World Wildlife Day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly’s 68th session on December 20, 2013, to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife. The day was chosen to coincide with the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on March 3, 1973.
A general assessment report prepared by the United Nations on natural life warns that if immediate action is not taken, human populations, both present and future, are at risk.
According to a report published by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services under the United Nations, nature is in a serious crisis. The report once again highlights the fact that the air, water, and land of the earth have suffered significant damage due to human activities.
The report also states that more than 1 million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction. This number shows that 25% of animals and plants are currently threatened.
What are the Risks Faced by Wildlife?
Today, fertile and forested areas are being used to expand agricultural lands, causing significant damage to the wildlife ecosystem.
Wetlands contain a large number of plant and animal species, but they are drying up due to climate change and human activities. As the amount of water in wetlands decreases, the wild ecosystem is being replaced by a barren swamp.
Overfishing, either due to insufficient or excessive fishing, also poses a threat to fish populations. There is also a serious marine pollution problem, putting sea life in a difficult situation.
Due to the ongoing climate crisis, glaciers are melting rapidly, putting the polar population on the brink of extinction due to the loss of their habitats.
Wildlife is also threatened by human desires, such as elephants being hunted for their ivory, rhinos for their horns, and some animals for their fur and skin.
What Can Improve the Wild Ecosystem?
The situation shows that humans are causing significant harm to the wild life. However, changing this situation is again in the hands of humanity.
Protection of the habitat of wildlife, such as National Parks, Sanctuaries, and Reserve Forests, can be achieved.
There are existing laws for the protection of wildlife, but the scope of these laws needs to be expanded and their sanctions increased.
Raising awareness of the protection of wildlife at the national, corporate, and individual levels is also an important step in improving this life.
What is MFET Doing for Wildlife?
MFET is supporting tree communities, including wildlife, through its ReForm. Tree purchases will be made through the Yeşil Türkiye (Green Türkiye), a approved and secure association, with the approval of ReForm. Each tree planted will reduce carbon emissions and support the forest ecosystem.
