Favourite tweets and photos for UN World Wildlife Day March 3

In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed every March 3rd as UN World Wildlife Day.

The day is meant to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. This year’s theme is “Listen to the Young Voices.”

Given that almost one quarter of the world’s population is aged between 10 and 24, vigorous efforts need to be made to encourage young people, as the future leaders and decision makers of the world, to act at both local and global levels to protect endangered wildlife.

The engagement and empowerment of youth is high on the agenda of the United Nations and this objective is being achieved through the youth programmes of various UN system organizations as well as the dedicated UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth.

This year, World Wildlife Day 2017 encourages youth around the world to rally together to address ongoing major threats to wildlife including habitat change, over-exploitation or illicit trafficking.

A photo contest which drew entries from around the world can be seen here .