Bhupender Yadav Launches Five Wildlife Conservation Projects

The Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations in Dehradun brought into light India’s renewed focus on encouraging harmony between humans and wildlife. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav led the event at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy. The theme Human–Wildlife Coexistence underlined the urgent need to manage conflicts and promote sustainable conservation. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change collaborated with key institutions to launch new national projects and monitoring programmes. These initiatives aim to strengthen species protection and integrate technology with community participation.

Event and Theme Overview

The event gathered government officials, forest officers, scientists, conservationists, and students. It emphasised a collaborative approach involving multiple institutions. The Minister stressed that wildlife protection is a shared responsibility. The focus is on moving from conflict to coexistence through innovation and awareness. The theme supports the Prime Minister’s vision shared at the 7th National Board for Wildlife meeting.

New National Conservation Projects

Five major projects were launched to address key species and human-wildlife conflicts – 1. Project Dolphin (Phase II) enhances monitoring of river and marine cetaceans. 2. Project Sloth Bear introduces a national conservation framework. 3. Project Gharial launches a dedicated conservation plan. 4. Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management will be set up at SACON to lead research and policy. 5. Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves Initiative focuses on tiger-human conflict in non-protected areas using community and technology-based solutions.

Population Estimation and Monitoring Programmes

Four national-level 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 report on Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican population studies. These programmes aim to provide accurate data for better conservation strategies.

Capacity Building and Technology Integration

The Minister inaugurated the online SFS Officers’ Mess at CASFoS, Coimbatore, to enhance forestry training. A National Hackathon on Human–Wildlife Conflict attracted 420 participants from 75 institutions. It showcased AI tools, spatial analytics, and community engagement models for conflict mitigation. Six finalist teams presented innovations, and winners received awards. The event also hosted a wildlife quiz competition to engage youth and professionals.

Government’s Vision and Community Role

The government reaffirmed its commitment to biodiversity conservation and inclusive development. The Minister urged youth, researchers, and local communities to promote coexistence and act as nature ambassadors. The event reinforced India’s leadership in sustainable wildlife management and balancing ecological protection with human welfare.