The United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD), celebrated on 3rd March each year, recognises the importance of the world’s flora and fauna and highlights their unique contributions to both people and the planet. 

Read on to find out more about this year’s celebration and how you can get involved in the University and beyond. 

Medcinal and Aromatic Plants 

The year’s theme is Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs): Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods. MAPs play an extensive role in our lives, from their culinary and medicinal uses to their contribution to healthy ecosystems and the many industries that rely on them.  

The following statistics shine a light on the significance of MAPs and highlight the need to protect them from threats such as overexploitation and habitat loss. 

• Around 50,000-70,000 species of MAPs are harvested around the world for therapeutic, cultural and economic purposes. 

• Over 80% of the population across most of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) member states uses traditional medicine – this includes herbal medicine from MAPs, but also yoga and acupuncture. For example, 40–59% of South Koreans use herbal medicine. 

• At least 20% of MAP species are listed as threatened with extinction on the IUCN Red List. 

Campus initiatives 

A key priority in the University’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy is to protect biodiversity by enhancing green spaces on campus. Below are some ongoing initiatives that directly support this cause. 

• Hedgehog Action Group: A network of University colleagues working to address declining hedgehog populations through activities such as wildlife surveys, litter-picks, nest-building, and engagement work including blogs and workshops. 

• iNaturalist project: The Biodiversity On Campus project allows staff, students and even members of the public to upload sightings of plants and animals to a database used by scientists to understand biodiversity in the University area. Read more on our blog: Join our iNaturalist campus project. 

• NoTimeToWaste: A free online platform and app with a range of sustainable activities such as recycling waste, donating clothes, and active travelling. Log actions, earn points, and win prizes! 

• Volunteering with The Firs: The Firs Botanical Gardens and Environmental Research Centre in Fallowfield is always looking for new volunteers to help manage their plants and greenhouses. Activities include repotting, weeding, planting and more – check out the Latest News from the Firs Botanical Grounds. Sign up via VolunteerHub (for students) or get in touch. 

Additional Information 

• Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods for World Wildlife Day 2026 | CITES 
• World Wildlife Day 2026 | WWF 

To find out more about Environmental Sustainability in FBMH, visit the Faculty’s intranet page, website or contact srbmh@manchester.ac.uk. 

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