International Youth Art Contest
IFAW is excited to announce the 2026 World Wildlife Day (WWD) International Youth Art Contest.
The International Youth Art Contest is held in partnership with the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The contest is open to youth artists aged 4-18 using traditional art mediums (hand drawn using markers, crayons, colored pencils, and/or paint). Please be sure to include plants within the scope of your wildlife art.
All contestants have until 1 February 2026 to submit their work. All entries must be submitted electronically via uploading on IFAW’s website. Finalists and winning entries will be presented at the official World Wildlife Day event on 3 March 2026.
World Wildlife Day Film Showcase
In partnership with the CITES Secretariat, UNDP, and IFAW, Jackson Wild joins this global celebration through the World Wildlife Day Film Showcase.
Jackson Wild is seeking films that explore this theme — from the healing power of nature to the communities protecting these species. Films selected for the World Wildlife Day Film Showcase are available throughout 2026 in free educational screenings. The selection of films will be announced on March 3rd during the virtual World Wildlife Day Celebration.
Deadline to submit is 2 February 2026.
About UN World Wildlife Day 2026
In 2026, United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD2026) shines a spotlight on the critical role of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) under the theme: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are essential for both human health and well-being and ecological balance. These plants form the foundation of many traditional healthcare systems, contribute to modern medicine and support diverse industries ranging from cosmetics and food to agriculture and luxury goods. Across the globe, approximately 50,000-70,000 MAP species are harvested for their healing properties, cultural significance and economic value. Of these, around 1,500 are estimated to be listed in the Appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including over 800 in Appendix II.
Organized by the CITES Secretariat in collaboration with partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Fund for Animal Welfare (ifaw), Jackson Wild and others, the WWD2026 activities will aim to:
- Celebrate conservation efforts – Highlight sustainable management initiatives through creative expressions such as youth artwork, photography and film.
- Strengthen knowledge and awareness – Share insights on MAPs, highlight their vital role in our daily lives as well as their conservation challenges and the CITES provisions governing international trade.
- Encourage research, innovation and partnerships – Foster collaboration among stakeholders to promote sustainable use of MAPs and share lessons learned from successful conservation models.
Updates and information about the celebrations will be ongoing and communicated via the World Wildlife Day website and social media channels.
Learn more about the #WWD2026 theme here.
