Press Release
The 11th World Wilderness Congress (WWC) will be held
from 19 March to 26 March at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur this year. The Congress
will present solutions to the accelerating and existential threats of climate
breakdown and species extinction. It will also pave the way for a historic
opportunity to build a new movement to protect nature and humanity from the
planetary threat to life owing to climate and extinction. This was informed by
Global President, WWC , Mr Vance Martin at a Press Conference in Jaipur.
He further said that the current situation of the world is far worse than what
was predicted 10 years ago. The need of the hour is real, urgent and effective
policies. The event is being co-organized by Government of Rajasthan,
Department of Tourism, Department of Forest, Wilderness Foundation Global, WILD
Foundation and Sanctuary Nature Foundation.
Chairman, Wild Foundation Global, Mr. Todani Moyo said that the first
World Wilderness Congress was held in 1977. Since then it has happened in
various countries across the globe including Australia, Alaska, Spain and
India. From a small movement, it has now grown into a global movement.
The Managing
Director (Hon.), India, WWC, Mr. Sunil Mehta informed that being a cultural and
heritage hub as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jaipur is an apt choice
for organizing this Congress. The Congress will be attended by over 1500 delegates
from 60 nations. Among the big names attending the conference are President of
South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, famous Hollywood actress, Shannon Alexander,
Ambassador for the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species, Mr. Stanley
Johnson, among others.
Additional Director, Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Dr. Manisha Arora said
that event is being co-hosted by the Government of Rajasthan. The state Forest
Department and Tourism Department are also actively involved in the
organization of this event. A Crafts Bazaar and cultural evening will also be
organized at Jawahar Kala Kendra as a part of the event. The Congress will help
in the encouragement of indigenous arts and will also benefit the tourism
sector of the state.
Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Forest Department, Government of Rajasthan, Mr S.R.V.Murthy said that the Congress will give an opportunity to expose the activities being held in Jhalana Leopard Reserve, Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger reserves. The Jhalana Leopard Safari Park is one of the best examples of an Urban Conservation Model. The Chief Wildlife Wardens of all states have also been invited, he added.