Wildlife Week is annually observed across India from 2nd to 8th of October to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and protecting India’s rich biodiversity.
- The year 2024 marks the observance of the 70th Wildlife Week in India.
- The week includes various events, campaigns, and educational programs that highlight the need to preserve natural habitats, protect endangered species and encourage sustainable wildlife management.
Theme:
i.The theme of Wildlife Week 2024 is “Wildlife Conservation through Coexistence”.
ii.The theme highlights the importance of humans living in harmony with wildlife, focusing on collective responsibility and the urgent need to preserve natural habitats.
Background:
i.Wildlife Week was conceptualised in 1952 when the Government of India constituted an advisory body designated as the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL).
ii.Originally observed as Wildlife Day in 1955, it was later expanded into a week-long celebration in 1957, becoming Wildlife Week.
iii.The first Wildlife Week was observed in 1957.
Note: The United Nations (UN)’s World Wildlife Day (WWD) is annually observed across the globe on 3rd March.
Constitutional Provisions for Wildlife Protection:
i.Article 51A (g): Every citizen has a fundamental duty to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests and wildlife.
ii.Article 48A: The state is required to protect and improve the environment, including forests and wildlife. This article was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
About the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
i.The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 was amended in 1991 and again in 2002 to enhance its provisions and address emerging conservation challenges
ii.The 2002 amendment to the Wildlife (Protection) Act introduced a provision for establishing the National Board for Wildlife, which replaced the earlier Indian Board for Wildlife.
iii.The National Board for Wildlife has 47 members with the Prime Minister in the Chair
Celebrations of Wildlife Week 2024:
i.The National Zoological Park in New Delhi has been celebrating National Wildlife Week from October 2 to 8, 2024. The focus is not only on celebrating biodiversity but also on the challenges that wildlife faces due to habitat loss, climate change, and poaching.
ii.On the 5th day of National Wildlife Week, the Wildlife Protection Division Kargil organized a backyard birding and cleanliness drive in Suru Valley (Khachan, Faroona)
