The Tiger Day of 29th July was announced on 23rd November 2010 at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit.
It was, and continues to be, a celebration of the tiger, the world’s most loved and widely recognised apex predator. The tiger is not merely an iconic species; it is the ultimate indicator of the health of our forests and the resilience of the ecosystems that sustain life.
Today, as we look back over the past sixteen years, we do so with a profound sense of gratitude and achievement at the remarkable way tigers in the wild have survived, multiplied, and thrived. Their recovery stands as one of the world’s greatest conservation achievements and demonstrates what determined political will, scientific management, and committed protection can accomplish.
This success is the result of the passion, commitment, and professionalism of our nature warriors, our officers and frontline staff, who have dedicated themselves tirelessly to this cause. A heartfelt salute to each one of them.
But this is only half the story. We must also recognise, understand, and respond with urgency to the other half, because the bleeding has begun once again.
The illegal trade in tiger parts has witnessed a disturbing resurgence, fuelled by intense demand from China and Vietnam. With the world’s attention diverted towards wars and geopolitical conflicts, poachers are operating with increasing impunity. Illegal wildlife meat markets have proliferated, and tiger farms have mushroomed across East and Southeast Asia.
Another matter of deep concern is the gradual shrinking of protected areas and the steady loss of wilderness to mining. This is a dangerous new trend, manifesting itself through a subtle yet highly devious legal process.
The mining industry has set its sights on protected areas, which are perhaps the last remaining unmined landscapes rich in mineral deposits. These protected ecosystems are being slowly, systematically, and deliberately nibbled away, largely under the radar.
We have dealt with a similar situation before, in 2008, and we can revive that strategy.
We must create greater awareness among global leaders, identify champions, and bring organisations such as INTERPOL, UNODC, SAWEN, and the East Asia WEN together in an active and coordinated effort. ICCWC must be reactivated. National agencies must remain on the cutting edge. At the macro level, international institutions such as the World Bank, ADB, GEF, and UNDP need to be informed, engaged, and brought into this collective effort.
On the frontlines, we must continue equipping our teams with the latest technology and appropriate arms, while ensuring that officers remain fully informed about emerging trends, trafficking networks, and the evolving strategies employed by smugglers. Communication is critical. The issue must remain alive in public consciousness and never be allowed to slip beneath the radar. Building momentum and sustaining it, is fundamental.
I shall be discussing with the senior management of the Global Tiger Forum and the International Big Cats Alliance the possibility of hosting a Tiger Range Countries Forum this coming winter, with a dedicated focus on illegal trade and wildlife trafficking.
Today as we celebrate this day, let us remain prepared, vigilant, and unwavering in our commitment.
Happy International Tiger Day!
Keshav Varma
Founding Director
Global Tiger initiative