Across the globe, humans depend on wild animals and biodiversity-rich resources to meet their essential needs-from food and energy to medicine, shelter, and clothing. To appreciate the benefits and beauty that nature offers us and our planet, people are collaborating to promote healthy ecosystems and ensure that plant and animal species endure for generations to come.

March 3rd is observed as World Wildlife Day, celebrated annually around the globe. Its primary aim is to raise awareness about the stunning beauty and vital benefits of wild animals and plants. In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated this day to emphasize the importance of protecting wildlife, combating illegal wildlife trade, and conserving endangered species. The day also highlights the crucial role of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

On March 3rd, 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed. To commemorate this important milestone, the United Nations declared March 3rd as World Wildlife Day. The day aims to promote international efforts to prevent the extinction of wild animals and plants, protect their natural habitats, and raise awareness about the threats of wildlife trafficking and illegal trade. Wildlife is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ecological balance. However, today, many species face the risk of extinction due to wildlife trafficking, deforestation, and climate change, highlighting the urgent need for conservation actions.

Wildlife and human existence are deeply interconnected. Around the world, species such as tigers, deer, sharks, turtles, and various types of plants are now under threat. This day reminds us that wildlife conservation is not only essential for the environment but also crucial for a sustainable future. World Wildlife Day encourages us to recognize our responsibility towards wildlife and nature and inspires us to take effective action to protect them. It is an opportunity to celebrate the diverse and beautiful forms of wildlife and plants, raise awareness about their many benefits, and strengthen efforts to combat wildlife crimes and the decline of species caused by human activities.

In 2026, World Wildlife Day (WWD-2026) will have the theme, "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Preserving Health, Heritage, and Livelihoods." This theme highlights the vital role of plants in maintaining human health, cultural heritage, and local livelihoods. It also draws attention to the increasing pressures these plants face due to habitat destruction, overharvesting, and climate change.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) are essential for both human health and environmental balance. Around the world, people collect and use MAPs such as American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), Spikenard (Nardostachys grandiflora), and Agarwood (Aquilaria species) for treating and preventing illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes their significance, especially in developing countries where 70-95% of the population relies on traditional medicines for primary healthcare. These plants form the foundation of many healthcare systems and are vital for modern medicine, as despite advances in synthetic chemistry, numerous active pharmaceutical compounds are obtained directly or indirectly from natural sources.

Beyond their medicinal applications, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) contribute significantly to various industries such as cosmetics, food, and luxury goods. The genetic resources obtained from MAPs, along with traditional knowledge about these plants, are actively used and will continue to be vital in agriculture, medicine, and conservation efforts. Ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from this utilization is crucial, as it can also support wildlife conservation and promote sustainable use. Moreover, MAPs play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. However, many of these valuable species are increasingly threatened by habitat destruction, overharvesting, and illegal trade, making their conservation a global priority. To address these challenges, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) established Target 13, which aims to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources of plants and animals, including digital sequence information (DSI) and traditional knowledge, by 2030. This target emphasizes strengthening legal and policy measures to facilitate benefit-sharing and resource access. Its key components include ensuring the fair distribution of benefits derived from genetic resources and traditional knowledge, and implementing legal, policy, and administrative frameworks to support these goals. Facilitating access to resources for proper utilization is also critical. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to recognize the contributions of local communities and indigenous peoples in biodiversity conservation and ensure their fair participation in benefit-sharing.

The cultivation and harvesting of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) are essential for the livelihoods of many communities, with approximately one in five people depending on wild plants, fungi, and algae for income and sustenance. These resources contribute to livelihood diversification and bolster local economies, with global revenues from traditional medicine reaching into the billions. Ensuring fair and equitable benefit-sharing is crucial, particularly given that trade in critically endangered species listed under CITES Appendix I is strictly prohibited, while species under Appendix II require regulation to prevent overexploitation and illegal trade.

The sustainable trade of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) supports targets of the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, such as responsible use (Target 5), indigenous community involvement (Target 9), and ecosystem restoration (Target 10). Over 20% of these plants are threatened with extinction due to overharvesting, habitat loss, climate change, and illegal trade. Protecting these resources requires increasing awareness, strengthening regulations, and promoting sustainable harvesting to conserve habitats and biodiversity.

Experts believe that the 2026 World Wildlife Day will play a significant role in the conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants such as aloe, frankincense, orchids, and others. Additionally, it will shed light on traditional knowledge, healthcare, habitats, and the pressures of climate change. Indigenous peoples, rural communities, governments, and conservationists will collaborate to address these challenges and work together to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of these plants for the future.

CITES aims to combat the illegal trade of endangered animals and plants, which are used worldwide in food, health, furniture, housing, tourism, cosmetics, and fashion. The goal is to promote a trade that is sustainable, legal, and traceable, thereby supporting local livelihoods and economies while ensuring a healthy planet and global prosperity. According to the Operation "Thunder" report from Geneva, 2025, customs, border security, and forestry departments in 134 countries have confiscated illegal plants, animals, and timber. These efforts have led to the interception of illicit wildlife and forest products, with suspects identified and networks disrupted. It is estimated that the annual value of wildlife crimes is around $20 billion, though the true figure may be much higher due to the covert nature of these illegal activities.