In 2016, UN Environment, with CITES, UNDP and UNODC, launched a global campaign in 8 languages to build a dynamic force to tackle the illegal trade in wildlife.
“This year, World Wildlife Day is more important than ever.
In spite of the pressing environmental issues facing Planet Earth, many people choose to focus only on their own lives instead of wildlife or the environment.
As humans, we have a choice to take action to improve our surroundings. Animals do not have any choices available to them and are experiencing tragic losses to their habitats and diversity. Many people do not realise that over 60% of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles have gone extinct since 1970, due to human activity. We must stop deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade with their devastating consequences to animals and humans.
I’m taking a stand for my generation to spread the word — animal ecosystems are intimately entwined with humans as a life support system for us all! For our future, please join me in protecting all wildlife and share this message.”
About Aidan Gallagher
Aidan is an actor, singer-musician and environmental activist starring in Netflix’s highly rated series, The Umbrella Academy. Gallagher also starred as “Nicky” in Nickelodeon’s Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn.
Gallagher’s goal is to use his celebrity status to help save the world’s oceans and species by raising awareness of critical environmental issues. In 2018, The United Nations Environment Program designated Gallagher as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for North America, focusing on youth outreach. At only 14, Gallagher made history as the youngest Goodwill Ambassador ever to be designated in the UN system. Gallagher was recently seen hosting the international 2018 Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference on behalf of the UK government. He also advocates on behalf of Waterkeeper Alliance, WildAid, Tree People, Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS) and Vulcan Productions.
