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World Wildlife Day: Protecting the Natural World We All Depend On
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Today is World Wildlife Day, a moment to celebrate the extraordinary wildlife and plant life that surrounds us, but also to remind us that they are the natural systems on which human life depends.
This year’s theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage, and Livelihoods” highlights the planet’s unsung architects. Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPS) are essential for human health and underpin our entire ecosystems as the World Health Organisation estimates that 70-95% of human populations in developing countries rely on traditional medicine for human healthcare.
Yet biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate, driven by climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. Since 1970, global wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73% and here in the UK, one is six species is at risk of extinction. That's why it's so disappointing to see the Government announce on on World Wildlife Day that they will be cutting climate aid programmes for developing countries.
That urgency was the focus of a recent Naturewatch Foundation event in Westminster, which focused on tackling wildlife crime and strengthening animal welfare standards. Despite more than 20 years of campaigning, wildlife crime remains widespread with over 4,400 incidents were recorded between August 2023 and October 2024 alone.
The Liberal Democrats are firmly committed to ensuring that all serious animal wildlife crimes are dealt with the seriousness they deserve - increasing the maximum penalty to five years’ imprisonment and introducing unlimited fines – alongside a comprehensive rural crime strategy to protect wildlife and support rural communities across Newbury and West Berkshire.
However, Naturewatch Foundation’s figures stress why enforcement must be placed alongside greater education and access. By requiring that every child is offered at least one outdoor education experience during primary and secondary school, young people can learn, spend time, and appreciate the beauty and importance of Britain’s flora and fauna.
On World Wildlife Day, we must double down on our commitment to the ecosystems that have sustained us for centuries. With urgent action, they can continue to sustain us for generations to come.
