On January 11, 2025, the stage was set for a groundbreaking journey in conservation as the curtain raiser for the Global Wildlife Fair unfolded at the prestigious India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. This landmark event marked the official announcement of the Global Wildlife Fair, a visionary initiative dedicated to uniting global efforts for wildlife conservation. Attended by an inspiring blend of partners, supporters, and changemakers, the evening set the tone for what promises to be a transformative experience in October 2025. As the first event of its kind in India, the Global Wildlife Fair will spotlight the Asian, African Bush, and African Forest Elephants during its initial two years, emphasizing their integral role in preserving their habitats and the diverse flora and fauna dependent on them.
The evening was graced by a distinguished gathering of over 30 dignitaries, each bringing their unique expertise and passion to the fields of conservation, tourism, media, and sustainable development. At the forefront was Masaru Takayama, the Founding Chair of the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN), whose visionary leadership has set benchmarks for sustainable tourism practices across Asia. Joining him was Joseph Louis, representing the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), an organization at the forefront of wildlife protection and conservation efforts.
Among the notable attendees was Balvinder S. Sawhney, Assistant Secretary General at FICCI, a stalwart advocate for sustainability through collaborative initiatives. Also present was Abhijit Sinha, a journalist with over 30 years of experience, who has explored India through his compelling writing for national and international publications. Notable attendees also included Sohail Madan, founder of WildTales, whose storytelling has sparked a love for wildlife in countless hearts; Dr. Rajiv Bhartari, a retired IFS officer and a towering figure in conservation; and Neha Sinha, a biologist and author with WWF whose words breathe life into the fight for nature. Nikhil John from WWF was also present, sharing his expertise and perspectives.
Adding depth to the discussions were Dr. Ishwar Narayan, an environmental advocate from WTI; and Rajesh Ojha, co-founder of Banjara Camps, a pioneer in experiential travel.
The event also saw Sanjay Sharma, athlete and actor, alongside RJ Raunak, whose voice resonates with millions as a beloved radio jockey and digital creator. Amrit Menon, Head of Planning and Wild Aid Division at WTI, and Pankaj Gupta, the force behind the Delhi Bird Atlas, lent their insights to the evening’s conversations.
Among the creative minds present were Priyanka Singh, regional manager of Asia-Pacific at Planeterra; Richa Kedia, a gifted artist and illustrator; and Pradeep Singh Dutta, Senior Editor - at Times Now, whose storytelling brings attention to critical issues. Saurabh Dwivedi, founding editor of The Lallantop, added his sharp editorial perspective to the mix.
Eminent professionals like Meeta Makhan, co-founder of DoUndo Services, and Pranav Capila, wildlife writer and content curator, enriched the discussions. Leaders like Sahil Choksi of WTI, Bhanu Prabhat, ecolodge owner and wildlife enthusiast, and Sharmila Sinha, Vice President of the Delhi Sustainable Business Council at WICCI, emphasized actionable conservation strategies.
Industry visionaries such as Joseph Rajan Passah of RARE India, creative filmmakers Shivani Monga and Najmus Saqib of Katapult, and Rohit Aggarwal, an industrialist with a passion for habitat restoration, brought diverse perspectives to the table. Gunpreet Kaur, communication expert and founder of DialoguePlus, and Arinita Sandilya, Head of Communications at WTI, rounded off the evening with their expertise in engaging audiences and driving impact.
It was more than an evening; it was a melting pot of ideas, a celebration of shared dreams, and a collective commitment to safeguarding our planet’s future.
The evening saw the active participation of team members from Asian Adventures, including Iqbal Ahmad, Avneet Kaur, Krsnav Aggarwal, Sukriti Singh and Salil Dutta, who worked diligently to ensure the program's seamless execution and smooth progression.
Attendees were provided with copies of the Pitch Deck and Sponsorship Deck for the Global Wildlife Fair, offering insights into sponsorship opportunities and highlighting the fair's mission and vision. As a gesture of appreciation, they also received the WWF Yearly Calendar, adorned with stunning illustrations by Richa Kedia.
Event Highlights
The evening began with an insightful introduction to the Global Wildlife Fair by Mohit Aggarwal, founder of Asian Adventures. Drawing from his profound connection with nature, he shared the inspiration behind creating the fair—bridging gaps between industry stakeholders. Mohit highlighted how communities adopting eco-friendly tourism models have successfully balanced conservation goals with local livelihood enhancement, achieving sustainable success.
Masaru Takayama, Chair of the Asian Ecotourism Network, captivated the audience with his perspective on the transformative role of wildlife tourism in education and conservation. He underscored the significance of collective efforts in driving impactful change and envisioned a future where responsible tourism fosters harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Jose Louies, CEO of Wildlife Trust of India, offered a comprehensive overview of WTI’s pan-India initiatives, including species protection, population recovery, and wildlife crime prevention. Presenting recent data, he emphasized the critical importance of collaborative on-ground efforts and reaffirmed WTI’s mission, as championed by co-founder Vivek Menon, to protect wildlife and advance sustainability.
The Global Wildlife Fair, in partnership with the Asian Ecotourism Network and the Wildlife Trust of India, aims to merge the strengths of these two organizations. The Asian Ecotourism Network contributes valuable expertise in sustainable tourism practices, while the Wildlife Trust of India brings crucial insights into species preservation and habitat restoration. Together, they aim to amplify the fair's objectives by fostering global collaboration and uniting grassroots initiatives with international policy frameworks.
Film Screening & Guest Contributions
Watch our teaser film on the Global Wildlife Fair
A captivating film by Shivani Monga and Najmus Saqib was screened as a teaser for the upcoming Global Wildlife Fair. The film delved into the broader impact of conservation efforts, moving beyond research to explore the collective action required for lasting change. Through interviews with key figures such as Mohit Aggarwal, Vivek Menon, Jose Louies, and Masaru Takayama, the film stressed the importance of tourists adopting a conscious, responsible approach to the environment.
The film also highlighted the voices of grassroots stakeholders like Mohan Pandey of the Corbett Gram Vikas Samiti and Manoj Sharma of Corbett National Park, who shared the crucial role local communities play in preserving natural habitats. Daleep Akoi of Jim’s Jungle Retreat discussed the transformative power of rewilding and its role in reshaping perceptions, while Sumantha Ghosh of Vanghat emphasized the significance of peaceful coexistence in an increasingly crowded world. The screening served as a powerful reminder of how interconnected conservation efforts are and their potential to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Guest Contributions
The event also featured insightful contributions from several dignitaries, each offering their unique perspective on conservation and responsible tourism. Rajesh Ojha expressed his appreciation for the establishment of a dedicated platform for responsible tourism, recognizing the need for such spaces to drive sustainable practices. Meanwhile, Rajiv Bhartari reflected on his extensive experience as a government official, underscoring the critical role of administrative support in protecting wildlife and indigenous communities.
The evening was enriched with thought-provoking discussions, where Balvinder Singh Sawhney highlighted the necessity of sustainable development and the importance of environmentally conscious policymaking. Sohail Madan underscored the crucial role of grassroots initiatives in driving conservation efforts, emphasizing how youth engagement is key to spreading awareness and inspiring future generations.
Saurabh Dwivedi shared valuable insights into the vital role of media in promoting conservation and ecotourism, using his wit to underscore how storytelling can shape public perception. RJ Raunak connected on a personal level with nature, stressing the responsibility of instilling strong environmental values in younger generations to ensure a sustainable future.
The evening culminated in networking opportunities and a dinner, providing a dynamic platform for collaboration and idea exchange among attendees. These interactions directly align with the objectives of the Global Wildlife Fair, facilitating partnerships and encouraging dialogues that will lead to actionable solutions for conservation and sustainability.
The curtain raiser successfully brought together conservation leaders, experts, and enthusiasts, all united in their shared commitment to the planet. By amplifying grassroots efforts and fostering innovative collaborations, the Global Wildlife Fair is poised to redefine the narrative of conservation and ecotourism. It promises to be a landmark event, where voices merge, ideas converge, and action emerges—a true testament to collective responsibility and the hope for a harmonious coexistence with nature.
Find formal introductions to our esteemed guests here