Event and Theme
Bhupender Yadav Unveils Major Wildlife Conservation Initiatives: The Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations were held at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun, highlighting India’s commitment to human–wildlife harmony. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav led the event, emphasizing sustainable conservation and conflict management. Static GK fact: India celebrates Wildlife Week every year from October 2 to 8, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
Government officials, forest officers, scientists, conservationists, and students participated. The event promoted a collaborative approach across multiple institutions. The Prime Minister’s vision at the 7th National Board for Wildlife guided the theme of moving from conflict to coexistence using innovation and awareness.
New National Conservation Projects
Five key projects were launched:
- Project Dolphin (Phase II) focuses on monitoring river and marine cetaceans.
- Project Sloth Bear provides a national conservation framework.
- Project Gharial introduces a dedicated species conservation plan.
- Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management at SACON will lead research and policy.
- Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves Initiative addresses tiger-human conflicts in non-protected areas using technology and community engagement.
Static GK Tip: India is home to over 100,000 tigers and two gharial sanctuaries in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Population Estimation and Monitoring
Four national programmes were revealed:
- Second Cycle of River Dolphin and Cetacean Estimation with a new field guide.
- All India Tiger Estimation Cycle–6, with guides in eight regional languages.
- Action Plan for Snow Leopard population estimation.
- Progress reports on Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican population studies.
These initiatives aim to generate accurate data for effective conservation strategies. Static GK fact: Snow leopards are found in the Himalayas across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
Capacity Building and Technology
The online SFS Officers’ Mess at CASFoS, Coimbatore was inaugurated to enhance forestry training. A National Hackathon on Human–Wildlife Conflict attracted 420 participants from 75 institutions, showcasing AI tools, spatial analytics, and community models. Six finalist teams presented innovations and received awards. A wildlife quiz also engaged youth and professionals.
Static GK Tip: CASFoS stands for Central Academy for State Forest Service, established in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Government Vision and Community Role
The government reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and inclusive development. The Minister encouraged youth, researchers, and local communities to act as nature ambassadors. The event reinforced India’s leadership in sustainable wildlife management, balancing ecological protection with human welfare.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Bhupender Yadav Unveils Major Wildlife Conservation Initiatives:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | Wildlife Week 2025 at Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun |
| Minister | Bhupender Yadav |
| Theme | Human–Wildlife Coexistence |
| Projects | Project Dolphin II, Project Sloth Bear, Project Gharial, SACON Centre of Excellence, Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves Initiative |
| Population Programmes | River Dolphin & Cetacean Estimation, All India Tiger Estimation Cycle–6, Snow Leopard Action Plan, Great Indian Bustard & Lesser Florican studies |
| Training & Technology | Online SFS Officers’ Mess at CASFoS, National Hackathon, wildlife quiz |
| Participation | Government officials, forest officers, scientists, conservationists, students |
| Focus | Conflict management, sustainable conservation, community engagement |
| Static GK Facts | Wildlife Week: Oct 2–8; CASFoS in Coimbatore; Snow leopards in Himalayas |
