4485) Endangered Species - (3 Offices) - Vienna, Geneva and New York: The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) has issued 12 stamps, 3 maximum cards, a limited-edition Silk Cover and the 2026 Endangered Species folder on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPS): Date/Year of Stamp Set issued: 24.04.2026:
On 24 April 2026 the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) has continued with its "Endangered Species Stamp Series" with the issuance of twelve stamps, three maximum cards, a limited-edition silk cover and the 2026 Endangered Species folder.
The 2026 Endangered Species stamps shine a spotlight on species that often go unnoticed in conservation conversations: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs).
This group of flora is not only vital to ecosystems but also deeply woven into human culture, health and trade.
Medicinal and aromatic plants are indispensable to societies worldwide, providing the foundation for traditional medicine to people in developing countries, as well as supplying active compounds for modern pharmaceuticals. Beyond their medical uses, they contribute to industries such as cosmetics, food and luxury goods, while also stabilising soils, supporting pollinators and enriching biodiversity.
These plants demonstrate the many ways societies depend on nature—and underscore the need for sustainable practices to ensure they continue to support both people and ecosystems.
Their inclusion in this year’s collection accentuates the growing recognition that biodiversity conservation extends far beyond charismatic animals—it reaches into the very roots, leaves and flowers that sustain traditions and modern medicine alike.
For fifty years, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has provided the global framework for its now 185 Parties (184 countries and the European Union) to ensure that trade in wild species is legal, traceable and sustainable.
The Stamp issue from the United Nations Postal administration (UNPA):
The United Nations Postal Administration has supported CITES and its conservation efforts through the issuance of Endangered Species stamps of flora and fauna for over thirty years.
Blocks (Sets of Four) Stamps each as shown above. Some Blocks are seen on First Day Covers (FDCs).
Stamp Series Theme: "United Nations - Recommended stamp issues - Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPS)"
Issue Date: 24.04.2026
Designer: Rorie
Katz (United Nations)
Printer: Joh. Enschedé Stamps Security Printers B.V. (Netherlands)
Process: Offset
lithography
Size(s): 39.20 mm
x 28.60 mm
Values: US$
1.70, CHF 1,90, € 1,45
For some other interesting posts from United Nations Organisation, please visit the following links:
4) World Bee Day: A set of three Stamps issued by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA)on behalf of three offices - New York, Geneva and Vienna to bring focussed attention on Bees: Stamps issue date: 20.05.2019
14) Ancient Postal Routes, Vatican City State: EUROPA 2020 Theme: Two stamps of 1.10 Euro and 1.15 Euro issued by the Ufficio filatelico e Numismatico -Governatorato, Vaticano featuring Ancient Postal Routes emanating from the Vatican City State during the 6th & 11th Centuries AD
Related Links on this Blog:
