Image Source: World Wildlife Day 2025

On March 3, 2025, the world will observe World Wildlife Day (WWD), a global event dedicated to raising awareness of wildlife conservation and its critical importance for maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, World Wildlife Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. This year’s theme, Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet, stresses the need for innovative and sustainable financial solutions to protect wildlife and their habitats.

The Global Importance of Wildlife and Biodiversity

Wildlife and biodiversity play a central role in sustaining ecosystems that provide essential services, such as food, medicine, and clean air. These ecosystems are foundational to human livelihoods and are integral to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, forests are home to 60,000 tree species and house 80% of amphibian species and 75% of bird species. Over 1.6 billion people depend on forests for natural capital, which supports their livelihoods.

However, the world is facing a biodiversity crisis. An estimated one million species are threatened with extinction, and the consequences of biodiversity loss extend beyond environmental impacts. The health of the global economy is also at risk, as over half of the world’s GDP is reliant on nature. For example, the fisheries industry, which contributes over 10% of GDP in some countries, faces challenges such as overfishing, leading to economic disruptions and illegal practices.

The Financial Gap and Urgency for Action

Despite the increasing recognition of the value of wildlife conservation, the funding allocated for biodiversity protection is insufficient. Currently, about USD 143 billion is invested annually in biodiversity conservation, but experts estimate that at least USD 824 billion is required each year to meet global biodiversity goals. A significant funding gap persists, particularly in low- to middle-income countries where biodiversity hotspots are often located.

The United Nations has called for an SDG Stimulus of at least USD 500 billion to boost long-term financing for development, including nature protection. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, aims to mobilize at least USD 200 billion annually for biodiversity by 2030. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as Debt-for-Nature swaps and Wildlife Conservation Bonds, have gained traction as potential solutions. These mechanisms allow countries to convert debt into conservation funding while attracting private investment for wildlife protection. Additionally, Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), including wildlife credits, offer new opportunities for communities and landowners to generate income through sustainable wildlife management.