Events

United Nations World Wildlife Day (https://wildlifeday.org/en) is celebrated annually on 3 March to honor wild animals and plants and to recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.

With this year's official theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”, this year's webinar by MDPI turn our focus to medicinal and aromatic plants—species that have supported human health for centuries. The webinar aims to bring together researchers and experts to discuss conservation strategies, scientific advances, and sustainable use of these vital natural resources.

The United Nations World Wildlife Day 2026 (WWD2026) VIRTUAL Celebration taking place on 3 March 2026, 13:30 - 15:30 (CET/Central European Time) will feature stories and presentations about the sustainable use and conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants by Member State experts, high-level representatives of international organisations, industry stakeholders, local community leaders and youth network members.

Interpretation in English, French and Spanish available on Webex: https://ungeneva.webex.com/weblink/re...

Moderated by Ms Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General, CITES

High-level Opening Speakers:
- Mr Kristopher Blake, Chair, CITES Standing Committee, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- H.E. Mrs Francisca Méndez Escobar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of México to the United Nations, Geneva
- Ms Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UNEP
- Ms Francine Pickup, Deputy Assistant Administrator, UNDP

Musical Performance by Dr Helen Anahita Wilson, Wellcome Trust Research Fellow 2026-2029, King’s College London

2026 Endangered Species Stamps Launch by Ms Rorie Katz, United Nations Postal Administration

Lightning Talks on the Trade and Conservation of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants around the World
Moderated by Mr TING Wai Kit, Co-Founder, CITES Global Youth Network and Youth Executive, Mandai Nature
Speakers:
- Chamomile, Dr Rita Engel, Department of Botany in the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest
- Frankincense, Dr Melesse Maryo, Associate Professor, Ethiopian Wildlife Authority
- Jatamansi, Ms Kalpana Sharma Dhakal, Scientific Officer Department of Plant Resources of Nepal
- Candelilla, Dr Tim Synnott, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

Statements from the Floor by Member States by:
- H.E. Dr. Linkham Duangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- H.E. Ms Irene Vélez Torres, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia
- H.E. Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Somalia
- Ms Célia de Lavergne, Director of Water and Biodiversity, Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion of France

Jackson Wild 2026 Film Showcase Finalists Reveal by Ms Christie Quinn, Executive Director, Jackson Wild

Stakeholder Stories from the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Value Chain
Moderated by Ms Anastasiya Timoshyna, Director of the European Programme Office, TRAFFIC and Co-Chair, IUCN Species Survival Commission Medicinal Plant Specialist Group
Speakers:
- Ms Emma Willliams, CITES Policy Officer, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, United King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Ms Neida Andi Arimuya, Kichwa Indigenous Spiritual Guide from the Amazonian Ecuador
- His Majesty MVONDO Bruno, the President of African Network of Traditional Leaders for Environmental Conservation and the Sustainable Management of Ecosystems and Forests, Cameroon
- Ms Elisa Aragon, Co-Founder, Nelixia, Paraguay
- Ms Jamie Horst, Chief Purpose Officer, Traditional Medicinals, United States of America

ifaw Youth Art Contest – Winners and Finalists Announcement by Mr Azzedine Downes, President and CEO, ifaw

Takeaway Messages from:
- Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director General, IUCN
- Mr Richard Scobey, Executive Director, TRAFFIC

Closing

In line with the World Wildlife Day 2026 United Nations Virtual Celebration, the traditional Geneva celebration will showcase the role of Geneva in highlighting the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants in sustaining human health, cultural heritage, and local livelihoods and in advancing collaborative actions needed to ensure that these plants are conserved and used sustainably for future generations to continue benefitting from them.
Following the formal Opening Segment, the celebration will feature a series of Lightning Talks – five-minute presentations (PechaKucha format) – delivered by experts exploring MAP-related topics of their choice. These talks will highlight the benefits and applications of MAPs, innovative ways to overcome the pressing challenges they face, as well as the important role played by those who protect them. A dedicated World Wildlife Day Exhibition will also take place in parallel.

The Mindful Explorer — A Virtual Field Trip for World Wildlife Day
Join the Adventure: From the Swiss Mountains to Your Family Room or Your Classroom

This World Wildlife Day (March 3rd), go on a virtual journey through the breathtaking Swiss Mountains. Led by a teacher with over 20 years of experience, this pre-recorded field trip invites you to "come along" and see the world through a nature-positive lens.

As we witness the shift from winter to spring, we explore what it means to be a Mindful Explorer. This session puts wildlife at the heart of our actions, reminding us that whenever we step outside, we are guests in someone else's home.

What’s Included in the Journey:
The 5 Pillars of Mindful Exploration: Practical tips to ensure we are considerate adventurers (from staying on paths to being "nature detectives").

The Science of the Season: Observing the transition from snow to sprout and what that means for our local animal life.

A Story of Hibernation: A special segment to help children connect with their "wild neighbours"—learning about those waking up from a winter's sleep and those who have been active all year round.

Extension activities for use with children.


Why Tune In?
Based on the 100 For Earth framework, this field trip is designed to help educators integrate movement, meaning, and connection into the (school) day. It is a science-informed invitation to shift school culture and live our values alongside the children in our care.

Experience the beauty, hear the stories, and learn how to put 100% toward the Earth.

Available March 3rd at www.merrynature.com

Learn, Think, Act for Wildlife!

Monday, 3 March | 3:00PM-4:00PM

Bioparc Genève

Open to the public - free, in-person participation only. No registration required.



The Bioparc Genève welcomes you to join their World Wildlife Day 2025 activities to learn, think and act for endangered wild animals!



Learn about the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) from CITES Secretary-General Ms Ivonne Higuero and discover the stories of the macaws, lemurs, lynxes and other fauna (even Janus the two-headed tortoise!) on a free guided tour of the park by Bioparc Director Dr Tobias Blaha!

Think and test your knowledge of the species in the park through the World Wildlife Day 2025 Contest (to win a free guided feeding of the lemurs)!

Act for wildlife conservation by bringing a stone to help build the Bioparc reptile solarium!

The high-level event for UN World Wildlife Day 2025 will take place on 3 March 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland (10:00AM-12:00PM Central European Time).
Experts from around the world and International Geneva will highlight innovative financial mechanisms for wildlife conservation and share actionable pathways to mobilize the financial resources for investing in the future of our planet. This event will feature a musical performance with medicinal plants, an expert panel discussion on the 2025 theme, statements from Member States, the announcement of the winner of the International Youth Art Contest, and a trailer premiere of the 2025 Jackson Wild Film Showcase!

Interpretation in English, French and Spanish will be available.

The event will also be livestreamed on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@worldwildlifeday

An exceptional visit to our herbarium to celebrate World Wildlife Day 2025

Plant conservation is essential to combat climate change, sustain biodiversity, maintain ecosystems and preserve natural resources for future generations. Since 1750, around 600 plants have disappeared forever due to the destruction of their natural environment. Some of them lie in our herbarium, silent witnesses to a tragic story that places humanity at the heart of the sixth mass extinction.

Come and discover them on the occasion of World Wildlife Day 2025:

1:30 pm - 2:15 pm: Visit in French
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm: Visit in English
3:30pm - 4:15pm: Visit in Spanish

The Geneva World Wildlife Day 2024 Celebration will highlight the role of Geneva in bridging conservation and digital technology, and advancing digital innovation in the field of conservation and trade.

Join us in the Bioparc to learn about the local and global biodiversity through mini free themed guided tours! Book on the spot on the day, one visit every 2 hours (the guided tour last about 20min).