World Wildlife Day, observed annually on the 3rd of March, holds a special place in our hearts at Interwaste as we are dedicated to living our purpose of serving land and life. This day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly, aligns with the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on the 3rd of March 1973. It serves as a global reminder of the importance of preserving our planet's incredible biodiversity.
The 2024 Theme: "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation"
This year's theme highlights the role of digital innovation in the realm of wildlife conservation. For organizations like CITES, digital innovation and collaboration are intertwined in their mission to ensure international wildlife trade is legal, traceable, and sustainable. Connecting People and Planet, under this theme, emphasizes leveraging technology to strengthen our connections to nature.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, digital innovations are becoming integral to wildlife conservation. As we move towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, technology plays a vital role in effective data collection, enhanced decision-making, and targeted monitoring for global and local agreements.
Ground-breaking applications enable us to distinguish different tiger species in seconds, use drones to locate sea turtle nesting sites, and employ advanced tracking systems, real-time data analytics, and AI-driven solutions. These technologies empower conservationists globally, providing unprecedented tools to identify, monitor, track, and ultimately preserve wildlife.
"We find ourselves navigating an evolving landscape of digital connectivity in wildlife conservation. Now is our chance to harness the benefits that emerging technologies bring, both to the natural world and to humanity. Now is the time to build the sustainable future where planet and all people flourish." - Ivonne Higuero, CITES Secretary-General.
Researchers have made remarkable discoveries, revealing creatures not seen for over a century, such as the Voeltzkow's chameleon, the Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo, and the fernandina galapagos tortoise. However, it is estimated that 2,200 species in over 160 countries have not been seen in at least 10 years. We only know approximately 20% of Earth's total species, with most unknown species being plants, fungi, and invertebrates.
Conservation technology plays a pivotal role in monitoring and protecting various land animals, contributing to overall biodiversity conservation. Emerging technologies such as environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, networked sensors, and AI machine learning significantly improve species discovery and monitoring.
Biodiversity is both a global and hyper-local issue, and new technologies are evolving to focus on specific animals or habitats. From SlothBot, a solar-powered conservation robot, to cyborg jellyfish serving as living sensors, these innovations are contributing to the detection and protection of species at risk.
Once we halt biodiversity loss, bioremediation technology helps restore what we've damaged. Phytoextraction, sensing the repopulation of abandoned areas, and early warning networks are emerging possibilities.
As we celebrate the discoveries made by researchers and marvel at the incredible resilience of nature, we must also confront the challenges that lie ahead. The biodiversity boundary teeters on the brink of being breached, and the urgency to act reverberates through the scientific community. Our actions, both as individuals and as a global community, hold the key to preserving the delicate balance of life on Earth. Let this celebration be a catalyst for change, inspiring us all to be stewards of our planet and champions for a future where the vibrant tapestry of biodiversity remains intact for generations to come.
Together, we can weave a story of resilience, innovation, and coexistence.