PRESS RELEASE: COMMEMORATION FOR WORLD WILDLIFE DAY, 2ND APRIL 2015

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in the Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture would like to inform the general public of the commemoration of the World Wildlife Day (WWD). The 68th session of United Nations General Assembly declared 3rd March as World Wildlife Day (WWD) to raise the awareness for the need to step up actions to address the plight of wildlife worldwide. The day was first commemorated in 2014 and Malawi joined the rest of the world in commemorating the Day.

This year’s theme for WWD is, “Time to get serious with wildlife crime” a theme that provides Malawi the opportunity to create awareness on the increasing wildlife crime but also offers a window for decisive actions. This year’s main event will be the torching of 4 tons of seized ivory. This will mark a Milestone for Malawi as it will demonstrate to the world, Malawi’s commitment towards eradicating the wildlife crime.

Currently there is a worldwide ban on International Trade of ivory. The ban is enforced by the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which came into force in 1989 and to which Malawi ratified.

Additionally, the DNPW arrived at this decision in reorganization of London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade declaration which encourages range states to destroy its seized ivory which cannot be traded, to avoid getting into the hands of those dealing in illicit wildlife trades.

The Guest of Honour at this year’s event will be His Excellency, Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika.  President of the republic of Malawi. The day will start with a solidarity walk from the Capital Hotel Roundabout to Parliament Buildings, where the Guest of Honour will set to light the stockpile of ivory.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife is, therefore, inviting Government Ministries and Departments, Civil Society Organisations, Faith based Organisations, the Clergy, The Donor Community , Diplomatic Missions, the Private Sector, Academia, Media and the general public to this memorable occasion.

Elsie M. Tembo

SECRETARY FOR TOURISM AND CULTURE