World Wildlife Day: 3 March

Current Context: World Wildlife Day is observed on 3 March every year, proclaimed by the UNGA in 2013 to mark the signing of CITES (1973).

• The 2026 theme is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
• It highlights the role of medicinal plants in public health, traditional knowledge, and rural livelihoods.
• The theme stresses the need to conserve biodiversity and prevent overexploitation of plant species.
• India, with over 15,000 medicinal plants, plays a major role in this global effort.
• It also connects strongly with India’s AYUSH systems and promotion of herbal medicine.
• Overall, the day reminds the world of the link between nature, health, and sustainable development.

Question:

Q.1 What is the theme of World Wildlife Day 2026?
a) Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration
b) Forests and Livelihoods
c) Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods
d) Wildlife Conservation Finance

Answer: c) The 2026 theme highlights the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants for public health, traditional knowledge, and sustainable livelihoods.