Key Facts and Data Points

  • Date of observance: 3 March 2026 (World Wildlife Day)
  • 2026 Theme: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods
  • UNGA resolution: Adopted on 20 December 2013 (68th session) designating 3 March as World Wildlife Day.
  • India’s biodiversity share: ~7 % of global biodiversity.
  • Plant species in India: ~45,000, of which 15,000 are medicinal and ≈8,000 are used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & folk systems.
  • Geographical concentration: ~70 % of medicinal plants occur in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Himalayas & Aravalli ranges.
  • In‑situ conservation: 115 Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs).
  • Ex‑situ conservation: National Seed Gene Bank, New Delhi.
  • Nodal agency: National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) under the Ministry of AYUSH.
  • Key schemes & programmes:
  • Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants.
  • National AYUSH Mission (NAM) 2014.
  • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
  • e‑CHARAK platform (price updates for 100 medicinal plants).
  • Aushadhi Vanaspati Mitra Programme (AVMP).
  • Medicinal Plants Business Centre (MPBC).
  • GI‑tagged medicinal plants: Navara Rice, Green Cardamom, Ganjam Kewda Flower, Saffron, Nagauri Ashwagandha (Nov 2025).

Background and Context

World Wildlife Day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a multilateral treaty aimed at ensuring that international trade does not threaten species survival. The 2026 focus on medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) aligns with India’s traditional knowledge systems and the growing global demand for herbal products.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Health & Livelihoods: MAPs support rural economies, provide affordable healthcare, and preserve indigenous knowledge.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting MAPs safeguards ecosystem services, pollinator networks, and genetic diversity.
  • Economic Potential: The herbal sector contributes ~₹1.5 lakh crore to India’s GDP; structured cultivation can reduce illegal wild‑collection.
  • Policy Integration: Initiatives like NAM and MIDH integrate MAP cultivation with mainstream agriculture, promoting sustainable intensification.
  • International Commitments: Aligns with CBD (Aichi Target 11), UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15 – Life on Land), and CITES obligations.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 48A of the Constitution (Directive Principle) – protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife.
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 – provides legal framework for protecting wildlife and their habitats, applicable to medicinal plant habitats.
  • Biological Diversity Act, 2002 – mandates conservation of biological resources and equitable benefit‑sharing.
  • Geographical Indications (GI) Act, 1999 – protects traditional knowledge linked to specific regions, as seen with GI‑tagged MAPs.

Government Initiatives (In‑depth)

  • National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB): Implements the central scheme, funds research, supports farmer training, and facilitates market linkages.
  • e‑CHARAK: An ICT‑enabled platform offering fortnightly price data in multiple languages, enhancing price transparency for growers.
  • Aushadhi Vanaspati Mitra Programme (AVMP): Recognises individuals/communities excelling in MAP conservation.
  • Medicinal Plants Business Centre (MPBC): Provides post‑harvest infrastructure, quality testing labs, and value‑addition facilities.
  • GI Tagging: Protects regional varieties, prevents biopiracy, and adds premium value to products.

Prepared for UPSC aspirants – focus on factual recall, policy analysis, and linkage to constitutional provisions.