1 Lakh Trees for Tigers: India Leads Global Effort

India reaffirmed its global leadership in tiger conservation on Global Tiger Day 2025, with Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav launching a nationwide plantation drive, promoting eco-conscious living, and spotlighting community-driven conservation models.

Highlights:

• Global Tiger Day 2025 celebrated at Delhi’s National Zoo
• 1 lakh+ saplings to be planted across 58 tiger reserves
• Launch of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” tree plantation campaign
• Emphasis on child sensitization, biodiversity awareness, and gratitude to nature
• Inauguration of ‘Plastic-Free Tiger Reserves’ initiative
• 24 countries join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
• Eco-Shop Exhibition showcases sustainable products from tiger landscapes
• Release of four NTCA publications highlighting wildlife conservation
• Awards presented for excellence in wildlife protection and eco-development

Global Tiger Day 2025 was celebrated with grandeur and purpose at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi. Presiding over the event, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, highlighted the Government’s enduring commitment to ecological preservation, wildlife conservation, and fostering environmental consciousness among the youth.

“The tiger represents more than just our national pride—it embodies strength, harmony, and humility,” said Shri Bhupender Yadav. “Thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the number of tiger reserves in India has increased from 46 in 2014 to 58 today, showcasing our unwavering commitment to preserving biodiversity.”

One Lakh Trees, One Nation:

The Minister launched a major tree plantation campaign across all 58 tiger reserves, aiming to plant over 1 lakh indigenous saplings. With each reserve planting 2,000 trees, the drive focuses on restoring degraded areas and enhancing tiger habitats, making it one of the largest ecological efforts of its kind worldwide.

A highlight of this campaign is “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, a call for every citizen—especially the youth—to plant one tree in their mother’s name. “Just as a mother nurtures a child, trees and nature sustain all life,” said Shri Yadav. “Planting a tree for your mother is a step toward nurturing Mother Earth.”

Strengthening Global Partnerships:

Shri Yadav also emphasized India’s leadership role in the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)—a global coalition aimed at conserving the world’s seven big cat species. With 24 countries already on board, India will host the IBCA headquarters, underscoring the nation’s proactive approach to international wildlife protection.

Eco-Shop Exhibition – Conservation Meets Community:

A key attraction at the celebration was the Eco-Shop Exhibition, which featured sustainable, community-crafted products from various tiger reserves. These products not only showcased India’s cultural diversity but also highlighted the link between conservation and local livelihoods. By promoting such eco-enterprises, the government aims to reduce dependency on forest resources and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Plastic-Free Promise & Forest Nurseries:

The Minister launched the ‘Plastic-Free Tiger Reserves’ campaign, aimed at eliminating single-use plastics within reserve boundaries. Additionally, forest nurseries were inaugurated in the Aravalli region to support afforestation and ecological resilience using native species.

Publications and Recognitions:

Four significant publications were released, including the Status Report on Small Cats, a Global Tiger Day special edition of STRIPES Magazine, and two books focusing on water resources in tiger reserves. Awards were also distributed under seven categories, recognizing frontline staff and community members for their outstanding contributions to conservation.