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World Energy Efficiency Day, celebrated on 6 March, aimed at promoting sustainable energy use and reduces energy consumption. Inspired by the 1998 International Meeting on Energy Efficiency, it encourages reduced energy-consuming technology that uses less energy to achieve results while lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.    The South African government aims to combat issues such as carbon dioxide emissions and water supply strain through effective streamlining of energy efficiency measures by 2030. In the quest to achieve sustainable development goal no. 7: Affordable & Clean Energy; Energy Efficiency Day promotes using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels and encouraging responsible energy use and reuse practices while maintaining the everyday luxury. Being energy efficient entails reducing energy expenses and the adverse effects of energy use and production. Energy efficiency does not only cut operational costs for organizations and conserve the environment, but it also creates employment opportunities within the renewable energy sector. Image Source: edit.org

3 March is World Wildlife Day. The United Nations General Assembly established this day in 2013 to increase awareness of the world's wild animals and plants and the need for wildlife conservation. The date for World Wildlife Day was chosen in honour of the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which was signed on 3 March 1973. Every year, World Wildlife Day focuses on a certain theme to raise awareness about various aspects of animal conservation, such as the necessity of biodiversity protection, preventing wildlife trafficking, and supporting sustainable practices. This year's World Wildlife Day theme is "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet," which focuses on long-term wildlife conservation funding aimed restoring habitats; promoting understanding of biodiversity through supporting research and protecting threatened animal and plant species that sustain ecosystems and support human livelihoods. Image Source: WWD 2025

Pangolins are globally recognised on 18 February every year, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight faced by these animals.   Pangolins are currently classified as Threatened by the IUCN, with three of the eight species critically endangered. This is because these species are heavily trafficked for their meat, which is considered a delicacy, as well as their scales, which are used in traditional medicine.   While the Pangolin's distinctive scales are an effective defence mechanism as mentioned in the video below, they are powerless against poachers. Statistics indicate that around 400 000 to 2.7 million pangolins are trafficked each year, making them the world's most poached animal. An interesting fact about pangolins is that they are deceptively good swimmers.   #WorldPangolinDay #NoMorePoaching #CriticallyEndangered #WildlifeConservation #SavethePangolin Video Source: Ivan Carter

World Whale Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of February (i.e. 16 February 2025). The day was originally designated to celebrate the Humpback species but has become a commemoration of all whales. This day not only acknowledges these intelligent creatures but also aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by whales.   For 2025, we honour the Humpback whale, that remains the most severely impacted whale species by factors such as climate change, entanglement in fishing gear as they are frequently within in-shore areas, and habitat loss. World Whale Day was first celebrated in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii, and has since evolved into a global celebration. Organisations and people all over the world participate in activities to honour these amazing marine animals and advocate for their preservation.   Distinguished by its unusual body shape, long fins, and acrobatic behaviours such as breaching and fluke slapping, here are some interesting facts about the Humpback Whale: 🐋 Humpback whales primarily feed on small fish and krill. 🐋 Humpback whales are known for their extensive migrations. They move hundreds of miles from cold-water feeding areas to tropical breeding habitats. 🐋 They are known as the ‘composers of the ocean’ with each population having its own song. 🐋 Humpback whales are crucial players in the fight against climate change due to their ability to capture tons of carbon dioxide in their bodies that does not re-enter the atmosphere when they die. Video Source: Minuto do Bicho

The Hippopotamus, its name derived from Greek meaning ‘river horse’, is celebrated on February 15 each year. This day aims to raise awareness about hippos and their conservation status, highlighting the importance of protecting their habitats and the threats they face.   Hippos are sociable creatures that live in groups known as pods, which are typically led by the dominant male and are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps. Hippos are currently endangered due factors such as being shot at for invading properties, habitat loss and most poaching for their teeth that are made of Ivory used for decorative sculptures, jewellery, and traditional medicine. Infographic Source: Kruger Wildlife Safaris 

14 February is World Bonobo Day. The day is observed annually on Valentine's Day to honour the calm, loving, and compassionate animals. They were once considered a subspecies of chimpanzees due to their physical and living similarities, but in 1933 they were acknowledged as their own species. Bonobos are regarded as human’s closest living relative as they share over 98% of DNA with humans.   Bonobos are only found in the rainforests along the south of the Congo River and are omnivorous, eating mostly fruits, leaves, flowers, and the occasional tiny animal. Females frequently dominate bonobo social structures because they have more authority than males, and social relationships are developed through grooming and interactions. These peaceful animals have a life expectancy of 50 years, however, are faced with existential threats. Bonobos are listed as Endangered because of habitat destruction, illegal meat hunting and wildlife trade. Their populations are diminishing; thus, conservation activities are important for their survival. Image Source: Friends of Bonobos

World Wetlands Day is on 02 February and is dedicated to raising awareness about the issues that wetlands face. Wetlands are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth and provide numerous benefits, some of which are listed in the image below. However, wetlands are currently decreasing three times faster than forests due to human activities that affect water quality (such as the introduction of invasive species, pollution, and the construction of dams that drain water from wetlands). Natural occurrences (i.e., erosion, droughts, and rising sea levels) pose a threat to wetlands causing devastation on humans, and the plant and animal species that rely on them. Image Source: Escarpment Corridor Alliance

International Zebra Day is officially celebrated on 30 January annually to raise awareness on the importance of protecting Zebra's. The expansion of human development and the degradation of the zebra's natural habitat are putting these beautiful animals in jeopardy. The threat to the zebra's environment has resulted in their populations becoming critically endangered.   Here are some facts about zebra's:   🦓 There are only three living species of Zebra, namely the Grevy's zebra, plains zebra and mountain zebra. 🦓 All these Zebra species are registered as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with their numbers declining by 58% in the last 30 years. 🦓 Zebra stripes serve more than simply aesthetic purposes; they also help control pests by preventing flies from biting the zebra. 🦓 Zebras use tactics like biting, kicking, and shoving predators to protect their herd; during mating, they also use these tactics against rival males. 🦓 Zebras can lock their knee joints which enables them to sleep while standing, this helps speed up their escape from predators.     #InternationalZebraDay #NotAHorse #Coolstripes #ZebraConservation

World Environmental Education Day is celebrated each year on 26 January, with the intention of recognising environmental problems on a local and international scale while educating people about the importance of participation in environmental education initiatives in order to preserve and safeguard the environment by reducing the different effects brought on by environmental change. Additionally, the day highlights how crucial conservation and the preservation of natural resources are.   In 1972, the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment was held by the United Nations. The Belgrade Charter, which emphasised the importance of environmental education, was thereafter issued. Since 1975, more than 70 nations have taken part in the World Environmental Education Day celebration.   The purpose of World Environmental Day is to raise awareness of the need to fully understand the causes and effects of climate change, to recognise that sustainable development is the way to meet current needs without endangering the prospects of future generations, and to keep in mind that protecting the environment also means protecting our own existence. Image Source: Freepik