It’s World Wildlife Day and we celebrate our planet’s wild animals and plants! In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 3 as UN World Wildlife Day – 50 years after the day of the signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
This year, we are celebrating World Wildlife Day under the theme of “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet” to highlight the important role of forest ecosystems and forest species in sustaining the livelihoods of billions of people around the world – and particularly of Indigenous and local communities with historic ties to forested and forest-adjacent areas.
What Does the B.C. Wildlife Federation Do for Wildlife and Their Habitat?
Although it is never enough, the B.C. Wildlife Federation joins in celebrating the good work that many organizations and governments do for the betterment of wildlife and their habitats.
The B.C. Wildlife Federation’s mission is “to protect, enhance and promote the wise use of the environment for the benefit of present and future generations.” and we are working together to protect and conserve B.C.’s fish, wildlife and habitat.
The Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Coalition, which the BCWF is part of, prioritizes the conservation of fish, wildlife and habitat provincially and support this by enshrining it into legislative and regulatory mechanisms, decision-making, independent science oversight and planning functions, and establish new, dedicated funding to restore fish, wildlife and habitat.
BCWF Programs & Initiatives Related to Protect and Conserve Wildlife and Their Habitat
The BCWF Wetlands Education Program has been working hard to protect, restore, enhance and conserve B.C.’s wetlands since 1996. Wetlands and forests provide habitat, food and shelter for many types of wildlife. Beyond that, these ecosystems help B.C.’s wildlife by keeping water flowing properly through the area and moderating that water supply through harsh weather events like droughts.
Our BCWF Youth Programs educates youth about wildlife species, animal identification and invasive species. Their Virtual Camp, Campgrounds is a week full of fun and educational activities that strive to encourage curiosity. Campers learn about the importance of wildlife species that are key to British Columbia’s many ecosystems. Wildlife camp targets a variety of learning experiences with hands-on educational activities such as discussions, crafts and games. Registration is now open for youth, ages 7+!
The Fish Habitat Education & Restoration Program hosts riparian planting workshops to raise awareness about the importance of habitat restoration and engages British Columbians in planting native plants and removing invasive plant species.
The B.C. Wildlife Federation operates the CORE Program (The Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education Program) on behalf of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations. CORE is B.C.’s hunter education program and includes valuable education on conservation, animal identification, first aid and survival. Start your online CORE certification today!
The Southern Interior Mule Deer Project is B.C.’s largest collaborative study and a collaboration with the Okanagan Nation Alliance, The University of BC Okanagan, The University of Idaho and the British Columbia Fish and Wildlife Branch. The goal of the study is to restore mule deer populations in B.C. by studying how landscape change and the predator-prey community are affecting our current populations.
The BC Wildlife Health Program has been doing surveillance for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in free-ranging cervids since 2002. To date, over 3900 samples have been tested and there have been no CWD positive cases in B.C. Surveillance is key to understanding the disease risk of CWD in British Columbia. For this reason, hunters are encouraged to submit their deer, elk or moose head for CWD testing. The BCWF has been supporting the BC Wildlife Health Program’s surveillance program by purchasing and donating ten freezers that were placed at the different drop-off locations throughout the Kootenay and Peace Region.
Learn More About World Wildlife Day:
Watch the official UN World Wildlife Day 2021 Outreach Video:
Support our Programs & Initiatives with a donation.
Do you want to be a part of our community that works hard for the protection and conservation of B.C.’s fish, wildlife and their habitat? Become a Member!