Wildlife Week 2026: A Wildlife Passport Is Turning Van Vihar Visitors into Conservation Participants
Wildlife Week 2026 at Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal has taken a more hands-on approach this year, encouraging visitors to do more than simply watch animals and enjoy nature. The park has introduced a new “Wildlife Passport – My 1% for Wildlife” initiative, inviting people to devote at least one per cent of their time, effort or daily actions to wildlife and nature conservation.
The initiative allows visitors registering at either of Van Vihar’s two entry gates to receive a digital Wildlife Passport. They can then take part in 10 conservation-themed challenge stations spread across the park. At each station, participants answer a wildlife-related question and receive a stamp for completing the challenge.
The idea is to turn a regular visit into an interactive learning experience. While moving through the park, visitors learn about wildlife, habitats, biodiversity and why conservation matters. After completing all 10 challenges, they are encouraged to make a personal commitment to continue conservation efforts throughout the year.
The response on the first day was encouraging, with 118 visitors registering.
Ananya Borasi and Chirag Nagpal became the first Wildlife Conservation Ambassadors after earning all 10 stamps. Six others were recognised as Wildlife Champions.
More than 100 volunteers from Madhya Pradesh and other states are helping visitors at the challenge stations and spreading conservation messages.
The first day also saw around 1,200 participants in a painting competition, while 52 entries were received for the “One Photo, One Story” contest. Conservation walls at five locations allowed visitors to sign pledges.
The message is simple: wildlife conservation need not be limited to one week. Small actions by ordinary visitors can become a year-round habit.