World Wildlife Day 2026: medicinal and aromatic plants
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Asked by UPSCPrelims 20151 PYQ
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
What happened
- World Wildlife Day (3 March) marks the adoption of CITES; the 2026 theme is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods” [PIB].
- India, one of 17 megadiverse countries, has about 15,000 medicinal plant species, of which 8,000 are used in Indian medicine [PIB].
Background
- Over-harvesting from the wild threatens many medicinal species.
Why it matters
- Sustainable sourcing supports AYUSH value chains and forest livelihoods.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-03-03): world Wildlife Day (3 March) marks the adoption of CITES; the 2026 theme is "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods".
- Sustainable sourcing supports AYUSH value chains and forest livelihoods.
Quotable data pointIndia, one of 17 megadiverse countries, has about 15,000 medicinal plant species, of which 8,000 are used in Indian medicine.
PIB: PIB Backgrounder: World Wildlife Day 2026, 3 Mar 2026
Exam angle
UPSC
Prelims: World Wildlife Day, CITES.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Practice · UPSC
World Wildlife Day
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
It marks adoption of
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Practice · UPSC
Medicinal plant species in India
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB.
Go deeper
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Official source: PIB: PIB Backgrounder: World Wildlife Day 2026, 3 Mar 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending