The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences (SEAS), at SRM University-AP commemorated World Wildlife Day 2026 with a special wildlife photography exhibition titled “Together for Wildlife: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants – Conserving Health, Heritage, and Livelihoods.”

Observed globally on March 3, World Wildlife Day this year focused on the vital role of medicinal and aromatic plants in sustaining ecosystems, preserving traditional knowledge systems, supporting modern healthcare, and strengthening community livelihoods.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Farida Tampal, State Director, WWF India, Hyderabad, whose keynote address highlighted alarming global biodiversity trends, referencing the Living Planet Report and the accelerating Earth Overshoot Day.

She underscored that nearly 80% of the world’s population relies on plant-based traditional medicine and stressed that conservation is not solely a biological concern but a shared responsibility across disciplines from economics and technology to art, law, and innovation. “We have the power to think, innovate, and act. What we have collectively altered, we can collectively restore,” she remarked, urging students to question consumption patterns and actively engage in sustainable practices.

The celebration witnessed participation from faculty members, students, and school children from CVR College, Loyola Public School, Vidhya Kendram Degree College, and SSV International School, reflecting strong community engagement.

Prof. C V Tomy, Dean, SEAS, noted that commemorative days serve as reminders of shared responsibility. “Wildlife Day is not merely about celebration, it is about reflection and commitment. Each of us must determine our contribution toward protecting forests, biodiversity, and ecological balance,” he said.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr Shoji D Thottathil, Associate Professor and Head of the Department and  Prof. Sreenath Subrahmanyam, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering respectively highlighted the importance of collective engagement, especially among young learners, in addressing environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat loss and elaborated on the interconnectedness of wildlife and human well-being, and encouraged students to recognise their future roles as decision-makers whose choices will shape ecological outcomes.

The exhibition showcased striking photographs capturing wildlife across forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The visual storytelling highlighted the interdependence between wildlife, ecosystems, and human livelihoods, fostering deeper environmental awareness. In addition to the exhibition, engaging quizzes and interactive sessions were also conducted enhancing their understanding of wildlife conservation and biodiversity.

The programme concluded with a collective call for action, urging participants to value local biodiversity, engage with nature, and become informed advocates for conservation. Through this meaningful celebration, SRM University-AP reaffirmed its commitment to environmental stewardship, research-driven awareness, and community engagement in safeguarding the planet’s natural heritage for future generations.