ISLAMABAD, Mar 03 (APP):The Wildlife Management Board observed World Wildlife Day 2026 on Tuesday here at Trail-05, Margalla Hills National Park, under the global theme: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
Margalla Hills National Park, covering 15,000 hectares, is a vibrant living pharmacy as the park hosts 245 plant species from 77 families, of which 159 species (65%) are used in native medicinal systems, and over 200 medicinal plant species have been documented.
Speaking on the occasion, the speakers highlighted the conservation of native medicinal plants, threats from habitat loss, forest fires, overharvesting, and climate change, and the need for sustainable practices, research, and community engagement. An educational walk briefed participants on the medicinal importance of local plant species.
Representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, park management, Zoological Survey of Pakistan, environmental experts, and volunteers reaffirmed their commitment to biodiversity conservation.
World Wildlife Day reinforces that protecting plant biodiversity is essential for human health and ecological sustainability.