Context:
The Prime Minister of India chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Gir National Park in Gujarat on World Wildlife Day (3rd March).
Key Highlights of the Meeting
- The discussion in the meeting was focused on expanding protected areas, strengthening species-specific programs, and addressing human-wildlife conflict.
- The meeting assessed the progress of flagship conservation projects, including Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard.
- The Prime Minister also released a report on the country’s first riverine dolphin estimation.
- The foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife was laid in Junagadh.
- The 16th Asiatic Lion population estimation cycle was also announced for 2025.
World Wildlife Day (WWD)
- The world observes WWD on March 3rd annually to celebrate wild animals and plants.
- The theme for WWD 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”
- In 2013 at the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), March 3 was declared United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD).
- The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was also signed on 3rd March 1973.
National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
- As per the amendment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Act in 2002, a provision was incorporated for the constitution of the National Board for Wildlife and it came into existence in 2003.
- The board functions as the apex advisory body on wildlife conservation in India.
- The full board is supposed to meet at least once a year under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
- The board is chaired by the PM of India and consists of 47 members, including the chairperson.
- The term of office of the members other than those who are members ex officio shall be for three years.
- The quorum necessary for the transaction of business at a meeting of the National Board shall be one-half of the total number of members.