Context: 

The Prime Minister of India chaired the 7^th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Gir National Park in Gujarat on World Wildlife Day (3^rd March).

Key Highlights of the Meeting 

• The discussion in the meeting was focused on expanding protected areas, strengthening species-specific programs, and addressing human-wildlife conflict.
• The meeting assessed the progress of flagship conservation projects, including Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and Project Snow Leopard.
• The Prime Minister also released a report on the country’s first riverine dolphin estimation.
• The foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife was laid in Junagadh.
• The 16th Asiatic Lion population estimation cycle was also announced for 2025.

World Wildlife Day (WWD)

• The world observes WWD on March 3rd annually to celebrate wild animals and plants.
• The theme for WWD 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”
• In 2013 at the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), March 3 was declared United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD).
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was also signed on 3^rd March 1973.  

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

• As per the amendment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Act in 2002, a provision was incorporated for the constitution of the National Board for Wildlife and it came into existence in 2003.  
• The board functions as the apex advisory body on wildlife conservation in India.
• The full board is supposed to meet at least once a year under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
• The board is chaired by the PM of India and consists of 47 members, including the chairperson.
• The term of office of the members other than those who are members ex officio shall be for three years.
• The quorum necessary for the transaction of business at a meeting of the National Board shall be one-half of the total number of members.