World Wildlife Day 2026 observed on the theme 'Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods'
World Wildlife Day was observed on 3 March 2026 with the theme 'Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods'; the day marks the adoption of CITES.
Summary
World Wildlife Day was observed on 3 March 2026 with the theme 'Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods'. Proclaimed by the United Nations, the day marks the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which aims to ensure that trade in wildlife does not threaten species survival. According to a PIB backgrounder, India is one of 17 mega-biodiverse countries and has around 15,000 medicinal plant species, of which about 8,000 are used in Indian medicine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav marked the day, and the National Zoological Park in New Delhi held events.
Key facts
- Date
- 3 March 2026
- Theme
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods
- Marks
- Adoption of CITES
- Proclaimed by
- United Nations
- India
- One of 17 mega-biodiverse countries; ~15,000 medicinal plant species, ~8,000 used in Indian medicine
Practice MCQs 3 questions
What was the theme of World Wildlife Day 2026, observed on 3 March?
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Correct answer: B — Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods
The 2026 theme was 'Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods'.
World Wildlife Day on 3 March marks the adoption of which international convention?
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Correct answer: C — CITES
The day marks the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Consider the following statements based on the PIB backgrounder for World Wildlife Day 2026: 1. India is one of 17 mega-biodiverse countries. 2. Of India's roughly 15,000 medicinal plant species, about 8,000 are used in Indian medicine. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct according to the PIB backgrounder on World Wildlife Day 2026.