UN World WildLife Day

United Nation's World WildLife Day was proclaimed on December 20th, 2013 by the UN General Assembly to celebrate and raise awareness of the world's wild animals and plants. Oceans absorb 30% of carbon dioxide and produce half of the oxygen we breath and this year's theme for the day is, "Life below water: for people and planet".

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Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface with coastal and marine resources at an estimated value of $3 trillion per year. Research has shown that human activity has greatly and negatively altered the ocean with just 13% of it undisturbed. At least half of the world's ocean are being industrially fished, which is even bigger than global agriculture.

It is estimated that about 12.7 million tonnes of plastic waste ends up in the sea yearly which can block the airways of animals or even strangle them. Some are able to enter into their stomachs and end up undigested.

To commemorate this day in Ghana, the Ghana Wildlife Society organised an inter schools debate. The Director of the Ghana Wildlife Society used the occasion to speak to students on the need to protect wildlife and the environment as an extension.

He said climate change was a huge threat to wildlife and improper disposal of waste into water bodies make life under water a huge challenge for animals that live there. He advised students to educate others on ecofriendly measures to keep planet earth healthy.