Fewer days are closer to hearts, as an industry, as World Wildlife Day. While the reasons might be obvious, allow us to tell you why this day is dear to us. We will start with words from the United Nations Secretary-General.
“Let us remind ourselves of our duty to preserve and sustainably use the vast variety of life on the planet. Let us push for a more caring, thoughtful and sustainable relationship with nature”
António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres
Why World Wildlife Day is Important in the Safari Industry
World Wildlife Day is a day that celebrates forest-based livelihoods. On 3 March 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) came into being. The United Nations General Assembly decided to commemorate this historic date by declaring it World Wildlife Day.
Why We Celebrate This Day
- It is said that less than 350 million people worldwide rely on forests for their livelihood. The entire safari industry is part of the 5% that depends on forests and associated ecosystems for basic needs.
- The day promotes policies and practices aimed at protecting wildlife and their habitats. We know where our bread is buttered, so we will celebrate plans for the long-term conservation of forests.
- Forests like Mana Pools and Matobo Hills are not only home to unique wildlife but also house cultural treasures. You can rest easy knowing the two Zimbabwe safari destinations were designated Unesco World Heritage Sites, so they will be around for some time.
- Competing uses forests, climate change and current planetary problems like COVID-19 (there was a lot of poaching during lockdown) threaten existing biodiversity. On this day we push for “…a more caring, thoughtful and sustainable relationship with nature.” And for us, nature is both home and work.
- As a species, we are at a time when our behaviour threatens our existence. Failure to educate younger generations on conserving our wilderness will result in failure to sustain life on earth. Not that we have anything against moving to Mars.
“Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet” is the theme for World Wildlife Day 2021
