On September 23, 2005 United States announced the formation of the Coalition against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT). This global coalition focuses political and public attention on growing threats to wildlife from poaching and illegal trade. Seven major U.S.-based environmental and business groups with global interests and programs have joined the Coalition: Conservation International, Save the Tiger Fund, the Smithsonian Institution, Traffic International, WildAid, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the American Forest & Paper Association. Membership of CAWT is open to Governments, NGOs and corporations committed to combating wildlife trafficking.
Wildlife trafficking is a global problem with trading in animals, animal parts and exotic species fueling a $10 billion trade. Wildlife trafficking problem is compounded because of a global nexus with criminals operating in the areas of drugs and weapons and needs to be tackled by a multilateral effort. In order to address the problem both the supply and the demand side issues need to be addressed simultaneously. Whereas US, China and Europe are the major markets, a lot of wild animals and illegal wildlife parts/products are sourced from Asian countries. CAWT is focusing its initial efforts on Asia, a major source of illegal wildlife and wildlife parts to the world, including North America, Europe as well as the US. CAWT aims to support the initiatives of the countries in the region, including the Regional Action Plan on Trade in Wild Flora and Fauna, an ASEAN initiative.
India and United States have been collaborating in the area of wildlife conservation. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWLS) and Wildlife Institute of India have had collaborative projects since 1989. USFWLS has also supported projects with Bombay Natural History Society and other organizations for implementation in various States of India to train specialists of international repute in wildlife management and conservation. Given the diversity of wildlife in our two countries, India and US have been exploring new areas of possible cooperation. Discussion between our officials have focused on exchanges of National Park and Customs Officials, educating public about this illegal trade, wildlife and national park management, sharing of best practices and eco-tourism. A clearer and scientific understanding of reasons of human-animal conflict, habitat degradation and animal behaviour is also required to manage this conflict as well as drafting of local people to promote eco-tourism.
An effective strategy requires media and public participation as well as curbing wildlife crime with strong investigation and prosecution regimes. India will join the CAWT in coherence with its national legislations as well as the International Conventions to which it is a party.
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(Release ID :16131)