For this year’s Tiger Day, on July 29^th 2024, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in collaboration with its Asia Regional Office, IUCN Bangladesh, India and Nepal Country Offices, and Tiger Programme grantees is spearheading Global Tiger Day activities to amplify awareness about the fragile status of tiger populations across Asia. Initiated in 2014 thanks to funding from the German Cooperation via KfW Development Bank, the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP) aims to not only protect tiger species and their prey from various threats, but to also preserve their habitats and support local communities living in tiger landscapes.

To bring these efforts to life, a series of events are being held across Asia, each tailored to engage different communities, educate the public, and foster collaboration. These activities highlight the diverse approaches and local initiatives dedicated to tiger conservation, demonstrating the global commitment to protecting this threatened species.

India’s pre-event celebrations across ten villages will include drawing competitions, storytelling, quizzes, and environmental games, culminating in a main event on July 29. This event will highlight tiger recovery efforts in Manas, cultural programs, and panel discussions on the intersection of tiger conservation and local culture.

Thailand will host a three-day event from July 25 to 27, featuring forums and dialogue sessions on tiger conservation. Key speakers, including the IUCN Asia Regional Director and Panthera representatives, will address the importance of species conservation in achieving development goals.

In Nepal, the National Conservation Forum from June 28 to 30 included a panel discussion on tiger conservation, presenting ITHCP results and proposing strategies for future efforts. The findings will be shared during their Global Tiger Day celebrations.

These high-level discussions, scheduled both before and after Global Tiger Day, aim to strengthen partnerships among key stakeholders, elevate the profile of conservation efforts, and lay the groundwork for continued success in tiger conservation.

Public engagement and education are also crucial for the success of Global Tiger Day. Bangladesh’s event will inspire the public, particularly youth, through art competitions, exhibitions, and storytelling. India’s pre-event activities will educate children and local communities through interactive competitions, games, and skits, enhancing their connection to tiger conservation. Thailand’s exhibition will engage the public with interactive displays of ITHCP and IUCN materials, while Nepal’s activities will include village walks and environmental observations, providing platforms for community members to share their experiences and insights.

Key stakeholders from various sectors are actively participating in these events, highlighting the broad and inclusive collaboration essential for successful tiger conservation. Notable participants include Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Bangladesh Forest Department, Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), Nepal’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, and international organizations such as UNESCO, as well as ITHCP grantees Aaranyak, Panthera, WWF Nepal, and ZSL Nepal.

Together, we can transform Global Tiger Day into more than just a day of celebration—it can become a powerful catalyst for action, advancing our mission to protect and preserve one of the world’s most iconic species.

Note: a Global Tiger Day event previously scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from July 29 to 31 has been rescheduled to August.