Sun Destinations

In December 2013, the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 March as World Wildlife Day.  The relevant organisations within the UN system facilitated the implementation of World Wildlife Day in recognition of the fact that wildlife plays an integral part of our daily living. This year we celebrate wildlife, but also focus on combatting the illegal trade of animals; which sustains criminal networks.

The preservation of wildlife has become a UN top level priority. And we should all follow suit. Each small change you weave into your lifestyle will have an impact. So, this begs the question. What can you do to help?  There is plenty you can do. Below is an informative list of suggestions and useful resources about how you can support World Wildlife Day.

• Here is an endangered species list – protect them and don’t support the exploitation of wildlife.
• Read facts and figures about wildlife. We have more tigers in captivity than in the wild but we still have circuses that use tigers for entertainment. Avoid this type of entertainment.There may even be restaurants in your local areas serving fish and seafood which has been overfished. Avoid ordering these dishes.
• Do not support beauty products tested of animals. Here, PETA has furnished us with a list of cruelty-free cosmetic products.
• Understand HOW wild animals are used for financial gain. Often we are not aware of the dire consequences of our seemingly innocent and well-meaning interactions with wild animals. Did you know that some of those lion cubs that you are petting end up being sold for canned hunting purposes? Chloe Cooper wrote a well-researched piece about the controversial topic of interacting with lion cubs.
• Reduce your carbon footprint. Recycle and live sustainably. Reduce the energy you consume and take the burden off of our natural resources.
• Donate to the big cat initiative in a personal capacity, or get your business to donate a portion of their turnover to this cause.
• Development can often result in habitat destruction and loss of species. Do not support development in areas where there are protected species of fauna and flora.
• Educate communities and think about implementing realisitic programs that encourage sustainability.  The lion guardian initiative is one of the most incredible organisations that encourages communities to coexist with wildlife.
• National Geographic wrote an excellent post celebrating the ways in which 9 of the world’s explorers have made a difference to saving our planet.Learn from the leaders.

Let us all find ways to coexist in a sustainable manner that respects the values of communities and the preservation of wildlife. Feel free to use the posters below as a cover for your Facebook page.