World Wildlife Day 2026

The National Zoological Park celebrated World Wildlife Day 2026 through awareness and outreach activities. The observance highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and the role of medicinal and aromatic plants.

World Wildlife Day:

Dimension	Key Details
Date of Observance	Observed every year on 3 March.
Origin	Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013.
Commemoration	Marks the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in 1973.
Objective	Provides recognition of the role and contributions of wild animals and plants to people and the planet.
Theme 2026	Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Conserving Health Heritage and Livelihoods.
Focus of Theme	Highlights the role of wild plants in global healthcare traditional knowledge and sustainable economies.
Global Dependence on Wild Plants	~ 50,000 to 70,000 wild species are harvested for medicinal properties and 70 to 95 % of people in developing countries rely on plant based traditional medicine.
Conservation Concern	More than 20 % of medicinal plant species face threat of extinction due to habitat loss overharvesting and climate change.
Global Initiative	The United Nations Postal Administration released the Endangered Species Stamp Series 2026.
Global Celebration Event	The United Nations organised a virtual celebration with lightning talks on species including frankincense jatamansi and chamomile.
Youth Art Contest	Jia Yoo of South Korea received the grand prize in the International Youth Art Contest with over 4200 entries from 117 countries.
India Observance	Highlighted work of the National Medicinal Plants Board in the Himalayas and Western Ghats and emphasised conservation of rare herbs in protected areas including Valley of Flowers and Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Australia Observance	Focused on conservation of native species including the Waddy wood tree and Davidson’s plum.