Human-wildlife coexistence takes centre stage

World Wildlife Day
Human-wildlife conflict and the search for sustainable ways for people and wildlife to coexist will take centre stage on World Wildlife Day 2027, with a global campaign calling for shared responsibility and practical solutions to protect communities, livelihoods and wildlife.
Ellanie Smit
  • 1 Day Ago

World Wildlife Day 2027 will focus on practical solutions to human-wildlife conflict, highlighting the need for communities, governments and conservation organisations to work together to protect both people and wildlife.

Commemorated annually on 3 March, next year’s event will be held under the theme “Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence: Shared Spaces, Shared Solutions”. It places the growing challenge of human-wildlife interactions at the centre of the global conservation agenda.

The theme recognises that human-wildlife conflict has far-reaching consequences for people’s safety and livelihoods, as well as the survival of wildlife species. It also highlights how effective management, partnerships and community-led approaches can make coexistence possible.

According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the 2027 campaign aims to raise awareness of the issue and build momentum behind practical solutions that allow people and wildlife to share landscapes and resources sustainably.

CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero said coexistence was essential to achieving the organisation’s Strategic Vision for 2021–2030, advancing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Building coexistence between people and wildlife is essential,” Higuero said, emphasising the importance of managing human-wildlife interactions effectively and supporting sustainable livelihoods for indigenous peoples and local and rural communities living alongside wild species.


Securing a future

She said these efforts could help secure a future that benefits both people and wildlife for generations to come.

The campaign is being organised by the CITES Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Jackson Wild, the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence Specialist Group, the Geneva Environment Network and other partners.

According to CITES, the initiative will focus on three key areas: celebrating conservation efforts, strengthening knowledge and awareness, and encouraging research, innovation and partnerships.

Activities will showcase successful approaches to human-wildlife coexistence through high-level discussions, community initiatives and creative platforms, including youth artwork, photography and film.

The campaign will also provide policymakers, educators, conservationists and the public with information about the complexities of human-wildlife conflict and innovative ways to reduce it.


Greatest burden

UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Bureau for Policy and Programme Support director Marcos Neto said communities living closest to wildlife often bore the greatest burden of conflict and should therefore play a central role in developing solutions.

“Shared spaces demand shared responsibility. When people and wildlife thrive together, so does our planet,” Neto said.

IFAW chief executive Azzedine Downes said people should not have to choose between protecting their livelihoods and protecting wildlife.

He said wildlife needed room to move freely, while communities needed to feel safe. Coexistence, he added, could be achieved through collective action.

The main World Wildlife Day 2027 event will take place on Wednesday, 3 March, during the second International Conference on Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence in Bangkok, Thailand.

The CITES Secretariat has called on UN member states, international and regional organisations, non-governmental organisations and individuals to support the 2027 theme and organise local celebrations.