every year this day is celebrated under a specific theme.
Previous themes focused on the crime against wildlife, the future of wildlife, listening to the youth, and predators under threat. World Wildlife Day 2019 is significant as it is the first to focus on the breadth of life existing below the sea.
World Wildlife Day 2019
Theme: Life below water: For people and planet
The purpose of this theme is to focus on marine species and highlight the crucial importance and value of marine wildlife to our everyday lives. Also, the day will celebrate successful initiatives taken by people to preserve and sustainably manage these water species and to enhance support for such efforts.
Improving Life Below Water
This year, it’ll be the first World Wildlife Day to focus on life below water. It will offer an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about the beautiful diversity of marine life. The day will also give us a chance to find out how we can make sure marine life continues to thrive and provide amazing services for future generations.
Shop LC is deeply committed to sustaining the industries that provide beautiful corals and cultured pearls in our range of jewelry products.
Today, extraction of Mediterranean coral is mainly performed by divers who collect it at the depths of 120 meters and more. In recent decades, combined factors such as over-harvesting, pollution, and cumulative national and international efforts for environmental protection has led to a drastic reduction in the supply. As a result, illegal poaching of coral has risen.
Throughout the world, many nations are working toward stopping illegal poaching to save marine wildlife and homes. Shop LC also contributes in the cause by participating in an ethical supply chain process. We source our coral only from authorized suppliers. Shop LC goes to great lengths to comply with all laws protecting endangered species.
Cultured pearls are also subject to a vigorous cultivation process. The mollusks that produce these organic treasures can only exist in a particular climate, and are quite sensitive to the smallest changes in their environment. For this reason, cultured pearl farmers work with national and international groups to ensure that modern aquaculture methods are used to produce the highest-quality product while preserving the environment for generations to come.
In addition, nearly every part of a mollusk can be reused or recycled. Shells can be reused for culturing new pearls, creating mother of pearl, or even in industrial applications like creating roads. The meat from mollusks can be consumed by humans or used to create animal feed.
We know that you also believe in the conservation of nature and wildlife. Let us know your view on how to raise awareness through your comments.