Green Days by the EPPD: World Wildlife Day 2015!

Tuesday, 3 March 2015

World Wildlife Day 2015!

Today, March 3^rd, 2015 is Wold Wildlife Day (WWD)! It is dedicated to celebrating the diversity of wildlife and raising the awareness of threats to the world’s fauna and flora. March 3^rd was assigned as World Wildlife Day on December 20^th, 2013 at the 68^th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It was put forward by the Convention on the Convention on International Trade of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) after its 16^th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP-16) in Bangkok, Thailand, signifying the day of the adoption of the CITES.

Trinidad and Tobago comprises of a myriad of ecosystems and this enables it to possess the highest biodiversity level in the Caribbean. It contains over 420 species of birds, no less than 600 different butterfly species, more than 95 types of mammals, 85 varying reptiles, 30 amphibians and 54 freshwater fish species. Furthermore, there are more than 2,100 flowering plants with 2% of these being endemic (native to Trinidad and Tobago).

In light of the importance of our local wildlife, the first National Wildlife Policy for Trinidad and Tobago was approved in December, 2013. The Policy recognises that wild species contribute significantly to national development, livelihoods and human well-being. It focuses on issues related to endangerment, and provides guidance on the management of threatened species. Key policy issues on the management of game species, wildlife habitat and the engagement of civil society in the management of wildlife are also addressed.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will continue to do its part in the preservation and sustainable management of the country's wildlife resources!