Background & History
Deforestation and overexploitation of land, unsustainable use of natural resources, the introduction of invasive species, poaching and illegal trade in species, as well as climate change and pollution are putting unprecedented pressure on wild nature.
Wildlife is essential to the balance of nature and our well-being. Nearly two million animal and plant species have been identified to date and millions more have not yet been discovered. This incredible biodiversity is essential to our life on Earth. However, more than one in three species is now threatened with extinction.