Are you ready to celebrate Earth Hour on March 26, 2022? The Imperial, New Delhi, along with WWF India, are paving the way and showing you how it’s done with nature trails that are guaranteed to instill a love for the environment. By Pallavi Phukan
Every year on the last Saturday of March, people across the globe unite to take part in Earth Hour, an awareness campaign where at 8.30 PM local time, lights are switched off for an hour. Started in 2007 by WWF and partners as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney to raise awareness of climate change, Earth Hour is now one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment.
The India Chapter
In India, WWF India pioneered this movement in 2009. This year, in partnership with The Imperial New Delhi, the Delhi-based non-governmental organisation is conducting three nature trails throughout March as part of its special Earth Hour outdoor experience collaboration. 
The trails are led by Naturalist Nikhil John, a Senior Programme Officer for WWF India’s Environment Education team. John has been conducting nature trails, courses, and training under the Nature Connect programme that focuses on sensitising children, youth, and citizens about biodiversity.
Nature Trails By WWF India and The Imperial New Delhi
Speaking about the trail, Mr. Vijay Wanchoo Sr. Executive Vice President and GM The Imperial New Delhi , “Powered by people, the campaign will bring a sharp focus to staying connected with the environment, especially during these times. As a luxury 5 star hotel we are committed towards adopting environment-friendly practices and are happy to go a step ahead to take our guests a bit closer to nature, with the support of WWF India.”
John adds, “Delhi is a rich haven of biodiversity. Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness about the same. WWF India’s Nature Trails with The Imperial New Delhi for Earth Hour are a perfect opportunity for participants to dive into the world of flora and fauna and unravel their mysteries. The trails allow the participants to discover the green habitats of our city and build a curiosity among them to explore more. They also sensitize the participants about the common misconceptions, local environmental issues and what solutions they can adopt to build a healthier planet.”
John further adds that these nature trails will serve as the first step towards the participants’ conservation journeys. “We believe that once our participants observe the magnificent biodiversity around them, they begin appreciating nature and are motivated to protect our planet in the future. The aim is to bring guests and those connected with The Imperial out into nature. It’s with partnerships like these that WWF is able to reach new audiences and is able to connect, engage and inspire them. No matter where you are, you can join and participate in Earth Hour 2022 to show your support to protect nature.”
So far, the nature trails have have been conducted at Lodhi Garden and Buddha Jayanti Park. On March 26, WWF India and The Imperial New Delhi will conduct the next trail at Sunder Nursery from 7:30am-8:30am. This will be followed by a choice of packages featuring packed food in the garden at INR 1299 or a dine-in breakfast at 1911 Restaurant at INR 1999 per person.
