Wildlife Conservation Day

Happy Wildlife Conservation Day! Conservation of wildlife is essential to preserve biodiversity and ecosystems. Why not add to your Christmas wishlist with conservation in mind? Cerys Deakin is here to share some of the easiest ways to make your Christmas gifts great for conservation!

2012 marked the beginning of World Wildlife Conservation Day. The hope was that the introduction of this global day would spark greater passion and awareness for extinctions, endangerments and threats facing animals and ecosystems. Since 2012, there have been some huge conservation successes, but there are still an approximated 41,000 species threatened with extinction.

So, how can you help? Making conservation-conscious decisions is essential for supporting global efforts to protect and preserve endangered and threatened species. Christmas is an excellent time to show your passion! Whether that be changes to your Christmas list, changing the way you spend or the gifts that you give - this is the perfect time to shape Christmas into an opportunity for greater conservation.

3 TOP TIPS:

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1 - Boycott Animal Products

Do you have an animal-obsessed friend that you want to get a gift for? More often than not when searching for a gift you will be prompted to purchase products that were produced by animals - leather wallet, fur coat, or even civet coffee. HOWEVER, these products are not ethical! Some of your favourite products could be deceiving you! Makeup can contain mink eyelashes, keepsakes could be made of ivory and perfumes could contain musk. These ingredients are accessed through the poaching and torture of animals globally and pose significant threats to wild and captive populations.

The best way to avoid these products is by finding alternatives. You could give someone ethical and traditional tea instead of the unethical kopi luwak that is advertised as a luxury. Personalise a faux-leather wallet to add something extra special to the gift that doesn’t rely on unethical practices. With a little bit of research, you can find a vast range of gift ideas that don’t cost the earth.

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2 - Plant-based food gifts

It is estimated that each year around 10 million turkeys are killed in the UK to feature in traditional Christmas dinners. Whilst a turkey dinner is synonymous with Christmas, is it really necessary? Each year, more and more people are pledging to have a more compassionate Christmas by eating plant-based and gifting plant-based.

Assessments have found that pledges to veganism are increasing each year, meaning that it’s becoming even easier to access vegan gifts! Vegan chocolate, vegan cakes and even vegan roasts - you can find it all online and in stores.

Christmas Giving. Pic Credit: StockSnap via Pixabay

3 - Give As You Live

Give As You Live is an easy and accessible platform that aids charities in receiving essential donations all year round. At Christmas time the platform is an excellent way to do your shopping in a way that has double the positives! Setting up a Give As You Live account is really easy with tips and guidance through each step - it’s hard to go wrong! You select a charity for your donations to go to, and then simply begin all your online shopping on the site.

4 CONSERVATION-CONSCIOUS GIFT IDEAS:

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1 - Animal Adoptions

Adoptions are a popular gift for all ages! Whether you adopt someone’s favourite species or sponsor your friend's favourite resident animal at your local zoo, these gifts are an excellent way to direct funds towards organisations working to preserve and protect animals whilst also giving a gift.

The WWF is particularly known for their well-constructed adoption packs, whereby you receive educational resources, a plush toy and regular updates on the preservation of the species. There are also other organisations such as Fahlo who offer animal tracking bracelets where you are given tracking details for specific individuals so you can follow their journey.

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2 - Educational Gifts

Education for Conservation is a key theme in conservation solutions globally. Informing, raising awareness and developing understanding are all essential in ensuring conservation solutions are effective and maintainable. Education is appropriate for everyone; it is important for all to learn about the importance of biodiversity and wildlife, and there are resources available for all ages to nurture knowledge and understanding.

Inspiring children is a key way to ensure that the next generation grows with a passion to conserve. You can give the gift of education! There are picture books, puzzles and colouring books that can be crucial in invoking interest in young children. For older children, there are plenty of information books and resources available.

3 - Donation to your favourite animal charity

Do you have a friend who is always talking about their favourite animal charity? Do you want to give a gift that you can be assured your friend will love? Donating to charity is the perfect gift to give at Christmas if you want your giving to have an even greater impact! Small and large charities rely on donations for their functioning and often support their crucial research and conservation efforts with donations made by people like you! So whether that means you’re donating to a local dog charity, or donating to a charity protecting endangered species in Asia - your money will be well spent!

Second-hand clothing shop. Pic Credit: angelsover via Pixabay

4 - Buy Second-Hand

Thrifting culture has become a trend and for good reason! Whilst retaining the feeling of treating someone to a new item, the thought behind buying second-hand doubles the impact. Second-hand gifting reduces demand for the production of new items, directly reducing the need for new resources and emissions in production.

There are a wide range of sites that can be used to access second-hand products. Depending on what you’re looking for, there is a site for you! Looking for some new clothes? Try Vinted!

Is there a book that you’ve been wanting to read? Check out World of Books! Want to gift someone some tech? Take a look at sites like Backmarket to find high-quality refurbished products.

About the Author: Cerys Deakin is a fourth-year Zoologist at the University of Exeter with a passion for conservation. Cerys hopes to have a career in conservation and animal welfare, and has a particular interest in mammals, with a personal favourite being the Red Panda. She also has a huge interest in animal and wildlife photography that fits in well with her studies. You can find more about her studies and skills on her LinkedIn page, or check out her Instagram at@cerys.hermione.photography