Connecting People and Planet for World Wildlife Day 2024

1/3/2024

World Wildlife Day is an annual event celebrated on 3rd March highlighting the important role of wild animals and plants in helping people and the planet. Created by the United Nations, this year’s theme is “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.”

Wildlife and biodiversity-based resources are essential to our everyday lives – from our food, to fuel, to housing and clothing. The future of humanity relies upon nurturing ecosystems by protecting and supporting plant and animal species.

The impact of human activity on the environment is deeply concerning. The WWF Living Planet Report in 2022 found that wildlife populations have declined by an alarming 69% over the past 48 years, with many species either being made extinct or becoming endangered.

The WWF report states that “The staggering rate of decline is a severe warning that the rich biodiversity that sustains all life on our planet is in crisis, putting every species at risk – including us.”

With an increasing amount of habitats being destroyed and reduction in wildlife-rich areas such as meadows, woodland, hedgerows, and wetlands, to make way for building or clearing space for farming and agriculture, our planet and future generations are at risk of extinction.

Though the outlook seems bleak, there is hope. Across the globe important conservation work is being done to counteract the damage humans have caused.

This year’s theme for World Wildlife Day explores digital innovation, highlighting how digital conservation technologies and services can drive wildlife conservation, sustainable and legal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife coexistence – now and for future generations in an increasingly connected world.

Sustainability and protecting the environment are fundamental to Green Bean Studios’ mission. We know how important it is to inspire the next generation to be eco-conscious and understand their impact on the planet, as well as enabling them to nurture the environment whilst celebrating all of the wonders it has to offer.

One way that families can support wildlife at home is by making their outdoor spaces more attractive to insects. Last year we launched Beckett's Bee Seed Mix, a specially selected mixture of annual flowers that will attract and feed Bees.

Bee populations are at threat globally due to loss of habitat, increases in invasive plant species, use of pesticides and herbicides, regional declines in air and water quality, and climate change.
A recent study showed that approximately 97% of wildflower meadows disappeared from England and Wales between the 1930s and 1980s, which has been hugely detrimental to our wildlife, including bees.

One simple change you can make to support bees and insects in your local area is to plant annual flowers as a vital food source for them. This could be in pots and containers, hanging baskets, flowerbeds, or simply letting your lawn (or a section of it) grow wild or simply not mowing it as often.

Gardening is a fun activity to get the whole family involved with for outdoor fun that teaches children to love and respect nature. So get your gardening gear and get green-fingered with Green Bean!

March is the ideal time of year to start sowing seeds, so do your part to help support wildlife in your local area with Beckett’s Bee Seed Mix and watch as beautiful wildflowers bloom for our Bee friends!

As part of our ever-growing Garden range to support the environment, we’re excited to share a new product that goes on sale from 1st March 2024. You can now grow your very own green bean plant with Green Bean’s Bean Pack!

The perfect gardening activity to get children involved in outdoor activities and learn about nature. Plant the bean seeds and watch the magic as your very own green bean plant grows!